Chapter 14

**Chapter 14**

**Aria’s POV**

By the time the clock struck nine, I found myself back at the dormitory, the familiar setting assaulting my senses. The air was thick with the pungent odors of sweat, bleach, and the weariness that clung to everyone like a second skin. I barely had a moment to settle Lana into her crib before the others descended upon me, their curiosity buzzing like a swarm of bees drawn to honey spilled on a warm afternoon.

“Did you really get your pay docked, Aria? Is it true?” one voice piped up, laced with concern.

“Did you actually find a gold necklace?” another chimed in, eyes wide with intrigue.

“Don’t listen to them! Aria’s not that kind of person!” a third voice defended me, the urgency in their tone cutting through the chatter.

Their voices swirled around me, a cacophony of worry and speculation.