Aria's POV

I had endured death multiple times. Each time, the same man delivered the final blow. Alpha Balthazar of the Ruby Domain. The most lethal predator I had ever encountered. The scenario never varied. His blade pressed against my throat, those glacial blue eyes locking me in place as I knelt helplessly. The killing strike always followed, his sword cutting deep, crimson flowing across my chest as my final breath escaped. You would think that after countless attempts, I could alter the outcome. That I could rewrite my fate. The reality was merciless. My memories remained buried until that precise instant when Balthazar's steel touched my skin. Only then did everything flood back. Multiple deaths. Multiple failures. My existence replaying in an endless, torturous loop.

My lungs burned. My palm pressed desperately against the gaping wound in my abdomen, fighting to contain what was already lost. The battleground stretched around me in eerie silence, broken only by the weak moans of the dying. Every one of my warriors lay dead. Balthazar loomed above me, towering and pitiless, his battle armor painted crimson with blood. Not a single mark marred his flesh. His expression remained hollow, devoid of emotion, those arctic eyes cutting through me without the slightest trace of mercy. He studied me like a hunter examines wounded prey, calculating the perfect moment to deliver the killing stroke. The heartless beast was preparing to claim my life once more.

"Look at this," someone sneered from behind him, a nameless soldier who had witnessed my demise too many times to count.

"Still clinging to life. How pathetic."

Another voice erupted in harsh laughter.

"Pathetic doesn't begin to cover it. The great Luna, dragging her people into battle while her supposed mate hides in his fortress, drowning in wine and whores. How utterly foolish."

A third soldier joined the mockery.

"Why waste time killing her? Look at that face. That body. We could drag her back with us, make her our personal entertainment. Picture it - the Luna of Silverpeak crawling on her belly for our amusement."

Vile words spilled from their mouths like poison. My hands clenched against the blood-soaked earth, fingernails biting into my palms. My throat constricted, breath coming in ragged gasps, yet I remained silent. Any other day, I would have spat their insults back in their faces, cursed them with every ounce of fury in my soul. I was Luna. I would never allow such disrespect. But experience had taught me harsh lessons. Every time I rose to defend my dignity, Balthazar struck me down. That path led only to death. And by the gods, exhaustion consumed me. So I endured their filth in silence. Let them drag my name through the mud. I refused to lift my gaze or squander what little strength remained. My silence ignited rage in one of them. Heavy boots thundered across the gore-slicked ground as he charged forward.

"Who gives you the right to ignore me, you worthless bitch?"

His arm rose, preparing to strike my face. But before his hand could descend, Balthazar shifted his attention and fixed that deadly stare upon him. The soldier turned to stone instantly. His arm fell to his side. Even his own men feared to cross him. I raised my eyes just enough to glimpse them before lowering my gaze again. My words emerged as barely a whisper.

"End it."

Complete stillness. Everyone froze, eyes expanding in shock. One muttered in bewilderment, "Did she actually... request death?"

Another laughed uneasily.

"She fought like a wild beast minutes ago. What changed?"

Balthazar's sword remained positioned at my throat. His head angled slightly, intrigue sparking in that frozen stare as he examined me.

"You desire death?"

His tone carried calm amusement.

"Explain."

I offered no response. My attention remained fixed on the ground, on the crimson pool spreading beneath my knees.

"Explain yourself, Luna of the Silverpeak Domain," he demanded again.

Why? Because weariness had broken me. Because every existence, every desperate struggle, every frantic battle had delivered me to this exact moment. I had grown sick of fighting destiny only to face identical endings. I swallowed hard. My lips quivered, but honesty escaped anyway.

"Because I'm weary of the struggle," I whispered, my voice fracturing.

"You'll finish this regardless of my actions... so make it swift."

I sensed his gaze burning into me. I dared not look up. If I met those eyes now, if I faced him in this broken state, I would loathe myself for such weakness. The blade pressed closer to my throat. I swallowed with difficulty, pulse hammering. Gods, terror consumed me. I had no desire to die again. But what options remained? I shut my eyes tightly. Please, let it be quick this time. Every previous death had brought unbearable agony. The sword's weight shifted. I prepared for the cut, but instead heard the sound of the blade lowering. My eyes snapped open. I went rigid with shock. What? Around me, everyone stood frozen. Balthazar's soldiers appeared equally confused as they stared at their Alpha. He stood motionless, blade resting at his side, his face maintaining that cold, unreadable mask.

