Aria's POV
Joshua's eyes met mine. For a brief second, I saw him, my brother. The real Joshua.
His lips parted. "Aria... go."
Claudia screamed. "Kill her!"
Joshua's body jerked forward. Then he stopped again. His wolf was fighting the command. I could see it. Every muscle in his body strained. Veins stood out along his neck, and his claws dug into his palms.
"Fight it," I whispered.
He looked at me. "I... can't. You need to leave."
"Yes, you can. I am not leaving without you."
Claudia's face twisted with rage. "Guards!"
The doors opened. Several armed wolves rushed inside.
"Fire!"
My eyes widened. "Wait!"
The guards raised their weapons. Joshua turned. He saw the barrels pointed at me. Something changed in his expression.
"No!"
He moved. I barely had time to understand what h
