37. Escape

ARIA'S POV

The sound of crickets chirping surrounded me, and the damp sand beneath me was the only thing that kept me grounded. Carter's gaze was intense, but I tried to focus on the grains of sand between my fingers.

“We have to head back. It’s getting late”. He said.

“What do you think he wants from me?”. I asked, feeling the wet sand in my hands.

“Matteo? No one knows what he wants” he said, and rose from his spot, dusting the soil off him.

“Come with me”. He said, and there was a creak in the bushes, and we turned to face Matteo, emerging from behind a tree, his posture casual, but his gaze wicked. His hands were buried in his pockets, as if he was trying to feign nonchalance, but the intensity of his stare betrayed his true intentions. It was as if he was biding his time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

“Matteo…”. Carter started.

“Have you heard?”. Matteo asked, his voice nothing like I’ve heard before.

“Heard what?”.