Chapter 9

**Chapter 9**

**Aria’s POV**

Kara Jones, my dorm mate, pushed her cleaning cart through the door, her weary expression revealing the weight of the day. The lines etched on her face softened into a smile as her eyes landed on us, a warmth radiating from her despite the exhaustion that clung to her like a shadow.

She took off her vest and diligently washed her hands at the sink, the sound of running water mingling with the quiet of the room. After a moment, she approached us, her voice filled with genuine concern. “Lana’s such a good girl,” she remarked, her tone affectionate. “But are you absolutely sure it’s okay to bring her out there? The cold can be brutal.”

Kara’s intentions were always pure; she had a heart that cared deeply for those around her.

I offered a faint smile, though it felt more like a mask than a reflection of my true feelings. “Lana’s quite particular about who she spends time with. She won’t let me out of her sight.”

Kara chuckled, the sound light and comforting. She shook her head, a knowing expression crossing her face. “That’s true. The second you step away, she wails like it’s the end of the world. I did offer to watch her, but that little one is fiercely loyal.”