**Aria POV
“Aria!" Atlas's voice boomed over the phone. “Where have you been? Just cause you were banned from the Scarlet Moon doesn't mean I can't get you work!"
I groaned as I propped myself against the pillows and rubbed my eyes. Waking up had become a chore. Since I was not accustomed to comfortable beds, I really had to stir up the willpower to start the day.
Not even Atlas's echoing voice injected enough urgency into me.
“Sorry Atlas," I answered with a yawn. “Things have gotten…really crazy these past few weeks."
“I thought you were dead, Aria," Atlas said softly. “You of all people should know what silence means in our neck of the woods."
A lump in my throat formed. I knew all too well what silence meant.
“I'll be livelier and louder in the future," I promised. “Now to what
