Aria's POV
Something warm bloomed in my chest despite everything. They were both ready to fight for me. To protect me even if it cost them everything.
But I couldn't let them do that.
"Fine," I said loudly. "I'll come with you."
"What?" Both Mateo and Lucian turned to stare at me.
"But you let my pack go," I continued. "You let them leave safely and you don't touch Silvermoon or Bloodmoon. Those are my terms."
"Aria, no," Mateo grabbed my arm. "You can't—"
"Yes I can." I looked at him and then at Lucian. "I'm not letting you lose everything because of me. And I'm not letting my pack get hurt."
"We don't care about that," Lucian said.
"Well I do."
I pulled away from Mateo and started walking toward the Council. My heart was pounding so hard I thought it might explode but I kept my head up.
"Aria, stop!" Mateo shouted.
But I didn't stop. I kept walking until I was standing right in front of Elder Theron.
