Chapter 122

DANTE'S POV

The command was still ringing in the air when my mother opened her mouth to say something, her expression fierce and ready to argue. But before she could get a word out, I turned to her, giving her a look that I knew left no room for discussion.

A low growl escaped my mouth, and I saw her flinch, her shoulders dropping just enough for me to know that I had gotten through to her. She lowered her head, though her face was tight with a barely hidden frown.

I let out a scoff, feeling the frustration building up inside me. Shaking my head, I turned away from everyone and began walking back to my room.

Every step I took felt heavier than the last. My chest was tight, my mind racing with a mess of emotions I couldn’t sort out—anger, hurt, confusion. I couldn’t even bring myself to look back at Aria. I didn’t want her to see me like this, to see my weakness or see that I was jealous.

As I reached my room, I gave one final order to the guards stationed outside.