Chapter 62 Forbidden Whispers

• (Aria's POV)
• The warmth of Xander's confession still saturates the air as I lay awake in my tent staring at the ceiling. "I love you," startled me and made me both hopeful and terrified. I turn over trying to find comfort in the silence of the night, but something doesn't feel quite right. My gut senses are sharp.
• Outside, the cool breeze carries a faint whisper and murmuring. I sit up struggling to hear the talks outside the walls. They are subdued and silent. Curiosity wins out so I silently get out of bed without thinking, wrap my cloak over my shoulders, and stroll out into the pitch-black night.