Griffen's Point of ViewThe second I catch sight of her just outside the cafeteria, my chest tightens like a vice. Aria. Standing there with Alaric, her hair catching the light in that way that used to make me forget how to breathe.I had not expected to see her here. Not now. Not like this.For a heartbeat, I freeze, my legs rooted to the ground while every part of me screams at me to go to her. To close the distance, to beg her to listen, to tell her I did not mean any of the things that I said. That I only pushed her away because I had no other choice. That all I wanted was to protect her.But then reality slams into me. Maddox’s voice echoes in my head, sharp and cold, reminding me of what is at stake if anyone, if he, ever learns the truth. If he finds out she is mine, she is as good as dead.So I force myself to move, to turn away from her like she means nothing to me. Each step feels heavier than the last, my shoulders stiff with the effort it takes not to look back. I tell mys
Aria's Point of View By the time the last sweater is folded into the dresser and my toiletries are lined neatly on the bathroom shelf, the room looks transformed. My side no longer feels bare and foreign, it looks lived in, like it belongs to me. Maren flops back onto her bed with a satisfied sigh, her chestnut hair now loose and fanning across the pillow. I follow her lead, stretching out on my own bed, the mattress still firm but already more welcoming than I expected. We talk easily, our voices filling the quiet space. She tells me about some of her instructors, about how one of them is so strict you cannot even blink wrong without being called out. I laugh, and in turn I share a little about growing up with Leo always trying to play the protective big brother. It feels nice, simple, like the weight pressing on my chest has lifted, if only a little. The knock on the door breaks through the calm, steady rhythm of our conversation. Before I can sit up, the door swings open and
Aria's Point of ViewLeo pulls the truck to a stop in front of a tall brick dorm building, its windows catching the afternoon light. My stomach twists again, but this time it is not from nerves, it is a strange mix of relief and uncertainty. This is really happening. I am really here.The engine cuts off, leaving the sudden quiet loud in my ears. I stare at the building for a second, taking in the steady flow of students moving in and out, laughing, talking, carrying books. My parents had to pull a few strings to make this work, slipping me into the dorms halfway through the year, but they made sure it was this building. Close enough that Leo’s dorm, his world, is right next door. Close enough that I will not be entirely on my own.When I push the door open and step out, the crisp air fills my lungs, clearing some of the tension in my chest. The crunch of gravel under my boots grounds me, steady and real.That is when I spot him.Alaric stands near the front steps, waiting like he has
Aria'a Point of a ViewI fold the last shirt neatly and press it down into the bag before tugging the zipper closed with a soft hiss. The sound feels final somehow, like the last line drawn under this chapter. My room looks bare now, just the furniture and the faint scent of lavender from the sheets. My life, packed into a few bags.A knock at the door pulls me from my thoughts. I straighten, brushing my palms against my jeans.“Come in,” I say, my voice steady.The door swings open, and my mother steps inside, though she leaves the door cracked behind her. She takes in the sight of the packed bags, her eyes soft but filled with that familiar, unspoken ache. For a moment she just stands there, then she asks quietly, “Are you sure this is what you want to do, Aria?”I meet her gaze, lifting my chin the way I did yesterday in the office. I do not hesitate whe I answer her. “Yes. I am sure.”Her lips press together, like she is fighting the urge to argue, to tell me to stay. But instead,
Aria's Point of View I pull my bedroom door open, still adjusting the hem of my sweater, and nearly run right into Leo. He is just standing there, one hand lifted mid air like he was about to knock. “Oh... hey,” I say, a little surprised. He smiles, easy and familiar, lowering his hand. “Perfect timing. I was just coming to see you.” We fall into step together as I close the door behind me, heading down the hall and out of the house. We walk down the porch steps towards the path that leads to the pack house. The air is cool, carrying the faint scent of pine and the promise of an early evening. “I heard you are planning to go to the training school now,” he says, his voice steady, like he is testing how I will react. “I just thought I would offer my support, and maybe talk to our parents with you, you know… back you up.” I glance at him, feeling a little of the tension in my shoulders ease. “Thanks, Leo. That… actually means a lot right now.” He gives a small nod of his h
Aria's Point of View The afternoon light slants through my curtains, painting the floor in pale gold. I am still in my room, curled on the bed with my knees tucked to my chest. I have not moved much since this morning, I am just letting time pass until I have to meet with my parents in an hour. I am not expecting anyone when there is a knock at the door. The sound startles me enough to lift my head. “Come in,” I say, my voice softer than I intended. The door opens, and Nyx steps inside. My dad’s former delta, she is tall, with an athletic frame and short cropped dark hair streaked with silver. Her sharp eyes miss nothing, but there is a steadiness to her presence that has always made me feel… safe. She closes the door behind her, and her gaze lingers on me in a way that makes me feel seen, even in my tangled hair and the oversized shirt hanging loosely off my shoulders. “Aria,” she says, her voice low but warm, the kind that carries both comfort and authority. “Mind if I s