CHAPTER THIRTY - LOVE OR THE THRONE?

Lucas caught Aria's limp form, cradling her against his chest. Their mate bond flared to life, pulsing with an intensity that took his breath away. "Aria," he whispered, his voice hoarse with emotion. "Please, stay with me." Christine approached cautiously, her eyes filled with concern. "Lucas, we need to get her out of here. The compound isn't stable." Lucas nodded, lifting Aria gently. "Lead the way, Mom. We need to get her somewhere safe." As they emerged from the ruins, members of both packs gathered around, watching in stunned silence. Whispers rippled through the crowd. "Is that Aria Cross?" "The Alpha's carrying her..." "What happened in there?" Vulcan pushed through the throng, his face etched with worry. "Lucas, what can I do?" Lucas's golden eyes met his friend's. "Organize a cleanup crew. We need to salvage what we can and make sure there are no lingering magical threats." Vulcan nodded, immediately turning to bark orders at nearby pack members. Christine led them