51

Aria lay on the soft grass as Dax sat by her side, his gaze filled with concern. The moon cast its silvery light upon them, lending an ethereal glow to the clearing where they had sought solace.

"I never imagined it would come to this," Aria whispered, her voice laden with exhaustion.

Dax gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face.

"We've faced many challenges together, my love, but this... it was beyond anything we could have anticipated."

Aria's memories of the recent events flooded her mind, and she shuddered at the thought of Blaire's betrayal.

"I trusted her, Dax. How could I have been so blind?"

Dax's grip on her hand tightened.

"You couldn't have known, Aria. Blaire was cunning, her true intentions veiled beneath a facade of loyalty."

Aria glanced over at Oscar, who stood a few paces away, keeping a vigilant watch. His unwavering dedication had saved her life, but she could see the weariness etched on his face.

"Oscar," she called out, her voice barely a whisper. "Th