Chapter 76

• Aria's heart raced as she faced Dante, his imposing figure filling the doorway. The tension in the room was thick, and she could feel the remnants of Zander's warmth lingering on her lips, a stark contrast to the cold reality of Dante's presence. She knew she had to tread carefully; one misstep could lead to dire consequences.
• “Why are you really here, Aria?” Dante asked, his voice low and measured, but there was an edge to it that made her stomach churn. He stepped further inside, closing the door behind him with a soft click that echoed ominously in the silence.
• “I told you, I couldn’t sleep,” she replied, forcing herself to meet his gaze. But the intensity in his dark eyes made her pulse quicken. “I just needed some fresh air.”