Aria's pov
I have been secretly investigating the origin of the assassination attempt on the king's life.
I haven't told him yet but I wanted to get more information about it before I could reveal anything.
I was led to the dungeon to see one of the attackers they had captured. I got to the entrance.
Beyond it, I could see the faint outline of a cell. Someone was inside, barely visible in the dim light. My breath caught in my throat when I realized who it was, Cecily.
I pushed open the gate with a groan, the sound grating in my ears. The sight of her, chained to the wall, sent a wave of conflicting emotions through me. Her once vibrant hair was now matted, her face pale and gaunt. But her eyes, they still held that sharp, cunning glint.
"Aria," she rasped, a hint of a smile tugging at her cracked lips. "I knew you'd come eventually."
I didn't respond immediately, stepping closer instead, trying to make sense of the situation.
