REGAN’S HOUSE
Aria sat on the edge of Regan’s bed, staring blankly at the walls. Her mind was a whirlwind of confusion, heartbreak, and fear. The events of the day kept replaying in her mind: Selene’s sudden appearance, Magnus’s reaction, and the crushing silence that followed. She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as tears silently rolled down her cheeks.
The house was quiet, save for the distant hum of the refrigerator and the occasional creak of the wooden floor. Regan’s parents were away, leaving the house eerily calm. It was just what Aria needed—a space where she could let her emotions unravel without judgment.
The sound of footsteps broke the silence. Regan appeared at the doorway, holding a glass of water. He froze for a moment when he saw her, his brows furrowing in concern. “Aria,” he said softly, walking toward her.
Before he could say more, Aria stood up abruptly and threw her arms around him, burying her face in his chest. The sobs she had been holding back burst forth, wracking her small frame.
“She’s back, Regan,” Aria choked out between sobs. “Selene... Magnus’s first mate. She’s back, and I don’t know what to do.”
Regan tensed, his arms wrapping protectively around her as he let her cry. “What do you mean she’s back? Selene died years ago, didn’t she?”
Aria pulled back slightly, looking up at him with tear-streaked cheeks. “I don’t understand it either. She just appeared out of nowhere, alive and standing in front of us. Magnus didn’t know what to say, and I... I felt so lost, Regan. How am I supposed to compete with her?”