CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED - Where All Paths Finally Meet

"I hope I'm not intruding," she said. "I wanted a moment with Aria before tomorrow." Elena nodded, giving Aria's hand a squeeze before leaving them alone. Christine looked more vulnerable than Aria had ever seen her. Without her usual regal bearing, she seemed almost uncertain. "I wanted to give you something," she said, holding out a small wooden box. "It's tradition for the Alpha's mother to pass this to the future Luna." Aria accepted the box, opening it carefully. Inside lay a delicate silver bracelet adorned with moonstones. "It's beautiful," she breathed. "It's been in the Kane family for generations," Christine explained. "I received it from Lucas's grandmother the day before I mated Alexander." Aria looked up in surprise. "I can't accept this. It should go to someone who—" "Someone who what? Deserves it?" Christine raised an eyebrow. "Aria, I haven't always been kind to you. I was blinded by prejudice, by fear." She took the bracelet from the box and fastened it around