Chapter 36

Aria

The space between me and Elijah feels charged, electric with the weight of the choice I've just made. I can see the anguish in his eyes as he watches me walk away, can feel the severing of our mating bond like a physical ache in my chest. But I force myself to keep moving, descending the ceremonial platform on legs that feel numb and disconnected from my body.

This is the only way, I tell myself.

The gathered crowd parts silently before me as I pass, their accusing eyes following my retreat. I catch snatches of muttered conversation, words like "traitor" and "coward" piercing my ears. Each whispered condemnation lands like a blow, the hostility pressing in on me from all sides.

But I refuse to cower or quicken my pace. I walk steadily onward, my spine straight and chin lifted. Their judgment cannot touch me - not really.

When I finally reach my room, I close and lock the door firmly behind me. Only then do I allow myself to sag against the smooth wood, my breath leaving in a