Chapter 28

Aria’s POV

“Uh-oh, I think I might have to challenge your dancing skills,” Sebastian teases, leaning into the playful atmosphere.

“I’ll take you down!” I shoot back, my cheeks flushed with laughter.

We dance under the stars, moving freely and unabashedly like no one is watching. The music from downstairs pulses through the ground beneath us, and I can feel it resonating through my body. As the night wears on, we take turns twirling and spinning each other, sharing dizzying laughter that seems to echo into the night.

“See? This is already a better memory,” Sebastian says as he spins me in yet another wild twirl, our laughter echoing off the rooftop walls.

Just then, I notice the vibrancy of the party below drawing me back toward the door once again. “I should check on my friends,” I say, reluctantly stepping back from the railing. “They came out with me tonight, and I don’t want to leave them hanging.”

“Good call.” Sebastian nods, though there is a hint of disappointment in his eyes.

A