ARIA
I dragged my suitcase through the front gate, every part of me shaking from the encounter outside. The moment the gate had closed behind me, I leaned on it and breathed deeply. The air felt heavy in my lungs. My legs trembled, my chest tightened, and the bond inside me hummed faint and stubborn. I pressed my hand against my sternum, trying to steady myself. I whispered under my breath, telling myself not to think about him, that he didn’t matter, and that this bond could not keep dictating the rhythm of my heart. I pushed away from the gate and dragged the suitcase toward the house.
My keys rattled in my hand as I opened the door. The house was quiet, a deep, soft stillness filling the space. I stepped inside and closed the door behind me, the silence settling around me. I dropped m
