ARIA
As soon as I made myself invisible, I slipped out of the palace, my heart pounding in my chest. I had to find Onyx. He was the only friend I had left. The only one who hadn't been driven away by Zavier. My mind raced with thoughts of Irish's departure and the unbearable loneliness that seemed to grow every day.
Onyx agreed to meet me in our secret space, a hidden alcove in the forest where we used to train together. When he arrived, his face lit up at the sight of me, but I noticed he was keeping a ridiculous amount of distance.
"Onyx," I called softly as I made myself visible. He looked relieved to see me but still stayed a few steps back.
"Aria," he said, his voice warm but cautious. "It's good to see you. What's wrong?”
I couldn't hold back my tears any longer. "Irish left. Th
