Aria remained still, her breath caught in her throat as she assimilated all that Lucas had just said. There was no movement in her body. She had entered a realm that was replete with magical power battles, ancient rivalries, and terrible foes, and now she was being crushed from all sides by the weight of the universe she had entered. When she first signed the contract, she had a feeling that something wasn't quite right, but nothing could have adequately prepared her for what was to come.
At this point, Lucas had moved across the room and was standing right in front of her. It seemed as if he could feel the torrent of emotions that was building up inside of her, as his eyes, which were often hard and calculating, softened just a little bit. It was necessary for her to have some distance and room to breathe, so she took a step back.
"You should have told me," she said, her voice barely audible, as if speaking any louder would make the truth even more intolerable. "You should have told me."
In response, Lucas said, "I told you as much as I thought you needed to know at the time," maintaining a tone that was quiet but authoritative. When you had more information, you were in a more precarious situation.
Anger was seething under the surface of Aria's brain as she shook her head. To put it simply, Lucas, you can't just determine what's best for me. All of this is also my life. I am entitled to be aware of what I am putting myself at danger of experiencing."
The look on Lucas's face remained unchanging and inscrutable. You were better off not knowing about it.
"Is it safe?The tone of her voice lifted as she repeated. You believe I'm secure at this point? It's a goal for me, Lucas! Viktor views me as a means of entering into a relationship with you, and now I find myself in the center of something that I hardly comprehend. Just how secure is that?"
Following her scream, there was a palpable and uneasy hush that followed. With his eyes fixed on hers, Lucas remained still; nonetheless, there was something in his face that she was unable to decipher; it was an emotion that she could not quite place.
"I'm trying to protect you," he eventually said, his voice becoming more subdued than it had been before. "Aria, this planet is potentially hazardous. Indeed, you are in the midst of something that is far more significant than either you or I. But if you put your faith in me, I will ensure your safety.
Have faith. Once again, that word. Aria was uncertain as to whether or not she could put her faith in him. Lucas had repeatedly shown that he was active in the shadows, concealing information and making choices without consulting her. He had done this on several occasions. In any case, what options did she have? It was no longer possible to back out of the situation. The moment she entered his universe, there was no turning back; she had already traveled through it.
She spoke gently, her voice brimming with concern as she replied, "I don't know if I can trust you." "You have concealed a great deal from me. How can I be sure that you are speaking the complete truth at this point?"
The muscles in Lucas' jaw tightened, but his gaze remained unmoved. "It is not necessary for you to have total faith in me just now. However, you must have faith that I am doing all in my power to ensure that you continue to live. This is the only reality that has any weight at this moment.
While Aria's thoughts were a swirl of uncertainty and anxiety, her heart was beating in her chest intensely. Even though she wanted to believe him and trust that he would protect her, she couldn't shake the sensation that there was more to Lucas than he was letting on. She wanted to believe him and trust that he would protect her.
At long last, she spoke the word "fine," her voice hardly rising above a whisper. If you are going to protect me, however, I need to know all there is to know. Not a single secret, not even a single half-truth. All you have to do is tell me what's going on, and I'll do what I can."
After giving a tiny nod, Lucas's countenance became more kind. "I think so."
Even while it did not totally go, the tension that existed between them began to lessen. Aria was unsure that it would ever happen. The distance between them had grown to the point where there were too many falsehoods and too many hidden intentions. However, for the time being, she would comply. Her options were limited.
As Lucas took a quick check at his watch, the darkness in his eyes increased. He remarked, "We don't have much time," and his tone changed to one of urgency as he made the statement. "A meeting with some of them has been scheduled," I said. allies. People who are able to bolster your defenses."
Aria showed her skepticism by raising an eyebrow. The allies? In what way?"
The response that Lucas gave was, "You'll meet them soon enough," and his voice was tense. For the time being, you should be aware that they are on our side.
Aria had the intention of pressing him for further information, but she could make out that Lucas was already on edge. He maintained a rigid stance, and his motions were accurate, yet they were brimming with intensity that was hardly contained. Regardless of what was taking on, it was evident that the activities were progressing at a rate that neither of them had expected possible.
Having come to terms with the unpredictability that had become her new world, she let out a sigh. "That's fine. What time do we depart?"
Before turning his attention to the exit, Lucas cast a fleeting look in her direction and stared at her for a brief minute. Soon, I hope. Prepare to go."
As the weight of all that she had learnt began to press down on her like an oppressive load, Aria withdrew to her room. As she stood at the window, gazing out over the expansive estate, she attempted to make sense of the maelstrom of feelings that were raging inside of her.
