Aria's POV
Damon held my gaze. "Nothing that gives them an excuse to turn against you."
I shook my head. "No. I won't let them decide my pace."
His eyes narrowed slightly. "What are you planning?"
I walked toward the maps. "I plan to move faster."
He stared at me.
"They gave me a deadline because they believe I will panic." I placed my hand over the territories already considering the alliance. "I won't."
I looked at him. "I'll make the alliance stronger by making everyone understand that joining us is safer than standing alone."
Damon remained silent.
I continued. "I don't need to destroy the old Council." I pointed toward the map. "I need to make them irrelevant."
Lydia growled approvingly. That's better.
Damon walked toward the table. "Then you'll need more than political agr
