Aria's POV
My breath caught. "Damon..."
He didn't stop. "I make this oath freely. I make it with my blood." His eyes softened. "And I make it with the bond that the Moon Goddess placed between us."
The mate bond burned. My vision blurred. I blinked quickly. I didn't want him to see me cry. But Damon lifted his free hand and brushed his thumb beneath my eye.
"Don't cry."
I shook my head. "You shouldn't make promises like that."
"Why?"
"Because you might have to keep them."
His expression became serious again. "I intend to do so."
I stared at him. "You could die, and I don't want you to."
His forehead rested against mine. For a moment, the war disappeared. There was only us.
I whispered, "I don't want you to sacrifice yourself for me."
His eyes held mine. "If the choice comes dow
