Chapter 7
THE KING WHO CHOSE HER
Lucian refused to leave without his parents.
Aria stayed beside him.
They entered the forbidden palace.
Inside, they discovered a magical prison.
Lucian's parents were trapped within it.
But freeing them required Aria to sacrifice her celestial power.
Lucian refused.
“No.”
Aria looked at him.
“I can do it.”
“I won't let you.”
“Your parents need you.”
“And I need you.”
Silence.
Aria's heart stopped.
Lucian stepped closer.
“You asked me once why I protected you.”
She nodded.
“Now you know.”
He touched her cheek.
“Because somewhere between fighting you and arguing with you…”
He smiled.
“…you became the person I cannot lose.”
Aria kissed him.
The Celestial Bond exploded with light.
The prison shattered.
Lucian's parents were free.
But Queen Isolde appeared.
She had followed them.
And she had betrayed them.
* * *