Before The War — Second Gate of Hell
Aria slowly opened her eyes, the weight of exhaustion pressing against her back as she sat up in bed.
"I lost to him… again," she muttered, frustration heavy in her voice.
She swung her legs off the bed and headed to the washroom. Splashing cold water on her face, she stared into the mirror. "Arian!" she called, expecting a sharp reply.
Nothing.
She frowned. "Arian!"
Still no answer.
Aria folded her arms, huffing. "That dragon... now that the investigation's over, he just runs back to Azreal's side? Am I really that hard to be around? I'll show him."
She paused. Something felt… wrong.
"Wait... why's it so quiet?" she whispered, stepping toward her door.
She opened it slowly and stepped into the hallway. The silence was thick, eerie. Not a single soldier, maid, or guard was in sight.
Her steps quickened until finally she spotted a maid rushing by. "Hey! Where is everyone?!"
