[Aria's POV]
"Marcus is coming here. In two hours."
Dr. Elena's hand froze on the radio. "What?"
I showed her the system warning. Her face went pale as she read.
"He knows about Sealed Ones. He's hunting you." Dr. Elena put down the radio. "Aria, we need to leave. Now. If he finds you—"
"He'll try to capture me. Use my power for himself." I looked at my glowing hands. "But here's the thing, Elena. I'm tired of running."
"This isn't about pride—"
"No. It's about choice." I met her eyes. "For five years, Marcus controlled me. Made my choices for me. Told me who to be, how to act, what to feel. Even my betrayal—that was his choice."
"So what are you saying?"
"I'm saying it's time I made my own choice." Power hummed beneath my skin, stronger than before. "Marcus wants to capture the 'weak' girl he threw away? Let him try."
Dr. Elena stared at me. Then slowly smiled. "You're planning to confront him."
"I'm planning to show him exactly what he lost."
