VIKTOR'S POV

Horror covered Ariel’s face, just like I expected.

I didn’t blame her. She had just found out that not only was she somehow connected to a monster, but that the monster wanted her, even when it risked her life. Honestly, she was handling it better than most would.

I dragged a hand through my hair, disgusted with myself. I hadn’t even meant to say those words. I didn’t know when they had slipped out.

All I wanted was to tell her my plan… that I wanted to get Rhyder to break their bond. I just wanted to save her from the pain I saw tearing her apart yesterday....