Aria's POV
The scent of her blood suddenly seemed much stronger. I could hear her heartbeat. Thump. Thump. Thump. My fangs pressed painfully against my gums.
Aria. Lydia's voice sharpened immediately.
I know. I immediately loosened my hold on her.
She looked up at me with innocent eyes. "You don't look happy, Mommy."
I forced a smile and kissed her forehead. "I'm just tired."
She accepted the answer without question. That night, she clung to me, not wanting to be apart. I carried her to the bed and settled beneath the blankets with her.
Elona curled against my chest, her tiny arms wrapped around me. I stared into the darkness. The house had gone quiet. Outside, I could hear the distant footsteps of the guards patrolling the house, and every now and then, a wolf howled somewhere beyo