"What are you doing?"

My voice trembled as I gazed up at him in disbelief. His eyes narrowed to slits.

"You want death?"

His lips twisted, though it bore no resemblance to a smile.

"How fascinating. That expression in your eyes... you're terrified of dying, yet you plead for it. I've never encountered anyone quite like you."

I swallowed, my throat parched. Balthazar tilted his head, studying me like an unsolved riddle. Then he spoke.

"Very well. I'll offer you an opportunity to survive. If you can live through today, you keep your life."

My heart stumbled. I questioned whether I had heard correctly.

"Gideon," Balthazar called.

"Yes, Alpha," responded an impressive man with golden hair - his beta.

"Bring me my bow."

Gideon complied immediately, placing the weapon in Balthazar's grasp. The Alpha nocked an arrow, then aimed it directly at me.

"You have moments to run," he announced.

"Then my men and I will begin firing. If you manage to escape, we won't pursue you."

The soldiers burst into laughter. Their eyes blazed with anticipation. To them, I was no longer Luna. I had become their quarry. My chest constricted. Every instinct urged me to remain down, to let death claim me here before they could begin their twisted game. But this scenario was unprecedented. Not once across all my lives had he shown mercy, much less offered escape. My body trembled violently. Logic demanded surrender. Yet somewhere deep within, hope still flickered. I refused to die. I wanted to live. Balthazar's head tilted marginally, those blue eyes gleaming.

"If I were in your position," he said.

"I would be running."

My teeth bit into my lip. My legs felt like lead, but I forced them into motion. Then I turned and fled. Behind me, his voice began the countdown. When the first arrows screamed through the air, I never stopped. Even as they ripped into my flesh, even as fire spread through my body, I continued running. I ran because for the first time across all my lives, I possessed a chance.

...

Aria's POV

My legs trembled beneath me as I pushed forward, each step a battle against my failing body. Blood seeped through my fingers where I pressed them against my wounds, but I refused to collapse. Not when I was this close. Not when home was finally within reach.

The familiar stone walls of the castle rose before me like a beacon of hope. I had made it. Against all odds, I had survived the massacre and returned to safety. My wolf Astra remained silent in the depths of my mind, her presence barely a whisper since the battle ended. She had vanished when I needed her strength most, just as she always did in my darkest moments. Still, I knew she lingered there, watching over me in her mysterious way.

The castle gates loomed ahead, flanked by armored sentries I recognized from countless patrol rotations. Relief crashed over me so powerfully that my knees nearly gave out entirely.

"We made it," I whispered to Astra, though she gave no response.

My vision blurred as I approached the entrance, swaying dangerously with each unsteady step. One of the guards squinted in my direction before shouting an alarm.

"Movement at the gates! Ready your weapons!"

"State your identity or face our arrows!" another bellowed.

I raised a shaking hand, my voice barely audible through my damaged throat. "Wait! Lower your weapons. I am Luna Aria."

The guards froze in place, staring at me with wide eyes. I understood their shock. Covered in gore and stumbling like a dying vagrant, I bore little resemblance to the composed Luna they served. I steadied myself against my knees, drawing ragged breaths before straightening with tremendous effort.

"Why do you hesitate? Open these gates immediately and summon Valentin. Your Luna has returned."

Instead of obeying, the guards exchanged meaningful glances. Slowly, deliberately, they raised their bows and took aim at my heart. My breath caught in my throat.

"What madness is this?" I gasped, my body swaying dangerously.

A guard stepped closer, his expression granite-hard. "On your knees. You are to be arrested by order of the Alpha."

Arrested? The word hit me like a physical blow. "What do you mean arrested? Are you blind to my condition? I require immediate medical attention or I will perish where I stand." My voice cracked with desperation. "Summon Valentin at once! He would never permit such treatment of his mate!"

The guard's mouth twisted into a cruel smirk. "Kneel now, Aria Vance."

The use of my full name sent ice through my veins. No guard would dare address their Luna so informally. Something was terribly wrong.

Before I could demand answers, the massive gates groaned open. My heart leaped as Valentin emerged, looking as magnificent as ever in his flowing crimson robes. His obsidian hair was perfectly arranged, the golden crown catching the dying light. My Alpha. My destined mate. The man for whom I had endured this hellish war.

Beside him walked my twin sister Elara, my closest confidant and dearest ally. More guards followed in their wake.

