Aria’s POV

The rogue’s grip crushed into my ribs as he carried me through the forest. Branches tore at my gown, the night wind slapped my face, and still, I kicked and screamed, nails clawing into his back.

“Put me down!” I shrieked, my voice breaking. “You don’t know what you’re doing—Kael will kill you!”

The wolf carrying me only laughed, a low, guttural sound. “That’s the idea, pretty thing. Let him try.” His stench of blood and dirt made me gag, but I kept fighting, twisting until my nails carved a line down his arm.

He hissed and threw me to the ground like I weighed nothing. My knees...