AriaThey roll across the forest floor in a blur of motion, claws and teeth flashing in the dappled sunlight. Blood spatters the leaves, the coppery scent of it thick and cloying in the air.I know I should do something, should throw myself between them and put an end to this madness before one of them winds up dead. But I can't seem to make myself move, can't seem to do anything but watch in mute horror as the two males I love most in this world try to tear each other apart.It's Callum who falters first, his weakened body no match for Elijah's savage strength. He stumbles, his flank laid open by a vicious swipe of claws, and Elijah presses his advantage with a snarl of triumph.And then his jaws are closing around Callum's throat, and the world seems to freeze in a single, crystalline moment of perfect, terrible clarity.I know in that instant that I am about to watch the father of my child die. That I am about to lose him forever, just when I had finally begun to hope that we might

Aria I sit by Elijah's bedside, watching the slow rise and fall of his chest. He looks so peaceful, so vulnerable, despite the bruises and bandages that mar his skin. A testament to the battles he's fought, the sacrifices he's made. For me. For our pack. For the future we've dreamed of building together. I should be happy. Should be thrilled by his proposal, by the promise of a life spent by his side. But all I feel is a sickening sense of dread, a fear of the secrets that threaten to tear my world apart. Because how can I say yes? How can I pledge myself to him, knowing what I've done? Knowing the lies I've told, the betrayals I've committed? As if sensing my turmoil, Elijah stirs, his eyes fluttering open. They're hazy with pain and exhaustion, but they brighten when they find mine. "Aria," he murmurs, his voice rough and ragged. "You're here." I force a smile to my face, taking his hand in mine. His skin is warm, his fingers strong and callused. The hands of a warrior, a prot

Elijah I sit at my desk, my mind lost in thoughts of Aria and the future I so desperately want to build with her. It's been days since I proposed, days since I laid my heart at her feet and asked her to be mine forever. But she hasn't given me an answer. Hasn't said the words I long to hear, the words that would make all my dreams come true. I know she's been through a lot. Know that the events of the past few weeks have taken their toll on her, body and soul. But I also know that what we have is real, that the love that burns between us is strong enough to weather any storm. At least, I hope it is. I shake my head, trying to dispel the doubts that creep in like shadows. I can't let myself dwell on the negative, can't let myself imagine a future without Aria by my side. So I send for her, my heart racing with anticipation as I wait for her to arrive. I need to see her, need to look into her eyes and know that she feels the same way I do. A knock at the door startles me from my t

Callum The pack hall feels too small, too confined, as I pace back and forth like a caged animal. My thoughts are a tangled mess, consumed by images of Aria - the way her body felt pressed against mine, the taste of her lips, the fire in her eyes as she attacked Elijah to save my life. That moment plays over and over in my mind, a testament to her fierce loyalty, her unwavering courage. Even after everything I did to her, every lie and betrayal, she still fought for me with a passion that takes my breath away. And now, with the memory of our stolen moment together seared into my brain, I can't escape the regret that claws at my chest. I never should have deceived her, never should have pushed her away. I thought I was doing what was best for the pack, but the truth is, I was a coward. I was too afraid to face my feelings for her, too afraid of what loving her might mean. I clench my fist, my nails digging into my palm as I try to steady myself. But it's no use. The agitation rolls

Aria The cold, hard floor presses against my cheek as I slowly drift into consciousness. For a moment, I'm disoriented, my mind struggling to piece together the fragments of my memory. But as the fog of sleep clears, the harsh reality of my situation comes crashing down on me like a tidal wave. I'm in prison. Locked away like a common criminal, awaiting trial for a crime I didn't commit. I blink, trying to adjust to the dim light filtering through the small, barred window. As my eyes focus, I see Leah sitting beside me, her face etched with concern and fear. She looks like she hasn't slept in days, and I feel a pang of guilt knowing that I'm the reason for her suffering. "Aria, we need to talk," she says, her voice gentle but firm as she places a comforting hand on my shoulder. I look away, tears welling up in my eyes as the weight of my guilt threatens to crush me. I know that my actions have not only put my own life in danger but also the lives of my best friend and my unborn ch