The city air smelled like money and distant traffic. Aria tugged her coat tighter around her, glad for the weak sunlight on her skin. She was still too pale.
Lin Mei trailed behind her like a polite shadow. A bulky bodyguard followed further back, sunglasses hiding eyes that probably saw everything.
They walked until they reached a quiet café tucked between high-end boutiques. She remembered this place from the novel—the only spot the original Aria used to sneak off to. A place where no one noticed her.
She stepped inside and claimed a seat by the window. The same corner seat the old Aria always sat in. The waitress recognized her but didn't comment. Just brought her a cup of jasmine tea and a cautious smile.
For a moment, Aria let herself breathe.
Then her phone buzzed.
Unknown number.
"You're playing a dangerous game."
She stared at the screen. Her stomach dropped, then curled tight.
No name. No context. Just that line.
Her eyes flicked to the street. No suspicious cars. No shady figures loitering in the shadows.
Was it paranoia? Maybe. But she'd already died once. She wasn't about to do it again because she ignored a warning.
She locked the phone, calmly sipped her tea, and smiled to herself.
"If someone wants to kill me," she muttered, "they'll have to stand in line."