Aria's pov

The room was gripped by silence, thick and unbearable. The sound of Talia’s heart-wrenching sobs echoed against the cold stone walls, each one heavier than the last. Aria stood near the corner, her hand still trembling, pressed to her mouth.

Her vision blurred from the tears, but then… everything changed.

Suddenly, *a rush of energy* burst through her chest — hot, unfamiliar, and wild. Her sob caught in her throat as she staggered backward, clutching at her heart.

“Lucien…” she whispered, her voice shaking. “Something’s… something’s wrong—or right—I don’t know…”

Lucien turned quickly, his eyes narrowing with concern. “Aria?”

She didn’t answer. Her eyes, once a soft brown,...