Page 60 of Eternal Mate

"You know he was just trying to rile you up, right? In his own way, it's him trying to make you feel better," Aria said, amused when I gave her an incredulous look. "Seriously! I think he actually likes you."

I rolled my eyes before letting her drag me down off the roof, heading back to meet up with the others and relay Michael's decision.

The next day arrived, the previous day's conversation lingering heavily in my mind, when I found that Aria and Barimuz were preparing to leave for Hell—preparing to leave me behind.

Aria tried to explain her thoughts and her reasons for being the bridge of the ritual, but anger flared within me. How could she even entertain the idea of leaving me? Did she think I would just let her go to Hell without me?

"I can't believe you would even think of leaving without me," I spat, my voice laced with anger. "After everything we've been through, how could you consider leaving me here and going with him?"

She flinched as if I'd slapped her, but I couldn't bring myself to feel bad about it.

Her expression softened, but her eyes hardened with resolve. "Sariel, I didn't come to this decision lightly," she replied, her voice steady. "Kiran can’t be used, so that leaves me and you. We're facing Lucifer, and he'll use any advantage he can get."

Including over your trauma, she didn’t say out loud.

I clenched my fists, my rage bubbling beneath the surface. "You think I can't handle myself? That I need you to protect me?"

The words came out sharper than I’d intended, but the pain and betrayal welled up inside me, clouding my judgment.

Not with Barimuz. Why did she have to be working with fucking Barimuz? After all we’d just been through, all those tender moments and exchanged ‘I love you’s’?

I’d tolerated the Archdemon lately just because we had bigger things to worry about, but I still hated him and his presence.

Aria's eyes glistened with unshed tears, but she held her ground. "This isn't about you being weak, Sariel. It's about strategy and increasing our chances of success. I love you, but sometimes love means making difficult choices. You can’t go to Hell with us."

Her words pierced through my anger, and a wave of guilt washed over me.

I knew she was right. Deep down, I knew she wasn't abandoning me. She was doing what she believed was necessary. Yet the fear of losing her, of being separated once again, was overwhelming.

"No," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. "I can't let you go—I can't stand the thought of you being there alone."

My angel and wolf were in agreement for once, thrumming angrily in my chest.

Aria's face softened, and she stepped closer, reaching out to touch my cheek. "Sariel, I'll be back once this is over," she reassured me, her voice filled with tenderness. "We’ve come so far, and we will see this through to the end. But we need every advantage we can get, and if you freeze up in the middle of—"

"I won't!" I insisted a bit too loudly.

Aria just shook her head.

"When have I ever?" I demanded further, but her expression didn't change. She wasn't really listening to my argument, just letting me bite back for the sake of soothing me.

Trying to put my foot down got me nowhere, and in the next instant, black had climbed my legs, holding me in place.

"Aria, no!" I shouted as I tried to pull free, letting out a grunt of frustration as my mate backed away, swiping at her eyes and letting out a slow breath.

"Aria!"

My shout was met with another sweet smile.

"I love you." Aria didn't move away when Barimuz rested a hand on her shoulder, smirking smugly at me. "I'll see you soon."

They disappeared in a swirl of black.

It felt like the air had been stolen from my lungs. It was done; she was gone, off to Hell, and there was nothing I could do about it.

I tried to shake off the rising panic, reminding myself that Aria was strong and capable. She had proven herself time and again, and I had to trust that she would make it through this even though I wasn't there to back her up.

But the fear lingered, an ever-present knot in my stomach.

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