The world had calmed—for now. But within Aria, something had begun to shift. A deep thrum beneath her skin. A call. A pull. And it was getting stronger.

It started the morning after they returned home.

Lucien had woken up first, brushing soft kisses down her shoulder before whispering her name. Aria stirred slowly, her senses heightened—more alive than usual. Every scent, every whisper of wind through the open window, every beat of Lucien’s heart... it felt louder. Sharper. More vivid.

She blinked open her eyes.

And the sky outside shimmered.

At first, she thought it was a trick of the light. But when she touched the sheets, they felt...