Aria's POV
I stared at the ring on my finger, watching it catch the sunlight. I was engaged to Lucian.
This should feel amazing, right? This should feel like the start of something beautiful. But instead, I just felt… confused.
"We should celebrate," Lucian said and he was practically glowing with happiness. "Let me take you out to dinner tonight. Somewhere fancy."
"Sure," I said and tried to match his enthusiasm. "That sounds great."
He pulled me into another kiss and I kissed him back, trying to ignore Kira's voice in my head screaming that something was wrong.
'This isn't right!' Kira howled. 'The bond… it's not complete. Something's missing!'
'Stop it,' I told her. 'Lucian is good to me. He loves me. This is what I want.'
'Is it?' Kira challenged. 'Or are you just scared of being alone?'
I pushed her voice down and focused on Lucian, who was looking at me with so much love it made my chest ache.
