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*Damon’s POV*

I’d searched almost every damn part of the pack grounds. The woods were the last place anyone should go alone—especially Aria, not in her emotional state, not after everything that’s happened. And yet, I wasn’t surprised that’s where she ran to. It was quiet, wild, and honest—like her.

Talia had made it clear: I was not sleeping in our room unless I fixed this.

And maybe… maybe I *needed* to.

I hated the way my words cut her earlier. Hated the way I lost control.

Truth is—I’ve always admired Aria. But somewhere in the chaos, that admiration got clouded by grief, pain, and guilt. And now, it...