CHAPTER NINETY NINE - The Weight Of Promises

Later that evening, Lucas found Aria sitting alone on the balcony of their room, staring out at the moonlit forest. The sky was clear, stars scattered like diamonds across the darkness. "Hey," he said softly, settling beside her. "You okay? You disappeared after dinner." Aria nodded, not taking her eyes off the horizon. "Just needed some air. Emma's enthusiasm is... overwhelming." Lucas chuckled. "That's one word for it. Sorry about all that. Emma's been planning my mating ceremony since we were kids. I think she's more excited about it than I am." He paused. "Not that I'm not excited. That came out wrong." A small smile tugged at Aria's lips. "I know what you meant." She pulled her knees to her chest. "It's just a lot. All of this—the ceremony, being Luna, living up to everyone's expectations." "You don't have to live up to anyone's expectations but your own," Lucas said, taking her hand. "And mine, I guess, but I already think you're incredible, so that's an easy bar." Aria tur