Chapter 99

Aria's POV

I turned to the clock hung on my wall, my eyes watching the hands as they ticked. It was just a few minutes past four, which meant that dawn was at the corner. And with dawn came Lodnon... if I still stayed.

I carefully stood from the ground, careful not to make a noise as I slowly walked to the door, my footsteps muffled under the soft carpet.

I placed my hands on the doorknob and was about turning it open when I heard some voices come from the other side. My body jolting with fear, I made to turn and run to my bed when I realized that I recognized the voices outside; the two of them.

"Why did you go to her room, Ryder?" Desiree shouted. I could sense anger in her voice as she spoke to Ryder, one that caused me to recall the first day I met her. "Aren't you done with her? Why did you go to her room?"

"This isn't your concern, Desiree," Ryder said, his voice surprisingly calm. I heard footsteps recede from the door but then Desiree's call caused them to stop.

"Ryder," s