Aria's POV

I woke up Monday morning with a headache that felt like it had been waiting for permission to attack. Perfect. Just what I needed.

Then I stepped outside and stared at my car—the same useless, unrepentant piece of machinery that had refused to start all weekend.

Great.

Beautiful.

Fantastic.

Damon had already left earlier than usual. No explanation. No goodbye kiss. Just a mumbled “see you later” and the sound of the door closing.

I locked the house behind me, took a long ...