I leapt over the high wall and chased after Aria’s scent. What had started as a light rain was now pouring down heavily, obscuring my vision, but her scent was strong enough for me to keep on her trail.

I reached the edge of the forest and finally caught sight of her, clad in an alluring red dress, same as the night we had first met, and drenched to the bone. But she stood there motionless, not bothered by the cold or the rain.

I edge closer silently, not wanting ...