The Silver Moon's Betrayal

Aria's life. The normal rhythm of the household, with its daily chores and the predictable cruelty of Selene's commands, seemed unchanged,

or the sharpness in her stepmother's voice when Aria's mind wandered. But soon, it was more than that. Selene's eyes narrowed with suspicion, and her casual remarks carried

as the servants tended to their work, and the faint smell of burning wood from the hearth filled the air. Aria had just set the table for br

almost too sweet, "come with me.

her about her strange behavior. She set down the last plate and followed Selene through the winding hallways of the manor, her pulse q

berate. Aria hesitated only a moment before stepping inside, her eyes flicking nervously around the room. The

ith a soft thud, and then, with a pr

, her tone leaving n

her eyes locking onto Aria with an intensity that made her feel as though every inch of her soul w

her voice smooth but laced with a hint of venom. "A

r lap. "I don't know what you mean," she

Aria. I know you're not as naive as you seem. Dante's been causing trouble, hasn't he? I've been watching you,

se race down her spine. "W

t you've been asking questions, stirring up trouble where there should be none." She leaned in closer, her voice a low hiss. "I won't allow y

lculating, but this felt different. The venom in Selene's tone was unmistakable, an

aid, her voice shaky but defiant.

"Your life?" Selene repeated, her voice suddenly hard. "You think you have a life to live? You are nothing but a tool, Aria. A t

est, but she refused to back d

erfering with what's already been set in motion. Because if you don't, I'll make sure you regret it. You may have the

r's words. Power. Plans. What was Selene really after? And why was she

ollow my lead, if you just do what I say, you'll have everything you've ever wanted. You can be a part of th

asn't a pawn to be moved around at Selene's will. She was something more. She didn't know

," Aria said, her voic

"We'll see about that. Just remember, Aria-stay in yo

lence. The weight of her stepmother's words pressed heavily on her chest. But there was someth

ow, not ever. The power within her might be hidde