Aria's POV
No one answered. Damon rushed toward me and grabbed my shoulders. "Look at me."
I stared at him.
"Aria, breathe."
I shook my head. "I can't..." Another cry tore through my mind.
Aria!
I clutched my head.
Lydia, what's happening?
The bond. It is pushing against something inside us.
Damon's expression hardened. "Devin, stop the rite."
Devin was already moving. "Everyone back!"
The wolves around the courtyard retreated as he raised both hands and began speaking another incantation. The runes beneath us flickered violently.
Damon pulled me against him, and the moment my body touched his, the mate bond surged. Warmth flooded through me.
For one glorious second, I thought it was working. The thread between us expanded. It became stronger and brighter. I could feel Damon a
