Chapter 9

DANTE'S POV

Aria opened her mouth to say something to the elders, and something inside me snapped.

This had gone too far. Way too far.

"Just shut up!" I shouted at her, my voice echoing in the suddenly quiet hall. I saw the shock on her face, quickly replaced by hurt, but I couldn't stop now. The embarrassment was burning through me like wildfire.

Without thinking, I grabbed her hand and started pulling her away. This time, I made sure my grip was iron-tight. There was no way she was slipping away, not until we were out of this mess.

"Dante, let go!" Aria hissed, struggling against my hold. "Leave me alone!"

I ignored her protests, feeling self conscious as I felt the eyes of everyone in the hall on us. The whispers started as soon as we passed, but I kept my eyes straight ahead. Just a few more steps...