Valentin approached with measured steps, stopping just beyond my reach. I smiled through my pain, tears of relief blurring my sight.

"Valentin, thank the goddess you have come. These men speak nonsense about taking me prisoner. Surely there has been some terrible misunderstanding." I pressed harder against my bleeding wounds. "I care nothing for their confusion. I am simply exhausted beyond measure and require healing. Please, I beg you to—"

My words died as my gaze fell upon Elara. Something glittered upon her head that made my blood turn to ice.

"What is that?" I whispered, unable to comprehend what I was seeing. I looked desperately at Valentin, searching his face for some explanation. "Why does she wear such a thing?"

Valentin remained motionless, his expression unreadable as he studied my broken form. I licked my lips nervously, tasting copper.

"Valentin, I do not understand what is happening here."

His emerald eyes finally met mine, cold and distant. "How did you manage to escape with your life?"

The question struck me like a blow. "What did you say?"

"How did you survive, Aria? And what became of the soldiers who accompanied you into battle?"

My mouth went dry as desert sand. I swayed on my feet, my thoughts scattered by blood loss and exhaustion. Words failed me completely.

Elara's voice rang out beside him, sweet as poisoned honey. "Dearest sister, our Alpha has asked you a direct question. Why do you remain silent? Have you no answer to give?" She tilted her head with mock curiosity. "Unless perhaps you used our brave warriors as shields while you fled like a coward?"

Shock robbed me of breath. "How can you say such vile things, Elara? I would never sacrifice my soldiers for my own survival!"

One of the guards spat contemptuously. "So she abandoned her own troops? What kind of leader saves herself while her men die?"

"That is not what happened!" I cried, shaking my head frantically. "I speak the truth!"

Valentin's voice cut through the air like a blade. "Then explain your survival. Why would that merciless demon spare your life when he shows no mercy to others?"

I wanted to scream that I was dying on my feet, that he could at least allow me rest before this interrogation, but I swallowed the words. Instead, I forced out the truth through trembling lips.

"I do not know," I admitted in a broken whisper. "He simply released me. All others perished, yet he chose not to end my life."

Elara laughed, a sound devoid of sisterly warmth. "But why would he show you such mercy, dear sister? I have heard that Alpha Balthazar destroys all who oppose him without exception. Unless..." She gasped theatrically, pressing her hand to her lips. "Unless you offered your body to him and his warriors in exchange for your worthless life?"

Rage blazed through my veins at her obscene suggestion. "Silence!" I commanded, my Luna authority thundering through my voice. Elara stumbled backward as my power washed over her, her smug expression faltering.

"How dare you make such disgusting accusations!" I roared, my chest heaving with fury. "Death would be preferable to such dishonor!"

I turned to Valentin with desperate, pleading eyes. "You must believe me, Valentin. I have told you the truth of what occurred."

He studied me for long moments, his green eyes searching mine without warmth or recognition. Finally, he spoke.

"It matters not what transpired in that place."

My heart stuttered. "What do you mean?"

"What matters is this - you were never meant to return alive, Aria."

The world tilted around me. "I do not understand..."

"I believed I was showing mercy," he continued with devastating calm. "I thought it kinder to let you die with honor in battle than to publicly reject you and bury you in shame. But you did not die as planned. Therefore, I must complete what should have ended there."

The formal words that followed shattered my world completely.

"I, Valentin Vaughan, Alpha of the Silverpeak Domain, hereby reject you, Aria Vance, as my mate."

...

Aria's POV

This had to be some twisted nightmare. The kind where you keep trying to wake up but your eyes refuse to open. I wasn't sure what hurt more - bleeding out from Balthazar's claws or hearing those words leave Valentin's mouth.

Valentin was supposed to be my mate. The Alpha of Silverpeak Domain. I came from a priestess bloodline, women who served the Moon Goddess with devotion. I'd always been the odd one out. My hair told the whole story - half midnight black, half pure white. The elders called it a curse. Priestesses were meant to have white hair only, the sacred mark of purity. But I was branded as different before I could even speak.

None of that mattered to me though. All I ever wanted was to be loved. To feel that mate bond come alive between us. When I discovered the Alpha himself was my destined partner, joy flooded through me like sunlight. I could sense our connection, even when Valentin treated me like I was invisible. Even when he was ice cold and acted like I didn't exist, I held onto hope. He belonged to me, and I believed someday he might actually care.

