Aria woke with a start, the harsh glow of her phone lighting up the dark room. Another message. The sender was still unknown.
Don't trust Leah. She's not who she says she is.
Her heart pounded. Who was behind these warnings? And why was she suddenly caught in the middle of a hidden war?
She threw off her covers and dialed Jace's number, needing answers more than ever.
His voice was warm but tired. "Aria? Is everything okay?"
She hesitated. Should she tell him? Would he believe her?
"I got another message," she finally said. "It says not to trust Leah."
There was silence on the other end. Then Jace sighed deeply.
"I'm sorry you have to deal with this," he said quietly. "Leah's protective—maybe too protective. But you should know she's been through things that changed her."
Aria frowned. "Changed her how?"
Jace's voice dropped. "She's been involved with dangerous people. People who want to hurt our family."
Aria's stomach churned. This was bigger than she imagined.
"I don't want you to get hurt," Jace added. "But I also don't want you to turn your back on me."
The vulnerability in his voice broke through her fears.
She squeezed the phone tightly. "I'm not going anywhere."
Days blurred as Aria dove into Jace's world—meeting his friends, seeing his vulnerabilities, and slowly peeling back the layers of his guarded heart.
But with every step forward, new shadows appeared.
Leah's warnings echoed louder.
And the mysterious messages kept coming.
One night, Jace took her to a rooftop overlooking the city lights.
"We can't keep running from the past," he said, pulling her close.
Aria rested her head on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart.
"Then let's face it—together."
But beneath their hopeful words, the night held secrets neither was ready to face.