How was it that her life had been so completely out of control? Just a few short weeks ago, she had been living in the Moonstone pack, anticipating the unfolding of her destiny and fantasizing about a romantic relationship with Damien. Now, that existence seemed like a distant memory, a dream that had vanished as it was confronted with the harsh reality of the situation.
This is Damien. The idea of him continued to be painful, but its intensity had changed to that of a dull ache rather than the intense, scorching anguish it had been in the past. We may say that was a step forward. On the other hand, it's possible that she was just too preoccupied with everything else to really experience the depth of her loss.
She was distracting herself from her thoughts when she heard footsteps coming from outside her door. Roland, Lucas's ever-present helper, was immediately visible to her as she whirled around as the door opened.
"Mrs. It was with a respectful bend of his head that he addressed Ashford. It is Mr. "Ashford is prepared to welcome you."
Aria gave a little nod before promptly removing her coat from the chair and putting it on. Her footfall reverberated gently on the marble flooring as she followed Roland down the twisting hallways of the house, which were the length of the home. As she made her way through these chilly and luxurious corridors, she was aware that she was entering a whole other world that she had only a limited understanding of. She had never felt more like an outsider than she did at this moment.
When they arrived at the great lobby, Lucas was waiting for her. He was dressed in a fitted suit that, for some reason, made him seem even more intimidating than he often does to others. There was a little moment when his eyes met hers, and she saw a glimpse of something in them—possibly concern? Despite her best efforts, she was unable to locate it.
"Are you ready?He inquired in a hushed tone of voice.
Aria gave a little nod, her pulse thumping rapidly in her chest. When it came down to it, she didn't really feel ready, but she didn't have much of a choice.
After stepping out into the crisp evening air, they found a sleek black automobile waiting for them in the parking lot. After Lucas had opened the door for her, she glided inside, the leather seats feeling icy against her skin as she did so. A little later, Lucas came to join her, and the vehicle began to move away from the estate. The buzz of the engine filled the quiet that existed between them.
Both of them were silent for a period of time. As they drove further into the center of the city, Aria found herself staring out the window and watching the city pass by in a blur. It was possible for her to sense the tension in the air, as well as the unanswered questions that hung between them.
At long last, she reached the point when she could no longer take it. Who are we going to be with?"
Lucas gave her a quick look, his face being indecipherable. The goal is to find someone who can assist us.
Who or what can assist us?Aria pushed, her unease increasing as she did so. Is there anything that Viktor is planning?"
Lucas's jaw became more tense. "There is always something that Victor is planned. However, what we need to concentrate on right now is safeguarding you. In the event that Viktor believes he can use you as a weapon against me, he will not hesitate to take action. Because of this, we need allies.
Aria felt a churning sensation in her gut. She had been drawn into this game without any prior notice, and now she consisted of a piece on the board, which meant that she was a potential sacrifice at any given time. The idea frightened her to her core.
A sleek and contemporary structure in the heart of the city was ultimately reached by the vehicle when it arrived. At first glance, it did not seem to be very significant; yet, Aria had a feeling that there was more to it than what was first apparent. The first person to go was Lucas, who immediately extended his hand to her.
He said, "Stay close," as they got closer to the door of the building.
On the inside, the structure was unadorned and chilly, with walls that were a stark white color and flooring that were polished concrete. There were a few guys dressed in black suits standing at the door, and when Aria and Lucas passed by, their eyes were always on them. Despite the fact that Aria could feel the weight of their gazes, she made a conscious effort to keep her head held high.
Before coming to a halt at a massive wooden door, Lucas took her through a number of corridors that were rather tight. He gave the door a single knock, and a second later, it opened from the inside.
When Aria entered the room, there was a huge round table in the center of the room, and numerous men and women were sat around it. Their gazes instantly focused on her. She became tight, as if she were being seen through a magnifying glass.
When one of the guys stood up from his seat, he spoke the name Lucy. He was tall, with hair that was a mixture of salt and pepper, and blue eyes that were so keen that they appeared to bore straight through her. "Could it be her?"
While laying his hand on Aria's shoulder, Lucas gave a little nod. It is Aria, my wife, who is here.
Aria's pulse was beating as the man's stare lingered on her, evaluating her in a manner that caused her skin to crawl away from her body. Even though she had no idea who these individuals were, she couldn't shake the notion that they were the ones who were responsible for her final destiny.
The guy said, "Sit," while pointing to the seat that was next to him. I have a lot of things to talk about.