Aria’s POV
I swallowed. The scent of blood hung thick in the air.
A long table had been prepared in the dining hall. At its center sat several plates of raw, bloody meat. My stomach growled again. My mouth watered.
The vampire bloodline I carried stirred with greedy recognition. I clenched my hands in my lap until my nails bit into my flesh, forcing myself not to reach for it.
I stared at the food. Viktor pulled out a chair.
“Please. Sit.”
I sat slowly. He took the seat opposite me.
Viktor watched me over the rim of his goblet, amused. “You feel it, don’t you? The call in your blood. Go ahead, eat.”
I lifted my gaze and held his. “I came for Elona, nothing else.”
He set the goblet down with a soft click. “I am very fond of you both. You must believe that. I have no desire to harm
