That evening, Aria found herself in her room, the dim light of the desk lamp painting soft shadows across the walls. The rain had returned, pattering against the windowpane, a quiet rhythm that matched the pounding of her heart. She had spent the day half-distracted, replaying Damian’s words, the protective gesture in the cafeteria, and the way he had made her feel… seen.
And yet, Luca’s warnings continued to echo in her mind, insistent and sharp. He’s not harmless. Not in the way you think.
Her phone buzzed suddenly on the desk, pulling her out of her thoughts. A message from Luca:
Can we meet? I need to talk to you. Now.
Aria hesitated. She wanted to ignore it, to stay wrapped in the confusing warmth of her own thoughts about Damian, but something in Luca’s tone pulled at her. She sl
