Chapter 40

• A soft knock came at the door minutes later, followed by the quiet voice of the maid. “The bath is ready, Alpha.”
• Dante gave a short nod and thanked her through the door, then turned back to Aria. She was sitting up now, still wrapped in the silk sheets, her blonde hair cascading over her shoulders, the fading glow of their bond mark still humming softly against her skin. When their eyes met, a knowing warmth passed between them, intimate, wordless.
• Without needing to say a thing, Dante crossed to her and extended a hand. She placed hers in his without hesitation, letting him guide her to her feet. He didn’t rush her. His movements were slow, reverent as if touching something too sacred to break.