Aria's POV

The world came back to me in fragments.

A slow drip somewhere. The faint crackle of dying fire. The smell of smoke, blood, and something sweeter ... milk, maybe. My body felt heavy, as if it wasn't mine anymore. When I tried to move, a sharp ache tore through my chest.

Then I heard him.

"Aria?" Damon's voice ... low, rough, frayed around the edges. It wasn't the voice of an Alpha giving orders. It was just... a man.

I blinked, forcing my eyes open. The ceiling was dim and wooden, ...