_Aria’s POV_
“Aria, listen to me carefully.”
Ryan’s voice was low and urgent. He stood close to me, holding a tray of glasses as if he truly belonged there. His eyes stayed calm but I could see the tension hidden beneath them.
My heart was racing so fast that I was afraid Lucien might hear it.
“Yes,” I whispered. “I’m listening.”
Ryan leaned slightly closer, pretending to adjust the glasses on his tray.
“You need to release Lucien’s brother,” he said quietly. “Darius.”
My breath caught.
“Darius?” I repeated under my breath.
“Yes,” Ryan said. “He is being held in the eastern wing. He is the only one who can stop Lucien.”
My hands trembled.
“Stop him… how?” I asked.
Ryan shook his head slightly. “I can’t explain everything right now. There isn’t time.”
I swallowed hard. “Why Dar
