*Aria*
The manor had a way of pretending nothing had happened.
By afternoon, the corridors bustled with their usual rhythm: servants carrying trays and linens, warriors moving in purposeful lines, elders conferring in low tones. The scent of stew drifted from the kitchens. Someone laughed too loudly near the common room.
But underneath it all, tension hummed like a low note.
Lucian’s temper prowled these halls, even when he wasn’t in sight.
Kade’s presence prowled the border, even when no one could see him.
And I… prowled the edges of my own thoughts, circling the same questions.
*You talk of leaving. But I’m already chained to you.*
*Then choose me, Aria.*
*Stop giving me reasons to run—or someone else might give me reasons to stay.*
Brave words were cheap when your heart was
