Aria's POV
Silas looked at him. "He is alive and well in one of my safehouses. The altar required a complete bloodline activation. Joshua could not provide it."
My heart hammered against my ribs. His eyes settled on me.
"Only you can."
The air seemed to grow colder. I instinctively stepped back.
Damon reached for my hand, his fingers wrapping tightly around mine.
The mate bond pulsed between us, warm and fierce.
I squeezed his hand. Silas watched us. Something dark flickered in his expression.
"That bond will make this more difficult."
Damon's eyes flashed gold. "Try me."
His Alpha power slammed into the cavern.
My wolf rose immediately, her instincts responding to his dominance.
Lydia's fur stood on end. Protect him.
I will.
Silas didn't even flinch. Instead, he looked at Da
