Kael's POV
I found her exactly where I expected her to be—standing stiffly in the dimly lit corridor, exhaustion clinging to her like a second skin. Yet, even drained, she burned.
Dark circles shadowed her eyes, her lips were pressed into a firm line, and her shoulders held the weight of something heavier than just lack of sleep. Most people would crumble under it.
But not Aria.
I took my time approaching, watching the subtle tension in her body. She was aware of me before she even turned her head. I could tell by the way her fingers twitched at her sides. Always so reactive.
"Oh, lucky me," Aria deadpanned, her voice laced with biting sarcasm.
I smirked. "You are, actually."
She exhaled sharply, tilting her head as she regarded me with thinly veiled disdain. "Is that so?"
"Mmm." I let my gaze drag over her, slow and deliberate, taking in the exhaustion clinging to her. Yet, even at her lowest, she was a storm barely contained.