CHAPTER 4

Chapter 4: A Dream of Warning

ARIA POV

Reluctantly, I fell asleep that night. Like a smothering blanket, the burden of the day—a contract with Killian, the impending danger of Darius, and the complicated web of my second chance—pressed down on me. But finally my tiredness prevailed.

As I reopened my eyes, a silvery glow illuminated the room. Even though I found myself in a forest, it was unlike any I had encountered before. Beneath an almost incomprehensibly vast moon, the trees shimmered with a celestial radiance, their leaves sparkling like cut diamonds.

There was an electric energy in the atmosphere that caused my skin to tingle, an influence I couldn't fully identify.

“Isn’t it lovely?”

Even though the voice was quiet—almost melodic—it made me shiver. With a sudden turn, I saw her.

The Goddess of the Moon.

Her presence was uncanny but eerily recognizable. Her hair, which was long and flowing, seemed to change color from silver to midnight black. Her grin was calm and eerie, and her eyes shone like molten gold.

Instinctively, the weight of her presence almost crushed me as I fell on one knee.

With a voice that reverberated across the woodland, she ordered, "Stand, Aria." "We don't have much time, but we have a lot to talk about."

I got up slowly, knees shaking. "What brings you here?" Despite the absence of heat in my voice, I asked.

Although her eyes became softer, they still had an unmistakable fire. "Because you are following a hazardous path that I initiated."

I squirmed, my rage rising to the surface. "You mean the route where the man you selected for me betrayed me and killed me?"

Her grin wavered. Indeed. And no.

My annoyance was only increased by her evasive response. "You tied me to someone who destroyed me and cursed me." And now you've taken me back to experience everything again? Why? What are you looking for from me?

The Moon Goddess approached with elegant, very weightless gestures. "Child, you don't understand. You don't get a second opportunity. It is a decision and a weight.

I balled my fists up. "A decision for what? To endure pain once more? To be deceived once more?

The surrounding woodland seemed to quake as she held out a hand. "Pay close attention, Aria. There is more to your mate relationship with Darius than meets the eye. It was never.

I shuddered at what she said. "What is meant by that?"

"Your bond is... unique," she stated in a solemn tone. It is connected to forces that are darker and far older than you would think. entities that have been controlled.

"Who was manipulating them?" I raised my voice and demanded.

The Moon Goddess let out a sigh, a hint of sadness on her face. Aria, your link has a curse attached to it. Its essence has been poisoned and its purpose warped by a curse. Your suffering and the treachery you went through weren't totally Darius's fault.

Her words cut like a razor through me as I froze. "You're saying that he didn't choose to betray me?"

She gave a nod. "Someone got in the way. Someone who wants to take control of their power and upset the equilibrium of the mate relationships.

As I tried to understand what she had said, my thoughts raced. "Who? Who would act in this way?

With a regretful tone, she said, "That is not for me to reveal." However, be aware that the same entity that tainted your relationship is still at work and won't stop until they have what they want.

I shook my head while feeling confused and angry. So why take me back? What's the point of fixing it yourself?

She said firmly, "Because this is your battle, Aria." "Yes, your destiny was changed, but what you do now will decide how things turn out. You have to find the truth and make a decision about your desired future.

I clenched my jaw. What happens if I don't want to be involved in this? What if I just leave?

The woodland seemed to become colder, and her eyes clouded. "You will not be saved by walking away. Like Darius, you are bound by the curse. Running will just make the inevitable take longer.

Her comments weighed heavily on me, and I swallowed hard. "So, what should I do?"

The Moon Goddess took a step toward me and touched my shoulder. Although her touch was warm, it was blazing hot. Have faith in your intuition. Look for the truth. Additionally, keep in mind that not everything is as it appears.

For a second, I thought she could see every aspect of me—every doubt, every worry, every shattered piece—because her golden eyes were staring right into mine.

She said, lowering her voice to a whisper, "And Aria." "Watch out for those who are closest to you. It's possible that the people you trust the most may turn on you again.

The world around me started to disintegrate before I could react. Her words reverberated in my ears as the light waned and the woodland disappeared.

"There is a cost to your second opportunity. Make a good decision, or all will be lost.

I awoke with a start, sweating profusely. As her words replayed in my head, my heart thumped in my chest.

Have faith in your intuition. Look for the truth. Those closest to you should be avoided.

Even though the room was dark, a tiny silver necklace that I couldn't identify was visible on my nightstand thanks to the dim moonlight coming in through the window.

With hesitation, I went for it, rubbing my fingertips over the cold metal. I felt a sudden rush of energy as I raised it, and a single phrase echoed in my head:

"Run."