CHAPTER TWENTY - THE NIGHTMARK OF BETRAYAL

Aria stumbled as the guards shoved her into her father's study. The familiar scent of leather and expensive cologne assaulted her senses, bringing back a flood of unwelcome memories. Viktor Cross stood with his back to her, gazing out the floor-to-ceiling windows. "I must say, Aria, I'm disappointed," he said, his voice cold and calculating. "I expected better from you." Aria straightened, lifting her chin defiantly. "Sorry to disappoint, Father. I guess I'm just not the obedient little weapon you always wanted." Viktor turned, his violet eyes - so like her own - narrowing. "No, you're not. You're weak, allowing your emotions to cloud your judgment." "Love isn't weakness," Aria spat. "It's something you'll never understand." A cruel smile twisted Viktor's lips. "Oh, but I do understand it, my dear. I understand how to use it as the perfect tool." Confusion flickered across Aria's face. "What are you talking about?" Viktor walked to his desk, pressing a button on a remote. A larg