Chapter 41

Callum

The stone walls of the empty corridor seem to press in on me as I make my way toward Aria's room. Each step feels heavier than the last, the weight of what I'm about to do bearing down on me. I know I have to be cruel, have to push her away and treat her coldly. It's the only way to keep up the ruse, the only way to make sure she stays safe.

But Goddess, it's killing me.

I pause outside her door, squeezing my eyes shut and taking a deep breath to steel myself. Be strong, Callum. This is for her, even if she'll hate you for it.

With that last shred of resolve, I harden my expression to a mask of indifference and push open the door.

Aria is sitting on the edge of the bed, her muscles visibly tensing as I enter. Those striking amber eyes narrow, lips curving down.

"What do you want?" she snaps, hostility etched into every line of her body.

I force back the urge to go to her, to wrap my arms around her and breathe in the woodsy vanilla scent unique to her. Instead I keep my t