"Aria," Ryker's voice called from behind her, breaking her reverie.

She turned to see him standing in the doorway, his eyes filled with concern. "Are you okay?" he asked, walking over to her.

"I'm fine," she replied, though her voice betrayed her uncertainty.

Ryker placed his hands on her shoulders, looking deep into her eyes. "You don't have to hide your feelings from me. We're in this together, remember?"

She nodded, leaning into his embrace. "I know. It's just... being back here, it's bringing back so many memories. And not all of them are good."

"I understand," he said softly, kissing the top of her head. "But we're building new...