ARIEL'S POV

Once the door clicked shut behind Ravenna, a thick, tense silence settled between us. It was almost suffocating.

My heart pounded faster, thinking of Ravenna's words, and how things went between Viktor and Aeron. I couldn't bring myself to ask, afraid to find out.

I fisted the sheet, avoiding his gaze.

"Did I hurt you back in the office?" he asked softly, finally breaking the silence.

I shook my head.

He approached, every step making my heart race even more, until he was standing right in front of me.

"Then why can’t you even look at me?" His voice was lower, carrying a painful edge that left a...