Curled up in the corner of the cold terrace, Aria sobbed silently, her tears blending with the rain that had started to pour. She hugged her knees to her chest, trying to understand.
What did I do wrong?
Why was she always punished for simply existing?
Her thin clothes clung to her like wet paper, offering no warmth, no protection. The November rain came fast and cruel, and it wasn’t long before her lips turned pale, her fingers numb and trembling.
Shivering, Aria stumbled to her feet, dragging herself to the door.
She knocked softly at first. “Zane… please,” she whimpered. “Please open the door. Just… tell me what I did wrong…”
No answer.
Her heartbeat echoed louder than the storm raging around her.
“Zane, please!” she cried louder, pounding on the wood with her frail fists. “Plea
