Aria's world was shrouded in darkness, her mind foggy and disoriented. She slowly came to, groggily opening her eyes to find herself in her bed, Luna sitting beside her, holding her hand.
"Aria, thank goodness you're awake!" Luna exclaimed, relief etched on her face.
Aria tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over her, forcing her back onto the pillows. "What...what happened?" she stammered.
"You fainted," Luna replied, her brow furrowed with concern. "I was about to call for help, but then our neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, came over and helped me get you to bed."
Aria's memories began to return – the howling wolves, the feeling of being summoned, and the sensation of losing control. She shivered, feeling a chill run down her spine.
Just then, a knock at the door interrupted their conversation. Luna got up to answer it, revealing a tall, brooding stranger standing in the doorway. His piercing blue eyes seemed to bore into Aria's very soul, making her feel like he could see right through her.
"Can I help you?" Luna asked, her voice firm but polite.
The stranger's gaze flicked to Luna, and his expression softened slightly. "I'm Asher Blackwood. I'm here to see Aria."
Aria's heart skipped a beat as she felt an inexplicable jolt of recognition. Who was this mysterious stranger, and why was he here to see her?
"I'm Aria," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Asher's eyes locked onto hers, and Aria felt like she was drowning in their depths. "I've been searching for you, Aria," he said, his voice low and husky. "We need to talk."
Luna stepped forward, her eyes flashing with protectiveness. "What's this about?"
Asher's gaze didn't waver from Aria's. "It's about her...and her destiny."
Aria's curiosity was piqued, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. What did this stranger know about her? And what did he mean by "destiny"?
"I think we should hear him out, Luna," Aria said, her voice firmer now.
Luna hesitated, but Aria's determination must have convinced her, because she stepped aside, allowing Asher to enter.
As Asher sat down in the chair beside Aria's bed, she couldn't help but feel like her life was about to change in ways she couldn't even imagine...