ARIA’S POV

The footsteps outside grew louder, and the birds wouldn’t stop chirping, their voices sharp enough to make me want to beg them for silence. My eyelids fluttered open, heavy from the late night. Of course, I had Liam to thank for that.

I stretched, my stomach growling in protest. I hadn’t eaten much last night, all thanks to Liam too.

A knock came—one, then two. I already knew who it was. I quickly dressed myself before calling, “Come in.”

The door swung open and the ...