So I gave him everything I had. I worked until my hands bled. I poured my heart into becoming the Luna he deserved. I threw myself into that role so completely that I forgot who I used to be. The people who truly cared about me drifted away while I chased his approval. I marched into battle for him against Alpha Balthazar, the monster who kept ending my life in every timeline. And through it all, I never once questioned Valentin's judgment. Even knowing his commands always led me straight to death. Even then, I felt grateful he stayed safe.

What a fool I'd been.

Every sacrifice, every drop of love I'd given him meant absolutely nothing. I survived death only to face something worse. My lungs struggled for air. Then I felt it - our fragile mate bond cracking apart. My legs gave out, my whole body trembling. One tear escaped, then another, until they wouldn't stop coming.

"Say it, Aria."

Valentin's voice cut through me like a blade. I raised my head, shaking all over, my lips barely moving as I whispered, "D-Balthazar..."

"Say it," he demanded again, his tone sharper now.

"Once you reject me, you'll get medical attention. Then you leave this pack forever. That's the only mercy I can offer you."

I stared at this man I'd loved for years. Tears made everything blurry as I looked down at my hand pressed against the wound that wouldn't stop bleeding. My voice broke as I asked, "After everything I did for you... after all the love I gave you, how could you destroy me like this?"

My entire body shook with the weight of it.

"I went to war for you. I gave you my life, my soul, every piece of my heart."

"Why would you tear me apart when love was all I ever offered you?"

Something flickered behind Valentin's eyes for just a second. But it disappeared as fast as it came. His face turned to stone again. He started to speak, but Elara moved closer first.

"Valentin didn't mean it, Aria."

My eyebrows pulled together in confusion. Valentin. The way his name rolled off her tongue sounded too familiar, too intimate. My stomach twisted into knots. Why was she speaking like that? The horrible truth hit me like lightning. I looked between them both, my heart hammering so loud it drowned out everything else. When Elara caught my stare, she smiled - a cruel, victorious expression that said she was thrilled I'd finally figured it out.

My breath caught in my throat. I shook my head frantically.

"That's impossible," I whispered.

"Impossible. You wouldn't betray me like this. You couldn't..."

Neither of them denied it or said a word. Elara put her hand on Valentin's arm like she owned him.

"Yes," she said simply.

"Whatever you're thinking is exactly right, sister."

She pressed closer to him.

"Valentin and I belong together. We have for a long time now. We only kept it secret to protect your feelings, to avoid breaking your heart, but we couldn't hide anymore. Our love is too strong. I know you'll be understanding about this, Aria. You've always been so good at understanding."

Her voice dripped with fake sweetness, but I heard the poison underneath every word. Just like that, whatever tiny fragments of hope or humanity I had left turned to dust.

My mate and my sister. The two people I trusted most in this world had been together behind my back. Instead of facing me with the truth, they'd thrown me to Balthazar's mercy, hoping he'd rip me to pieces so they wouldn't have to deal with me.

Valentin sighed like this whole situation bored him, like my pain was nothing more than a minor annoyance.

"Stop wasting my time. Reject me already, Aria."

Before I could form words, Elara turned to him, her hand still claiming its place on his arm.

"Wait," she said gently.

"Let me speak with my sister first. She might actually listen to me."

Valentin's jaw clenched like he hated the delay, but he gave a quick nod.

"Make it fast."

She walked over and took my hand in hers, her fingers cold against my blood-stained skin. She leaned in close, tilting her head like she was offering comfort. Nausea rolled through me. I wanted to rip my hand away and shove her back, but weakness had stolen all my strength.

"Sister, you shouldn't feel so defeated. After all, did you really think you could keep him forever?"

She whispered those words like daggers. My body jerked in response. Her breath warmed my skin as she continued.

"Finally, I can get rid of garbage like you. Do you have any idea how irritating you've always been to me? How could someone cursed like you end up mated to Valentin when I should have been chosen?"

"Elara..."

"That's exactly why I did everything possible to seduce him and make him mine. And honestly, it wasn't difficult at all. He already despised looking at you. He only kept you around because you were useful. But now you're not useful anymore. So you should just die. It would be better for everyone involved. Oh, and by the way... your wolf is already poisoned."

My eyes snapped to hers in pure shock. She smiled that cruel smile again.

