Chapter 96

ARIA'S POV

My father’s question hung heavy in the room. “Aria,” he repeated, his voice firm but filled with concern, “how did this happen? Who dared to do this to you?”

I tried to form words, tried to explain, but my throat wouldn't let me, it felt like it was on fire, raw and swollen from the smoke and the injuries. I just couldn’t speak.

I shifted slightly in the bed, desperate to give him some kind of answer… anything at all, but the pain in my chest and ribs stopped me cold.

He asked his question again, his voice cutting through the fog in my brain. I flinched, startled by the intensity of his tone.

I understood that he was just scared, but I couldn’t ignore the guilt that was starting to consume me. I really wanted to explain, to tell him everything, but I was trapped in my own silence.

Before I could even try to make a sound, there was a knock on the door, and it swung open almost immediately.

Adam barged in, not bothering to acknowledge our parents. His eyes locked on me, his e