Damon’s POV

"You won't take her," I said, low as gravel. The hunters' voices were out there...soft now, but enough to make the cave hum

Aria's eyes met mine, showing raw anger, fear, shame, and Zac’s betrayal's hurt. "Damon," she whispered, proving I was home and damned.

She shoved at me. Her shoulder beat into mine, a feeble assault from someone who'd been taught to fold. "Let me go," she snapped. "I don't need you."

"You do," I said, my voice steadier than I felt. My hand closed ...