Aria’s POV
The warm sun filtered through the strawberry leaves, casting a soft golden hue over the garden. I stood in the middle of Mom’s patch, gently picking the ripest berries, the earthy scent of soil and sweetness lingering in the air. For a brief moment, everything felt peaceful—simple.
Then I heard footsteps.
Turning toward the yard, I saw a familiar figure approaching, her long legs carrying her with hurried steps. Irina? What is she doing here?
Just this morning over breakfast, she mentioned she would be packing for her trip home to the Moon Stone Pack. Dad had planned to drop her off at 4 p.m.—but it wasn’t even two yet.
“Aria!” she called out cheerily, her voice lifting the air around her.
She jogged over, her expression bright and hopeful. The smile on her face—it was con
