LOGINBanners hung across the walls, pink and white, with “Congratulations” written in bold letters. Streamers dangled from the ceiling, and our dining room table was lost under piles of gifts wrapped in pastel paper.“What the hell?” I managed, my jaw dropping as Bella rushed forward with Theo balanced o
AriaA year had passed since Darren and I signed that treaty, and life had settled into something sweet, even with all its ups and downs.The scars on my chest had faded to thin white lines, and Darren’s wound was just a memory beneath his shirt. We’d become godparents to Bella and Liam’s little boy
AriaLunar Labs was reduced to a shell of its former self.The once-sleek and vibrant building, surrounded by lush gardens and pebbled fountains, was now barren and burnt. The glass walls were shattered, the halls within burned and destroyed. Those damn slurs were still painted across nearly every s
He didn’t hesitate. “No.”The word hung in the air for a long moment. The president blinked, clearly startled. “With all due respect, Mr. President,” Darren went on, leaning forward in his chair, “we’re not coming back. Not like that. After being deported, hunted, abused by your government—my people
AriaDarren and I stepped out of the car and faced the sprawling estate that was the human president’s home. My chest still ached faintly from my wound, the stitches long gone but the pain lingering. Beside me, Darren subtly favored his left side when he moved, still healing from the hole in his che
We stayed like that for a while, neither of us speaking. At some point, I must have begun to drift off again, too exhausted from the day’s events to keep my eyes open.But then, suddenly, the door burst open, shattering the stillness, and I jolted upright, wincing as the movement pulled at my wound.
Aria POVThat day, I tried to motivate my coworkers. But every time I’d ask for help or suggest something to help improve the workflow around the office, I’d just be met with the same sidelong glances and snide comments as before.Eventually, I gave up. It was five o’clock by that point anyway, so
The girl shrugged. “Something like that,” she replied, then stuck her hand out. “I’m Lily, by the way.” Finally, someone friendly. “Aria.” When Lily pulled her hand back, gripping the partition once more, she cocked her head to the side and wrinkled her nose. “What perfume are you wearing?”
Aria I found myself deposited on the shore of the pool like a sack of potatoes, sputtering and coughing up cold water. Lucas was whimpering and licking my face, his giant furry head nudging me. Shivering, I raised myself on shaking arms and looked over to see Darren calmly climbing out of the po
Aria Everyone suddenly turned and stared at me—even Darren. “Oh, really?” I managed, waving my hand dismissively. “It should be a coincidence. Probably just a similar scent. I noticed that you didn't like my perfume so I just used another one.” Lily sniffed me again and raised an eyebrow. “Do







