The weight of the past still lingered between Aaron and Isabelle, a complex mix of emotions that only siblings who had shared such a traumatic experience could understand. Isabelle's forgiveness wasn't about forgetting what had happened to Artoras; it was about understanding that Aaron had been caught in the same web of Roman's manipulation.
As they stood together, ready to face whatever lay ahead, Aaron's eyes would occasionally flicker to Isabelle, a mix of guilt and determination etched on his face. He knew he couldn't change the past, but he was determined to protect Isabelle and make sure she was safe, no matter the cost.
Their bond was forged in the fire of their shared trauma, and it was clear that their relationship was about more than just blood ties; it was about the unspoken understanding of what they'd endured and the lengths they'd go to protect each other. With Aaron joining the group, the dynamics shifted slightly, but their shared goal of taking down Roman provided a common purpose that bound them all together.
As the group watched, Aaron's demeanor changed, and he looked at Isabelle with a hesitant smile. "Isabelle," he said softly, his eyes shining with unshed tears.
Isabelle's face crumpled and, tears streaming down her face.
Aaron wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "Shh, Isa, it's okay. I'm here now. I'll never let anyone hurt you again." He held her for a moment, and then pulled back, his eyes locked on hers. "I'm sorry, Isa. I'm sorry I didn't protect you, that I didn't get to you sooner."
Isabelle shook her head, her voice muffled. "It's not your fault, Aaron. Roman's the one who's responsible."
Aaron's face hardened, and he nodded. "You're right. And I'll make sure he pays for what he's done." He looked at Isabelle, and his expression softened. "You're my sister, Isabelle. I'll do whatever it takes to protect you. Even if it means killing Roman. Even if it means dying myself."
Isabelle's eyes welled up with tears again, but this time, they were tears of gratitude. "Thank you, Aaron. That means everything to me."
As they hugged again, the group watched in silence, a mixture of emotions on their faces. Ares nodded in approval, while Eris looked on with a calculating gaze.
When Aaron and Isabelle finally pulled back, Aaron turned to the group. "I'm Aaron, Isabelle's older brother. And I'll be joining you on your journey to the Azov kingdom."
Ares raised an eyebrow. "Welcome to the group, Aaron. We could use a powerful ally like you."
Aaron's eyes gleamed with determination. "I'm not just any ally. I'm a dark fae, and I'll do whatever it takes to protect my sister and stop my brother from releasing the Khragixx."
The group nodded in understanding, and Aaron's eyes locked onto each of them. "Let's get to know each other. We have a long journey ahead of us."
With that, the group began to bond, their dynamics shifting with the addition of the new member. But one thing was certain - with Aaron on their side, they were a force to be reckoned with.