Chapter 33

**Chapter 33**

**Aria’s POV**

The call had left me in a state of disquietude, an unsettling aftertaste lingering in the silence that enveloped the room. It was as if the very air had thickened, pressing down on me with a weight heavier than any sound. Outside, the rain had finally relented, and the sun was timidly peeking through the clouds, casting a soft, golden glow that felt almost surreal.

I glanced down at Lana, nestled against me, her delicate lashes resting softly on her flushed cheeks. A wave of tenderness washed over me, only to be swiftly followed by a tightening in my chest.

No matter the circumstances, Nathan could never learn about her, about us.

The thought sent a shiver down my spine. If he were to discover our existence, there would be no sanctuary from his grasp. He would strip away everything I had fought to protect, just as he had done before.

Taking a deep, steadying breath, I gently extracted Lana’s tiny hand from her mouth, her soft whimper a mix of protest and comfort. A faint smile tugged at my lips.