Aria’s Point of View
I pushed Lucia’s hand away, keeping my voice calm but firm. “Don’t try that again,” I said as I looked straight at her.
Lucia froze for a moment, clearly shocked. She wasn’t expecting me to stand up to her. Her mouth opened like she wanted to say something, but no words came out.
“Lucia.”
The voice that called out her name startled both of us. I turned to see Kael stepping into the room. He stood tall, his presence commanding, with a calm but sharp look in his eyes.
Lucia turned to him quickly, her face changing. She suddenly looked soft and innocent, her lips trembling as if she was about to cry.
Kael walked closer, his eyes moving between us. “Aria, are you alright?”
“Yes,” I said quietly, though my heart was still racing.
Lucia didn’t waste a second. Tears f
