Fiona's POV

The early morning air was crisp as I made my way through the woods, heading toward the riverbank where I had agreed to meet Stella. The rising sun painted the sky in shades of orange and pink, casting long shadows through the trees. I was nervous but resolute. Today marked the start of something new.

As I approached the clearing, I saw Stella standing by the water, her arms crossed and her expression stern. She was dressed in all black, her hair tied back tightly. The sight of her ...