Damon's P.O.V.

I stood tall, my eyes locked on Alpha Logan. “I don’t remember the rules of the auction house stating that a buyer has to answer to anyone. But Damon, the name is Damon.”

Alpha Logan narrowed his eyes but seemed to relax a fraction. "And for what, are you paying such an outrageous amount for my daughter?" he growled low in his chest.

I smiled-a cold, calculated smile. "I'm paying this amount, not only for the girl but to sever all connections she has with your pack, as from now. "I paused, allowing my words to sink deep. "Let it be clear that Aria is no longer a member of the Shadowmoon pack, and that all ties with your pack are now severed."

Alpha Logan's eyes flashed with anger, but then he seemed to consider my words. A moment later, he nodded. "Very well. You have a deal, Damon."

I nodded, feeling a wave of satisfaction wash over me. I turned to the auctioneer. "Make sure all the necessary paperwork is drawn up. ”

The auctioneer nodded, scurrying off to do my bidding. Alpha Logan turned to Aria, who was watching the scene with wide, scared eyes.

"Goodbye, Aria," he growled.

Aria nodded, but rather than a daughter crying as she leaves her father, Aria seemed cold and indifferent.

“Aria…” I mumbled trying to make sure the girl was with me.

Aria looked up at me warily, but she seemed to relax a fraction as I smiled at her. I turned to Alpha Logan. "It's done. She's mine now."

Alpha Logan nodded, flashing anger in his eyes, but he seemed to know better than to cross me. I turned to Aria. "Come, let's go."

Aria nodded; her eyes were still wide with fear, but she seemed to trust me enough to follow me. I led her out of the auction house, my guards falling into step behind us.

The farther we moved, the more Aria seemed to relax, her eyes fixed on me with a mixture of curiosity and fear. I smiled reassuringly at her, trying to put her at ease.

Eventually, we finally reached the palace of the Nightshade pack. I escorted Aria inside; my guards followed closely behind. It was a big, sprawling palace with a high ceiling and intricate stone carvings. Aria's eyes widened in amazement.

As we entered my chambers, a vision of a woman with long, flowing hair, and eyes as piercingly green as jade stepped out of the dark. Ava rushed to me, throwing her arms around my neck.

"Damon, I've missed you so much," she cooed in a husky, seductive voice.

I stiffened, but I returned the hug.

As Ava drew back to gaze into my eyes, her eyes met Aria's staring wide-eyed at the scene before her. Ava froze, her eyes slitted.

"Who is this?" she asked, her tone icy, her eyes flashing in anger.

I smiled, hoping to reassure her. "This is Aria,”

Ava's eyes flashed hot in anger as she stared at Aria. "A new slave, you mean?" she stuttered.

I took a step closer to Ava, my eyes ablaze with warning. "Aria is not a slave, Ava. . And I expect her to be treated with respect, not just by you, but by everyone in this household." My voice was low and even, but Ava knew better than to mess with me when I was in this mood.

Ava took a step backward, her hands up in conciliation. "I'm so sorry, Damon. I did not mean to offend." The words were smooth, sweetly conciliatory; the tone held a hint of tension.

She turned to Aria, who seemed to have zoned out on the whole conversation. "I'm sorry, Aria. I didn't mean to be rude." Ava's voice was soft and inaudible, and Aria did no more than blink, focusing her eyes on Ava slowly.

"I…it's okay," Aria stammered, her voice no more than a whisper.

I turned towards the door, calling out loudly, "Girls! Take care of Aria's needs, and make sure she feels secure and at ease." Footsteps thundered outside the door as girls scurried around to comply with my instructions.

I then looked at Ava. "And as for you, well, make her feel at home. Clear?" My gaze tore into hers while Ava hastily nodded.

"Yes, Damon. I know. I'll make sure to treat her with respect." Ava's voice was contrite, yet I knew there was an edge of resentment running underneath the surface.

I nodded and then just turned and walked away, leaving Ava and Aria behind. Silk rustled, and the scent of lavender followed me into my throne room.

As I entered the room, Kane looked up from the papers he was studying. "Did you get the girl?" he asked, his eyes curious. Flickering candles danced across his face, and for a second, he almost looked older, wiser beyond his years.

I nodded, taking a seat on my throne. Soft leather creaked beneath me as I leaned back in it, steepling my fingers together. "Yes, I did. But there is, however, one problem." My voice tailed off, and my eyes narrowed as my thoughts turned over the situation.

Kane's eyebrow rose. "What type of problem?" His voice came out smooth, even, with only a tiny undertone of tension.

I leaned forward, my eyes locked on Kane's. "Aria. She's been through something. I can smell it on her. Trauma, pain, fear." My voice was low, and I could feel a pang of concern in my chest.

Kane's expression turned serious. "You think it's going to be a problem?"

I nodded. "I don't know if she will ever be able to open up to me, to trust me, to love me." And the thought hit my stomach like a ton of bricks-the uncertainty that I might be too late, too late for her, and that she had been damaged far beyond repair.

Kane leaned on the seat, his eyes fixed on mine. "You cannot give up on her, Damon. You have to try."

I nodded, but the doubt lingered in my mind. Could I really help Aria heal? Or was I just setting myself up for heartache?