Chapter Twenty Eight

The morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow over the cosy kitchen where Lucia sat across from her sister Aria. Lucia's heart raced with a mix of apprehension and exhilaration as she steeled herself to share the events of the previous night.

"Aria," she began, her voice barely above a whisper, "Aiden and Declan...they marked me last night.” She couldn’t hold back the smile.

Aria's eyes widened, a delighted gasp escaping her lips. "Oh, Lucia!" She reached across the table, clasping her sister's hands tightly. "I'm so happy for you!"

Lucia felt the tension in her shoulders ease as Aria's infectious joy washed over her. A small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "It is, isn't it?" She squeezed Aria's hands, letting the warmth of the embrace soothe her lingering doubts. "I never thought I'd find this kind of connection again, after..." Her voice trailed off, the shadow of her past haunting her for a moment before she pushed it aside.

Aria's expression