ARIA’S POV

I tried to stand strong even though my legs felt weak and my heart was beating like it wanted to escape my chest. Alora’s eyes stayed locked on mine, sharp and unblinking. I held the cup tight and tried to walk out, but she blocked the doorway before I could even breathe.

“Are you okay?” I asked, glaring at her even though my stomach was twisting.

She smiled that slow, mischievous smile that always made my skin crawl. “You look kind of jumpy, dear Aria,” she said and ...