Ariana’s POV
Darkness again.
It was becoming too familiar.
Too easy to fall into.
⸻
But this time—
Waking up felt heavier.
Slower.
Like my body didn’t even want to try anymore.
⸻
My eyes opened slightly.
Blurred.
Unsteady.
⸻
Voices.
Low.
Controlled.
Familiar.
⸻
“…she fainted again.”
“That’s the second time in less than twenty-four hours.”
“She’s unstable.”
⸻
My chest tightened.
I knew that voice.
The man from earlier.
⸻
“…what about the answers?” Damien’s voice came next.
Cold.
Sharp.
Focused.
⸻
A pause.
Then—
“She got basic information wrong.”
⸻
Silence.
⸻
Heavy.
⸻
Dangerous.
⸻
My heartbeat picked up.
⸻
“She hesitated,” the man continued. “Couldn’t confirm details about her own identity.”
⸻
Another pause.
Longer this time.
⸻
Then—
“Leave.”
