Chapter 43

Aria's hair danced in disarray around her as she sat, her fingers twisting in anxious contemplation. Her eyes, unusually focused, seemed to pierce through the space before her as she mumbled softly, swaying gently in a self-soothing rhythm.

"I should meet Lea, I have to talk to her," she repeated, her breaths coming in ragged bursts, a sense of urgency in her voice.

A knock broke the stillness of the room, drawing Aria's attention to the door. It swung open, revealing Orion standing there, a bouquet in hand. Despite his presence, Aria's eyes remained dim, lacking their usual spark.

"Mom? Are you awake?" Orion inquired, though he could clearly see her sitting up.

"Orion, you finally came! I was feeling so lonely here. They locked me up and won't let me out," Aria lamented, her words forming more coherently this time. Orion's heart swelled with happiness as he quickly crossed the room to her side, placing his hand gently on her cheek.

"Mom! You look so well!" he