Aria hadn’t opened the door in hours.At first, it had been anger—sharp, defensive, hot in her chest like a shield she refused to lower. But anger was a short-lived companion. It burned fast, bright… and then it left.What remained was something colder.Quieter.Something that sat in her ribs and refused to move.She stayed curled on the edge of the bed, still dressed, still unmoving, staring at nothing in particular. The curtains were drawn, the room dim, but not dark enough to hide from her thoughts.Selene’s voice hadn’t left her.YOU DON’T BELONG HERE.YOU'RE DESTROYING EVERYTHINGYOU WILL BE THE REASON HE FALLS.A knock came again.Soft this time.“Aria,” Levi’s voice filtered through the door, smooth, careful. “You’ve been in there all day.”She didn’t answer.There was a pause, then a quieter addition, almost reluctant."You shouldn't be like this... he's worried."Her fingers tightened slightly against the fabric of the bedspread.Still, she said nothing.Footsteps retreated.
Read more