Fight

Aria's Pov

I paced the edge of the forest, anxiety twisting in my gut as I waited for Tom. The sun was sinking low, casting long shadows across the academy grounds. My eyes darted around, searching for any sign we were being watched.

"Calm down, Aria," Davina, my inner wolf, soothed. "Tom will be here soon."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. She was right, of course. Tom was reliable. He'd be here.

As if summoned by my thoughts, a twig snapped and Tom emerged from the trees. His dark eyes swept the area before landing on me.

"Sorry I'm late," he said quietly. "Had to dodge Mina on the way here. You asked me to be discreet."

After giving it a lot of thought, Davina and I decided that I should bring someone else along when I meet Tiffany and Sarah this weekend, for my own security. Tom was the ideal choice for a companion; he was strong and exceptionally brave.