Aria got home exhausted , the kind of tired that sits deep in the bones. Her steps were slow as she entered through the garden walkway. Selene was there, lounging like a queen on a wicker chair, snacking on strawberries and scrolling through her phone. Her sunglasses were pushed up lazily, the picture of someone who believed the world existed for her convenience.

The moment Selene spotted Aria, she stood up sharply, eyes narrowing.

Aria was already reaching for the door, wanting nothing more than shower water and silence, when Selene’s voice sliced through the air.

“Aria, this should be the first and the last time you will go out...