CHAPTER 181

Aria was in the kitchen when it happened.

The safe house felt tense that morning. Too quiet. Too vigilant.

She stood at the counter, absentmindedly stirring a cup of coffee that had already gone cold. She hadn't slept. Not really. Every sound, every shadow made her heart leap.

Across the room, two FBI agents were talking in hushed tones. Lucian was on his phone near the window, pacing.

Nobody felt safe. Nobody felt at ease.

So...

PING.

The soft sound broke the silence.

Aria froze. H