Chapter 36: Ghosts of the Past

Ariana's breath hitched.

Her pulse pounded in her ears as she stared into the face she never thought she'd see again.

Ethan.

Tall. Familiar. Unshaken.

His grip on her wrist was firm—but not painful.

Just enough to keep her from running.

Ariana's mouth went dry. "You."

Ethan's lips curled slightly. "Me."

Her mind raced. Why was he here? How was he here?

She yanked her wrist free. "What the hell do you want?"

Ethan tilted his head, as if amused by the question.

"You disappeared," he said casually. "Didn't even say goodbye."

Ariana scoffed. "Didn't realize I owed you one."

Ethan chuckled. Low. Smooth. Dangerous.

"You don't," he admitted. "But you do owe me a conversation."

Ariana tensed. No. She wasn't doing this.

Not here. Not tonight.

Not with him.

She turned sharply. "Not interested."

But before she could take a step—

Ethan moved.

Blocked her path.

Ariana inhaled sharply, too aware of the space between them.

Or rather—the lack of it.

Ethan studied her. "You always do this?"

She folded her arms. "Do what?"

"Run."

Ariana stiffened.

Ethan smirked. "Thought so."

Something inside her snapped.

She leaned in, voice cold. "I don't run, Ethan. I leave."

Ethan's eyes darkened slightly. "And yet, here you are."

Ariana opened her mouth—ready to throw another dagger.

But then—

A shadow passed behind Ethan.

Leila.

Watching.

Waiting.

Ariana's stomach twisted.

Ethan noticed her gaze shift. He glanced back—then smirked.

"Oh," he mused. "Now it makes sense."

Ariana's heart lurched. What?

Ethan's eyes flickered between her and Leila. Knowing. Certain.

"You're still playing games, aren't you?" he murmured.

Ariana's breath caught.

Because the worst part?

He wasn't wrong.