Chapter 15

**Chapter 15****Aria’s POV**As the sun began its descent, casting a muted amber glow across the sky, I found myself back on the streets, broom in hand, determined to push through the final stretch of my shift. The air was thick with the scent of impending rain mingling with the acrid aroma of exhaust fumes, a reminder of the city’s relentless pulse.Nestled against my chest was Lana, her little body cocooned in layers of warmth. For once, she was quiet, her usual babble replaced by a serene stillness. Every few moments, she would lift her head, her wide, curious eyes scanning our surroundings before fluttering shut again, surrendering to the comfort of sleep.After an hour of sweeping, my back began to protest. I paused on a nearby bench, taking a moment to stretch and wipe the drool that had pooled on Lana’s chin. I gently brushed my thumb across her soft cheek, grounding myself in the tender moment before I forced myself to rise and complete my task.Just then, the familiar rumble of the garbage truck echoed down the street, its presence filling the air with the pungent mix of diesel and decay. I braced myself, hauling a heavy bin toward it, feeling the strain in my arms as my wolf wrinkled her nose in distaste at the smell.And that’s when I noticed her.