Aria’s POV
The morning sun was gentle. Warm. Perfect for a second day of school.
Lina practically vibrated with excitement in the backseat. She’d been up since six, demanding pancakes and asking every five minutes if it was time to leave yet.
"Mommy, can we go NOW?"
"We’re going, baby. See? We’re in the car."
"But we’re not MOVING."
Cassius chuckled from the driver’s seat. "Someone’s eager."
"I want to see Sage!" Lina bounced against her seatbelt. "We’re going to play wolves today! She’s going to be the alpha and I’m going to be the beta and we’re going to hunt for treasure!"
"That sounds very important," I said seriously. "Better not keep your beta duties waiting."
Cassius started the car. We pulled out of the driveway and onto the winding road toward Silverpine Academy.
The school appeared through the trees. Stone buildings. Ivy-covered walls. That beautiful fountain sparkling in the morning light.
Lina was unbuckling herself before we even stopped.
"Whoa, whoa." I caught her arm. "Wait until Uncle Cassius parks."
"But Sage is WAITING."
"Sage can wait thirty more seconds."
She huffed. Dramatically. Like I’d asked her to wait thirty years.
Cassius found a spot near the front entrance. We all climbed out together.
That’s when I saw them.
My blood turned to ice.
Finn and Celestia stood near the school gates. They were arguing. Voices low but sharp. Their body language screamed hostility. Celestia’s arms were crossed. Finn’s jaw was tight.
Then Celestia spotted us.
Her expression transformed instantly. Like flipping a switch. The anger melted away. A sweet, loving smile took its place.
She grabbed Finn’s arm. Pressed herself against him. Gazed up at him adoringly.
"Darling, look who’s here."
Finn turned.
Our eyes met.
Three years.
Three years since I’d seen that face. Those amber eyes. That cold, calculated expression that used to make me feel like nothing.
He looked older. Worn. The expensive clothes were gone. His suit was cheap. Ill-fitting. His hair was longer than he used to keep it. Less polished.
Life had not been kind to Finn Nightfang.
"Aria." He said my name like it tasted sour. "I heard you were back."
"News travels fast."
Cassius stepped closer to me. A subtle movement. Protective.
Celestia’s smile widened. She was draped over Finn like a designer accessory. Showing off. Performing.
"Isn’t it wonderful, darling?" Her voice dripped with false sweetness. "Your ex-wife finally decided to grace us with her presence again."
"Mommy?" Lina tugged at my hand. "Can I go to class now?"
I crouched down. Cupped her face in my hands.
"Yes, baby. Go find Sage. I’ll be right here when school ends." She nodded. Squeezed my hand once. Then ran toward the school entrance without looking back.
Finn’s eyes followed Lina until she disappeared through the doors. Something strange crossed his face.
"So." He crossed his arms. "You ran away. Abandoned your family. Left without paying what you owed."


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