King Magnus’s POV
*Morning.*
I sat beside Aria, my eyes fixed on her sleeping form. The early morning light filtered through the curtains, illuminating her delicate features. Despite the bandage wrapped around her head, she looked peaceful, and it made my heart ache. Selene’s audacity boiled my blood. How dare she hurt Aria not once but twice in a single day? I had locked Selene in the dungeon, but it wasn’t enough to satisfy the fury roaring within me. I wanted to rip her apart for what she did.
My hand brushed against Aria’s cheek, and she stirred slightly. Her lashes fluttered, and slowly, her eyes opened. She looked at me groggily before giving me a soft smile. That smile. It could melt even the coldest of hearts.
"Good morning," I greeted her, unable to stop the grin spreading across my face.
"Good morning," she replied, her voice still thick with sleep. Then, with a small pout, she added, "I’m hungry."
I chuckled softly. Even after everything, her innocence remained untouched.
Her gaze shifted, and her expression grew serious as she looked me directly in the eyes. "What about Selene?"