Aria's POV
I sat on the edge of the bed, my reflection staring back at me through the tall mirror fixed to the wall. My hands moved steadily, practiced, calm, even though my thoughts were anything but. Blush first. A soft stroke across my cheekbones. Then lipstick, a deep shade that made my lips look full and dangerous. Mascara followed, coating my lashes until my eyes looked wide and innocent. Eyeliner next, sharp and precise. Eyeshadow last, blended carefully until everything looked perfect.
Controlled.
Beautiful.
Deadly.
Yet beneath that calm surface, my heart raced. Each beat felt louder than the last, pounding so hard I was certain the walls could hear it.
Something was wrong.
Kael had not summoned me. He had not spoken to me since last night. And Leo’s face kept replayi
