Chapter 22

• The sun hung high in the sky as Aria, Zander, and Daniel made their way to the lake. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of pine and the distant sound of water lapping against the shore. Aria felt a sense of freedom wash over her, a stark contrast to the confines of the house she had come to know too well.
• As they approached the lake, Aria's heart raced with excitement. The water sparkled beneath the sunlight, inviting and serene. She glanced at Zander, who walked beside her, his expression unreadable. Despite everything that had happened, there was something comforting about his presence.
• Daniel did not wait any longer; he walked ahead with his fishing rod and settled on the deck above the lake. Aria was thrilled to be in the fresh air. After being trapped in darkness for so long, she felt a sense of freedom—at least for now. She walked toward Daniel, a smile lighting up her face.