Aria's POV
I cupped her cheeks, forcing a smile that felt like glass. “I’m so sorry, baby. There’s something inside me that’s changing. I might... I might have to leave you here for a while longer.”
Elona’s eyes filled with tears. “No! I don’t want to stay here. Please don’t leave me. I want to go with you. I’ll be good, I promise...”
Her sobs tore straight through my chest. I pulled her tight, rocking her while my own tears slipped free. Damon knelt beside us, one big hand on Elona’s back, the other on my shoulder.
We eventually succeeded in convincing her to remain with her grandpa and uncle for a bit longer, and that we would come and take her home soon.
That evening, the news reached Ryder. He came to the estate immediately. Damon explained everything while I sat quietly beside hi
