Chapter Four

Aria’s P.O.V

“I’m so done with this.”

I’d probably said that for like the hundredth time now. I’d been looking into various options and ways I could possible get my revenge on Carden and the rest of NightCrest. So far so good, I’d come up with absolutely nothing.

I pushed all the papers on my table aside and let out a frustrated sigh. I’d been trying not to let my frustration bleed into what I was doing but it was getting harder with each second.

I looked around, taking in everything. The familiarity was like a cool aid to the wound all over my body. There was no place like home they said. It was more like a bittersweet feeling in my mouth.

“How’s it going?”

I turned to look at Nana who was standing by the door. Nana had pretty much raised me my whole life. After both my parents died in a pack war, she’d taken me in and did her best to raise me to the best of her abilities.

“Not so good.” I blew out a breath and put my head down on the table.

“My poor baby.” She had a kind smile on her face.

Nana walked up to where I was and placed something on my table. I turned my head to see the cup of water.

“Thanks, Nana.” I tried to smile as I put the cup to my lips.

Nana was watching me with an unreadable expression on her face. I wondered if maybe I could read her mind to know what she was thinking. She looked like she had something she wanted to say.

“Aria.” She started.

“Yes?” I put the cup down.

“Is this really what you want?”

I didn’t reply just immediately. I knew exactly what she was getting at. My plan to get revenge. As soon as I came back, I had opened up to her on what I wanted to do.

“I don’t have much of a choice, Nana. Carden made his decision, and I’ve made mine. I’ll make him pay for this betrayal.” I said, my voice filled with conviction.

Nana nodded her head, taking in all I’d just said. “Your mind’s been made up right?”

I nodded my head. She let out a sigh, as if finally coming to the decision to accept my decision. She grabbed my hand and held on to it firmly.

“Whatever it is you decide on, I’m always in your corner rooting for you.” She had a small smile on her face.

Her eyes seemed to gloss over as she stared at me. I couldn’t help the tears that were fighting their way out of my eyes. I squeezed her hand softly, my gaze still focused on her.

“Thank you, Nana.”

She leaned down to my face and put a small kiss on my forehead. I sent her a smile and watched as she made her way back into her room.

As soon as she left my room, the smile dropped from my face. I let out a breath and pushed my chair back. I wouldn’t get any work done by just staying there.

I grabbed a coat and wrapped it around my body before making my way towards the door. I turned to the kitchen, my ears zoning in on Nana’s soft singing. She was probably making something good.

“I’m heading out Nana.” I called out to her.

“Alright dear. Make sure you stay safe.” She replied before turning her focus back to what she was doing.

I hummed in reply and made my way out of the house. I wafted through the crowd of people, my mind already set on the destination I had in mind.

I’d been going around, asking and inquiring about ways I could get the strength I’d need to take down all those who had underestimated me and hurt me. I eventually stopped at a stall with a familiar red sign.

When I saw the familiar grey hair of the old woman, I sighed in relief. As soon as she saw me, a scowl fell on her lips.

“Well it’s about time you came.” She scoffed.

“At least I’m here.” I sent her a smile.

“I’ll deal with your smart mouth later.” She rolled her eyes.

“Roll your eyes so hard again and it’ll stick to the back of your head.” I retorted, a smug grin on her face.

“It seems you don’t want any help anymore.”

“Alright, alright. Just tell me what I need to know.” I held her hand. The old woman shook it out of my grip immediately, an irritated look on her face. This was pretty much how her personality was and I’d long accepted it.

She had some information on how I could get all I would need to get my revenge. That was what I was here for.

“I have the person that can help you right here.” She started.

“You do?” My eyes widened.

She nodded her head. “This way.”

With that, she grabbed my hand and lead me into the stall. I held my breath when my gaze fell on the man seated on a stool. He looked like he was in his late thirties. His black long hair flowed all the way to his shoulders.

He had an unreadable expression on his face as he stared at me. I didn’t quite know what to do. The silence was almost unbearable as we stared at each other.

“Are you the one that’s going to help me?” I finally said, unable to bear the silence any longer.

He didn’t bother with a reply, just staring at me like I was some spectacle. He eventually got up from where he was seating and walked up to me.

I didn’t move as he stopped barely a few inches away from him. He turned back to the old woman and sent her a nod before turning back to me.

“Warren. That’s my name.” He started.

“I’m-

“Aria.” He finished what I was about to say. There was a certain glint in his eyes as the next words left his mouth.

I’m going to help you with all the strength you’ll need.”