Chapter 60

DANTE'S POV

Aria's words had cut through me like a blade, but I couldn't blame her for being mad – I had given her plenty of reasons to feel that way. Though, it still stung.

The memory of her tear-filled eyes, the way she had pulled away from me — it haunted me as I stood alone in that empty room.

I had watched as she angrily walked out into the night without a second thought, but the thought of her going back alone troubled me.

My enemies were still out there, lurking in the dark, and waiting for any opportunity to strike, so I couldn’t let her leave like that, not without knowing she would be safe at least.

Without thinking, I hurriedly made my way out of the hall. I followed the scent she left behind, that familiar trace of her perfume mixed with the cool night air. It was faint, but it was enough to guide me.

As I ran through the path, I tried to tell myself that she would be fine. But something in me — some strong instinct was screaming that she was in danger.

The dark forest st