CHAPTER SIXTEEN - WHO DO YOU BLEED FOR?

Without hesitation, he rushed to Aria's side, gathering her trembling form into his arms. "Aria," he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. "I'm here. I've got you." She instinctively buried her face in his chest, inhaling his comforting scent. For a moment, she allowed herself to feel safe in his embrace. "Lucas," Aria choked out between sobs. "I... I can't..." He stroked her hair gently, his touch soothing her frayed nerves. "Shh, it's okay. You don't have to explain everything right now. Just know that I'm here for you." Aria pulled back slightly, her violet eyes meeting his. "But your mother... the pack... they all think I'm a traitor." Lucas's jaw clenched. "I know you're not. I can feel it in my bones, Aria. You're not who they think you are." She shook her head, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks. "You don't understand. There's so much you don't know about me." "Then help me understand," Lucas pleaded. "Tell me what's really going on." Aria took a shaky breath, stee