Aria’s POV
Aria’s legs felt like lead as she finally pushed open the door to Ethan’s apartment. Every step echoed in the quiet hallway, each one reminding her of the chaos she had left behind. Her palms were still sticky with sweat, her clothes damp from the adrenaline and the frantic fight with Brandon. Her chest heaved with every breath, her heart refusing to slow, even now that the immediate danger was over.
She needed a moment..just a few minutes..to collect herself. To breathe. To think. And more than anything, she needed Ethan. He was calm. Grounded. The one person who could make her feel human again after the past hours of terror and blood.
But the instant Ethan’s eyes met hers, her resolve faltered.
“Aria!” His voice cracked, sharp with panic as he stepped forward. “What..what
