Aria's POV
The room felt strangely empty after Elder Miriam left. Only the faint scent of herbs lingered in the air, a reminder that the injection suppressing the heat wouldn't last forever.
I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at my hands. Claim a mate. The healer's words echoed through my mind like a curse.
Lydia lay curled up inside me, unusually quiet.
Say something, I whispered.
She slowly raised her head. You already know what I'm thinking. We need to choose a mate.
I closed my eyes. I never wanted this.
After everything Damon had put me through, after Noah's deception, after Ryder barged into my life with his endless confidence, the last thing I wanted was another mate bond complicating everything.
A knock sounded on the half-open door. Before I could answer, Damon stepped
