Aria approached me the next morning, her expression serious. "You were tested," she said. "Not by chance. Someone is watching you, and they are not friendly. You must learn quickly, or you will be consumed by the Mist."
"Who?" I asked, voice tight with urgency.
She hesitated. "I cannot say… yet. But you must trust no one completely. This village holds secrets, and not all who smile at you are allies."
I felt a shiver crawl down my spine. Trust had always been difficult for me, but in this world, it seemed nearly impossible. And yet, Aria—fierce, intelligent, and mysterious—was someone I felt compelled to follow.