Aria's POV
I returned to the hotel with the thirty thousand dollars finally in my bag. The money felt heavy—not because of its weight, but because of what it meant for Lana and me. Survival. A little more breathing room. Maybe one less night of fear.
Just as I reached my door, a sudden change in the air made every hair on the back of my neck rise. My wolf stirred, alert. It felt as though someone was watching me.
A shadow moved. A figure, thin, hooded, and unfamiliar, hovered a few steps away.
Before I could react, they rushed toward me and slipped something into my hand. It was a folded piece of paper… warm, as if gripped tightly just moments ago.
My instincts roared. Was I in danger? Is this a trap?
I snapped my gaze up, ready to bare my fangs if needed, but—
They were gone. They
