ARIA

Ryder's grip around me is as tight as a vice, so much that for several seconds, I can't breathe.

I don't mind it, though. I hold onto him because I don't know when I'll see him again. Moon Rose is far away and I doubt he'll be able to leave Ironclaw with the war going on.

"It'll be alright," I assure him. "I promise, okay?"

He says nothing and simply holds me. Zach is already in the SUV with smoked windows that Alpha Dorson provided for the trip. It's bulletproof just in case something ...