Aria's POV
Noah stepped forward first. The carefully neutral mask he usually wore had softened. “Congratulations, Aria. You forced the old ways to move. Not many could have done it.”
Ryder followed a step behind him, giving a short, respectful nod. “Well fought. The borders are quieter because of you. That earns recognition, whether the traditionalists like it or not.”
Damon moved closer, his voice low enough for only me to hear. “I’m proud of you.”
I looked at him, then glanced at Noah and Ryder as well. “I couldn’t have done it without you. All of you. Thank you for always being there.”
They all smiled.
Damon’s mouth curved. “You would have found a way even without us.”
“That’s right,” Noah added. “You always do.”
Ryder gave a quiet chuckle. “I agree.”
Lydia purred inside me. Th