"That's right, Aria. I poisoned Astra. That's why your precious wolf has been silent all day long. She's dying slowly. And once she's gone, you'll be nothing at all. You'll never rise again or fight back. You'll be completely worthless."

I couldn't breathe. I stared at her while my world collapsed piece by piece. Even if I somehow survived this nightmare, even if I escaped this humiliation, Astra would still die. And when she died, I would too. My sister's poison had already sealed my fate.

...

Aria's POV

The laughter erupted from my throat before I could contain it, sharp and wild as it rang across the stone courtyard. Every guard went rigid. Valentin's face drained of color. Even Elara's confident mask cracked as her body went stiff with shock.

She tried to step away from me, but my reflexes were quicker. My hand snapped forward, fingers closing around her delicate throat like a vice. I yanked her back against me, the cold steel of my blade finding the pulse point beneath her jaw.

"Stop! What are you doing? Release me!" Her voice cracked into a shriek as her nails raked across my wrist. I pressed the blade deeper, watching a thin crimson line bloom across her pale skin.

"Aria!" Valentin's voice boomed with Alpha authority. "Release her immediately!"

Another laugh tore from my chest, darker this time. His commanding tone meant nothing to me now. A woman stripped of everything had no fear left for Alpha dominance.

"Silence!" I screamed back at him. His eyes went wide with shock. He had never seen me defy his power so brazenly. Elara's body shook against mine as she stammered through her terror.

"W-what has gotten into you, Aria? You're frightening me. Please stop this madness."

Her fear should have moved me to compassion. Instead, it only fueled my bitter amusement. My eyes went wild as the blade bit deeper into her flesh.

"I'm frightening you?" My voice shattered. "I'm the one causing fear? When all this time, I've been the one drowning in terror. Terror of death, terror of failure. I've stared death in the face more times than you could imagine, and when I finally cheated fate itself, what do I find? My own sister, my destined mate. The two people I trusted above all others plotting my destruction."

I leaned closer until my breath ghosted against her ear, my words dripping venom. "So tell me, dear sister, which of us is truly more terrifying? The two-faced snake who grins while plunging the knife, or the broken woman with nothing left to lose?"

I let the blade slice just enough to draw blood. Her scream pierced the air as she thrashed wildly.

"Valentin! Save me! She's lost her mind! She'll actually kill me!"

Valentin's voice dropped to a soothing tone. "Stay calm. Don't struggle or you'll make it worse. She won't hurt you, Elara. I know who she really is."

"O-okay..." she whimpered, but his words brought no comfort. She could see the madness in my eyes. We shared blood, after all. She knew this was my breaking point.

His gaze shifted to me, trying to find reason in the chaos. "That's enough, Aria. I understand your anger. But you're intelligent. You're not the type for such reckless acts. I never threatened your life. You can still earn forgiveness. Just let her go."

"Every archer has their arrow aimed at you. I could give the order without endangering Elara. So end this madness yourself. Drop the blade."

I stared at him, my chest rising and falling rapidly, my grip trembling against Elara's throat. A harsh laugh escaped me.

"You think death frightens me? No, Valentin. I've died countless times already. Death and I are intimate companions. Your archers can shoot if they dare. I just survived a deadly rain of arrows. None of this holds power over me anymore. I'm not afraid of dying, but I swear on my soul, I'll drag someone into hell with me."

My hold tightened on the weapon. I was prepared to end at least one life before mine was claimed.

"No!" Valentin's voice shattered the tension. In that moment of his panic, Elara drove her elbow into my wounded side. Agony exploded through me. I groaned as my legs gave way beneath me. She tore free from my grasp and collapsed into Valentin's waiting arms.

"Are you hurt, Elara?" Valentin's voice overflowed with concern as his hands examined her like precious porcelain. She gasped dramatically, clinging to him.

"I-I'm unharmed. That was close... she truly meant to kill me."

Valentin's expression hardened as he looked down at me, disgust burning in his stare. "You've lost your sanity, Aria. You'll be punished for this. If Elara had lost her child because of your actions, I would have ensured you lived to regret it."

I froze. Her child?

My eyes dropped to where Elara's hands protectively cradled her stomach. Slowly, my gaze lifted to meet both of theirs. They stared back without flinching. A hollow laugh threatened to bubble up, but I swallowed it down.

Instead, I forced myself upright, ignoring the fire tearing through my body. My blood pooled on the stone below, but I stood with dignity.

