Chapter 175

Aria

I manage to get out of bed, with Lucas steadying me and holding my waist as he helps me. We follow Mark out of the room, and as we make our way down the stairs, my mind spins with anxious thoughts. Anticipation claws at my chest, making it hard to breathe. I can’t stop thinking about what the ritual will involve, but more than anything, I’m tired…fucking tired of stalling, tired of the waiting. I need to get this over with. Fast.

As we reach the bottom of the stairs, Alpha Marcel stands from the couch without hesitation and rushes toward me. He wraps me in a tight hug, holding on as if he’s afraid I’ll vanish again.

“Are you alright, my child?” he asks, his voice low but filled with concern as he keeps holding me close.

“I’m fine,” I reply, pulling back slightly. “Just a bit tired.”

“You’ll feel better with time, dear.” He finally lets me go, then gestures toward the couch where a woman sits with her legs crossed. She’s young, probably in he