ARIA

The day passes in slow motion.

I try to work, to distract myself, but I can't focus. Instead, I find myself in Dante's study, watching the monitors. Watching my family gather, and Torres prepare while the trap is being set.

At noon, my phone rings. Unknown number.

I'm about to ignore it when Dante says, "Answer it. Viktor's recording everything anyway."

I accept the call. "Hello?"

Heavy breathing on the other end. Then: "Aria. It's me."

Vivienne.

My entire body tenses. ...