"You know what?" My voice came out eerily calm. "I don't blame either of you. I blame myself for being so naive, so foolish. For wasting my love and loyalty on you both."

They looked confused, uncertain where my words were leading. I gave them a broken smile.

"If fate ever grants me another opportunity, Valentin, Elara, I swear I'll become your darkest nightmare. I'll strip away everything you hold dear. I'll make your existence as wretched as you've made mine. And above all, I'll ensure you never possess what you truly desire."

"I, Aria Vance, make this vow. Even if I must bargain with the devil himself, I will haunt your every breath for the rest of your days."

Thunder rolled overhead, then lightning split the sky with violent force, making the guards jump and even Valentin's face twitch as darkness gathered above us. The goddess had witnessed my oath. And so had darker powers.

"And regarding your rejection, Valentin..." I whispered, locking eyes with him. "I hope this response satisfies you."

Before he could comprehend my intent, I raised the blade high. His eyes widened as realization struck him.

"Aria—!"

He moved swiftly, but I was faster. My hand drove the steel into my flesh, piercing deep. I gasped as silence consumed the world. I dropped to my knees, head falling forward as warm blood dripped onto the stone. My vision blurred, crimson spreading beneath me.

I saw Valentin and Elara frozen in shock, their faces pale with horror, but their voices were lost to the roaring in my ears.

'Astra...' I called inwardly to my wolf. 'Are you there?'

Silence stretched before her gentle voice answered. 'Yes, Aria. I'm here. I've always been here. Every time you die, I die beside you. I'm with you on this final day.'

A trembling smile touched my lips as tears mixed with blood on my cheeks. 'I'm sorry,' I told her, guilt crushing my heart. 'I'm sorry for being so blind, for failing to protect us both.'

Her voice was warm despite her fading presence. 'It's okay, Aria.'

My strength ebbed away. I felt it draining from my limbs. My body went numb, breathing shallow. But I forced out my final plea to the heavens.

Moon goddess, I don't know if you hear me, but if you do, please grant me one more chance. I refuse to die unjustly. I refuse to die betrayed again.

Tears obscured my sight as I fought for breath.

Give me the chance to be reborn. Give me the opportunity for vengeance. But this time, let me remember everything. Don't let me stumble blind again. Don't let me die without knowing my true enemies. Please, grant me a tenth life.

Thunder shook the heavens before everything went black.

I couldn't breathe. Something heavy dragged me down, pulling me deeper into endless water. My chest burned. I tried to close my eyes, but the water forced them wide, blurring everything around me.

So this was it? I was dead.

My grandmother's voice echoed in my memory. "When people die, child, their sins follow them. Everyone has their own hell waiting."

Was this mine? This suffocating abyss my punishment? Had the Moon Goddess ignored my plea after all? I hadn't been given my tenth life. How ironic. Perhaps the ninth truly was the last.

A bitter laugh tried to escape, immediately swallowed by water. My limbs ached, so I stopped fighting. I had wanted those traitors to taste their own medicine, to make them pay. But it seemed fate remained against me.

Still, if this was hell, why did it feel like I could truly die here? Why was my mind screaming at me to swim?

"Miss Aria!" The voice was muffled. "Miss Aria!"

What was happening? Was this really hell?

I jerked my eyes open. Someone was calling my name from the shore. I looked around, my body sluggish, and froze. I wasn't in some endless void. I was in a river.

My breath caught as realization struck. I knew this scene.

Long ago, Elara had fallen into the water with me. We were both drowning. My heart raced as I turned, and there she was. Elara thrashing in the water.

"Help!" she mouthed silently.

The surface rippled as someone dove in. My older brother, Felix. He brushed past me, his strong arms reaching for Elara, carrying her to safety while ignoring me completely.

I blinked. It was exactly the same. Years ago, I nearly died here. And if I remembered correctly, in a few moments, another splash would follow. My second brother, Julian, would jump in after me. He couldn't let me die, not when they still had use for me. He would pull me out only after ensuring Elara's safety.

After a moment, someone finally plunged into the water. Julian.

A smile curved my lips. I had actually returned! And this time, I remembered everything.

Julian swam toward me, frowning, but when he tried to carry me, I pushed him away. Forcing strength into my limbs, I swam upward on my own. I saw the shock register on his face, but I ignored him completely.

This time, I would not be the helpless girl begging for scraps of affection. This time, I would not allow anyone to use me.

I was no longer the same Aria. I would make the world kneel before me.