Aria’s POV
The early morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of the city mingled with the faint tang of the river below. I sat on the balcony of the penthouse, wrapped in a soft blanket, letting my thoughts wander as the first light of day stretched across Manhattan. Normally, mornings were quiet a chance to gather my energy before the chaos but today, even the sunrise couldn’t calm the tension in my chest.
Rico hadn’t joined me yet. I wasn’t surprised; he rarely allowed himself to slow down until everything was organized, accounted for, and monitored. I understood why. But even knowing that, I felt the pang of isolation that came from being awake while the world or at least the part I could control was still settling.
I rested a hand over my stomach instinctively, feeling her s
