LUCAS' POV

The moon goddess had blessed me with my mate exactly three weeks ago, and I can count on one hand how many times Aria and I have been alone without it ending in a crying mess for her. Four times. We've been alone four times. Last week dinner was the only time it didn't end in her crying.

She came down dressed in a yellow sundress that covered her arms. I knew she only wore it to hide her bruises. She was badly battered, and her fragile skin didn't help matters.

At the dinner, she struggled to make eye contact with me once. The rest of the dinner...