Aria’s POV
The hallway stretched out before us like something out of a dream—or maybe a nightmare. The walls were dark and cold, lit only by faint, flickering sconces that barely touched the shadows. Everything smelled old, like polished wood and something floral, faint and delicate, like lavender. Normally, it might have been calming, but now it just made the knot in my stomach tighten.
Ezra walked beside me, silent and composed, like this was just another evening stroll for him. His hands were clasped neatly behind his back, his movements almost unnaturally smooth. When he finally spoke, his voice was soft, almost apologetic.
“I must apologize for my brother’s behavior.”
I blinked at him, thrown off by his sudden sincerity. “You don’t have to,” I muttered, though even I didn’t sound
