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*Chapter Two
*Ariana's pov
The silence was deafening.
I stood barefoot in a place that didn't exist — a black, endless void. No walls. No sky. No ground I could see, yet I wasn't falling.
Just… floating in darkness.
"Hello?" My voice echoed, thin and scared. "Is anyone there?"
No answer.
Every time I had this dream, it felt like I was getting closer to *something*, but I never knew what. A shadow moved in the corner of my eye, but when I turned, it was gone. My heart pounded. The air was heavy. It felt like the darkness wanted to swallow me whole.
Then, a flash.
Screams.
Metal crashing.
A blinding light—then black again.
I tried to run, but my legs wouldn't move. I couldn't breathe. I reached out blindly, my fingers brushing something… someone?
And just like always—
I woke up.
Gasping. Sweaty. Chest heaving.
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I sat up quickly, pressing my palm to my heart. Just a dream… *again*. But my chest felt tight, like I'd just escaped something terrible.
I checked my phone.
*6:02 AM.*
Another morning ruined by a nightmare I couldn't explain.They said I had an accident when I was ten. That I lost parts of my memory. But what kind of accident haunts you like this for years?
I hadn't told Mom. I couldn't. She'd worry too much.
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I stood up from my bed, still haunted by the dream. My heart was heavy, but I wasn't about to let it ruin my mood. If darkness wanted to mess with me, it would have to try harder.
I stepped in front of the mirror and gave myself a small smirk. "Time to remind the world who you are, Ariana."
After a quick hot shower, I towel-dried, did my edges, and went for a light glam — just lashes, lip gloss, and a touch of highlighter on my cheekbones. Subtle, but deadly.
I pulled on my *two-piece designer gym fit* — a deep burgundy crop top with a cross-back design that hugged my chest perfectly, and matching high-waist leggings that gripped every curve like they were made for me. The outfit showed just enough skin to be a distraction, but not enough to be called out.
I finished the look with white Nike sneakers, silver hoops, and a sleek ponytail that swung with attitude.
I grabbed my phone, AirPods, and gym bag, my ponytail bounced as I grabbed my bag then headed downstairs.
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The smell of coffee greeted me before I saw her.
Mom stood by the kitchen counter in her robe, scrolling through her phone and sipping from her favorite mug.
I walked over, leaned in, and kissed her cheek gently. "Morning, Queen," I smiled.
She looked up, surprised, and returned the smile. "Well, good morning, fashion-forward gym goddess. Heading out?"
"Yep. Just need to clear my head," I said, grabbing my water bottle.
She glanced at my outfit. "You're going to have every boy in that gym breaking form."
"Let them try," I winked. "I'm on a mission."
"Be safe, baby."
"Always." I threw her a quick wave and headed out the door, the cool morning air wrapping around me like a promise of something unexpected.
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About ten minutes later, I arrived at the neighborhood gym — a sleek, modern building with glass doors and a black matte finish. I stepped in confidently, the cool air conditioning brushing against my warm skin.
A receptionist behind the counter looked up and smiled. "Hi! First time here?"
"Yeah. Just moved in," I replied, flashing a polite smile.
She handed me a small tablet. "You'll need to register — name, email, and emergency contact. Basic stuff."
I filled it out quickly, and within minutes, I was all set. She handed me a keycard for access. "Welcome to IronFlex Gym, Ariana."
"Thanks," I said, slipping the card into my bag.
As I walked deeper into the gym, I *definitely* noticed the shift in energy.
Heads turned.
Guys paused mid-rep. Some nearly dropped their weights.
But me?
I didn't even glance their way.
I walked straight past the weights and headed for the squat rack area. It was in front of a huge mirror, perfect for checking form — and, well, confidence boosts.I pulled out my phone, slid in my AirPods, and tapped play on my playlist — a mix of Rihanna, Megan, and Tems. My hips swayed slightly to the beat as I set my weights.
A deep breath, a quick stretch, and I started my squats — controlled, powerful, focused.
Minutes passed.
Sweat glistened on my skin, sliding down my back and collarbone. My abs flexed. My body moved in rhythm with the music. I looked good, and I knew it — but I wasn't even trying.
As I caught my breath from another set, I reached for my water bottle. That's when I noticed a guy approaching me — tall, well-built, not exactly *drop-dead* handsome, but definitely attractive in that boyish, confident kind of way.
He smiled casually. "Hi."
I gave a polite nod. "Hello."
"I've been watching you since you walked in," he said, eyes scanning me subtly but not creepily. "Damn, girl… you look hot."
Now *that's* the kind of energy I like.
I smirked slightly, wiping sweat from my forehead. "Thank you."
"You new around here?" he asked, stepping a bit closer but keeping it respectful.
"Yeah, just moved in," I replied.
He held out his hand with a grin. "I'm Kyro Dean."
I slipped my hand into his. "Ariana. But you can call me Ari."
"Ari," he repeated, like he was testing the way it sounded. "Cool name."
I smiled, then bent to start packing up my things — towel, water bottle, phone.
Just as I slung my bag over my shoulder, I heard his voice again behind me.
"I live just a few blocks away," Kyro said. "You don't mind if I walk with you, do you?"
I paused, pulling one earbud out, turning slightly.I looked at him for a second — the charm in his smile, the easy confidence — then shrugged.
"Sure. Just don't slow me down."
He laughed. "Trust me, I can keep up."
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