Chapter 16. Unnecessary Cruelty

Daniel POV

I pulled Aria with me, trying to figure out where I was heading. I never intended to go anywhere with her. As soon as I saw her coming with Ella, my father’s words came to mind and I imagined her sparring with our male warriors who had their hands on her, touching her all over. I flipped and out of reflex pulled her away, dragging her behind me. I walked fast and she tried to keep up but ended up running behind me as I held her.

We reached the indoor gym, and I pushed the door open. No one was there at the moment. I pulled Aria inside and closed the door, locking it. I turned to look at her and she had tears in her eyes, biting her lower lip. Her face had turned into a mask of pain. I realised I had been holding her injured palm tightly, squeezing it with my fingers.

I released her and ran my fingers through my hair nervously. Why on earth did my heart clench when I saw her crying? I lifted my hand to reach her wet face but regretted it immediatel