Aria returned to Nightshade with a decision made but not yet voiced. She needed to tell Dante what she planned to do, but the words stuck in her throat every time she tried.
How did you tell your mate you were planning to enter the Void? How did you explain risking everything for a man who'd once rejected you?
She found him in their room, playing with Luna. Their daughter was giggling as Dante pretended to be a monster she had to defeat with her toy sword.
"I vanquish you, monster Daddy!" Luna declared, bopping him on the head.
"Oh no, I'm defeated," Dante said dramatically, falling over. Then he noticed Aria in the doorway. "You're back. How was the Grove?"
"We need to talk. Privately."
Dante's expression turned serious. He called Elena to watch Luna, then led Aria to his office.
"
