Aria’s POV
I had been sleeping more than usual, the exhaustion weighing me down like an anchor. Mentally, I was spent, constantly trying to block Juda’s presence from invading my mind. Each time I closed my eyes, I wondered what nightmare or illusion awaited me next.
This time, I found myself on a beach. Warm sunshine glistened on the ocean waves, and Damon stood in the shallow water, his back to me, facing the horizon. He looked so at ease, his posture relaxed, his hands hanging loosely by his sides.
I walked toward him, or at least I tried to. The sand beneath my feet felt like quicksand, holding me back with every step. I called out to him, my voice lost in the crashing waves.
“Damon!”
He didn’t move.
I pushed harder, my legs burning as I tried to reach him, but no matter what I d
