DANTE'S POV
I rushed forward, ignoring the sharp, tearing pain that flared through my chest with every step.
My body protested, reminding me of every injury, every burn, and every scrape. But I couldn’t stop. Not when I saw the way Aria’s face had turned pale. She looked so small, so tired, caught in a storm she didn’t deserve.
As soon as I reached her side, I wrapped my arms around her shoulders and pulled her close to shield her from the guards and the tense atmosphere.
The pain hit me in waves, and I winced, clenching my teeth to keep myself from bending over. But when I looked down at her, nothing else mattered.
“Aria,” I whispered, my voice barely steady, my hands trembling as I held her close. “Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere? Do you feel sick?”
Aria’s wide, surprised eyes
