Aria's POV
Mara's magic still burned beneath my skin like ice that refused to melt. I could feel it lingering through my veins, holding the strange darkness inside me at bay for now.
I pushed myself upright from Damon's grip and looked up at him.
"Are you really okay now?" he asked, his gaze filled with concern.
I nodded and managed a faint smile. "I'm okay."
The witch spoke, drawing our attention back to her.
"You've been a problem for the vampires for a while now," she said without preamble. "Every vampire you put down, every nest you burned, made you a target they couldn't ignore. Viktor's clan wasn't the only one keeping score."
I narrowed my eyes. "The ones that attacked us weren't his?"
"No." She shook her head. "They are a different faction. Older and hungrier for what you c
