Chapter 12

**Aria’s POV**

The moment I heard Lana’s terrified cry echoing from the dormitory, it pierced through the air like a shard of glass, slicing straight into my heart. Panic surged within me, a tidal wave of dread.

“Let me go!” I gasped, my nails digging into his wrist, desperate to break free from his grip.

“Don’t assume I’m unaware of your past,” he sneered, his voice low and venomous, whispering into my ear.

I froze, a chill creeping down my spine. His words struck me harder than any physical blow ever could.

“What… what did you just say?” My voice wavered, barely above a whisper.

He let out a cruel laugh, the sound echoing ominously. “You heard me loud and clear. I did my homework. You’ve got a record, Aria. A filthy convict masquerading as some kind of saint. An absolute fraud.”