Chapter 53. No More Secrets

I found Aries exactly where I thought I would, in his office, just past the courtyard, where laughter still echoed faintly in the air.

His head was turned away, arms crossed, staring into the tree line through the open windows like he could burn holes through it just by looking.

“Aries,” I said softly as I shut the door behind me.

He turned instantly.

Relief softened the tension in his face the moment our eyes met. In three long strides, he closed the distance between us and pulled me into his arms. No words, just warmth, strong arms around me, hands splayed across my back like he was anchoring me back to him.

“You’re okay?” he asked, voice low and urgent.

I nodded, burying my face in the crook of his neck for just a moment before I pulled back. “Yeah. I went to see her. Maron.”

His expression shifted quiet, respectful. “How was it?”

“Hard,” I admitted. “But I think she’d be proud.”

He nodded gently, his hand sliding dow