Aria’s POV
My eyes immediately went to Elona. She was crying. A warrior had pulled her behind him, shielding her from the chaos, but I could still see the fear on her little face. My heart broke.
I took a step toward her.
Lydia whimpered. Aria, don’t go near her. You might hurt her again.
I stopped. Lydia was right. Elona could get hurt if I moved too close.
Damon approached me carefully. “Aria.”
I looked at him. “Take Elona. Keep her safe.”
His eyes searched mine. Through the bond, I felt the immediate refusal, the Alpha instinct to stay at my side.
“Aria...”
“Please.” My voice was rough. “If I lose it again, I won’t be able to stop myself in time. I need you to take her away from here.”
Damon’s jaw flexed once. Then he gave a single nod, already moving.
“Alright. I will do tha
