d announcements, no rush of passengers, just quiet efficiency, which was quite bizarre, since she was used to regular airplanes, not that she trave

had l

lm and almost eerily quiet, a wide stretch of clean concrete bordered by trimmed grass and sleek se

. "Miss Hart," he said politely. "I'm Ma

here, Aria thought as she r

elling within her. Old stone buildings rose elegantly on the streets, balconies wrapped in iron railings, cafes just opening with chairs neatly arranged outside. The city's calm, graceful atmosphere stoo

like B

g like

ls catching the light as the car passed through. Beyond them stretched manicured gardens, founta

asn't

s an

marble steps. The engine shut off, and fo

ftly against the cobblestone driveway, the sound echoing in the open space. She barely h

gage, miss?" the mai

htened h

n car

over, a little rebellious, yes

ht", a calm

tur

red coat, her posture straight, her expression carefully neutral. Sh

, sunlight streaming into their Brooklyn kitchen as Cecilia brushed her hair and murmured a lullaby.

r mum added gently. "Y

id wheeled it away with ease, and the moment he

cended the

to Pari

sco

ur

d out before she

ing unreadable crossed her eyes. Guilt, ma

he said softly. "For

h

apo

xpla

anyway, Cecilia turned open the

rs sparkling above her like distant stars. Staff lined the walls in silence; maids, a butler, perhaps a hous

she f

on

glanc

ood near th

A small silver bar pierced his eyebrow, catching the light just enough to draw attention to his already cutting gaze. One arm was inked fro

slowly, openl

n Duc

y, "you don't look l

stiff

like someone whose o

, not amused, not an

reply, Adrien sh

t warmer, brighter, the kind that actually invited people in. His blonde hair fel

n felt sharp and dangerous, Adrien felt easy, relaxed

a warning look before turning to Aria with a

", he added

tly, unsure of wh

ught her off guard, and sh

annoyed as she push

throat, interrupting

his is V

ng a few steps behind Cecilia. Tall, calm,

ou arrived sa

scoffed as he walked

your father like that". Cecilia

Aria and gestured to

sing the tension as Adr

oom is

said to herself as she ro

y his words stayed longe

was be

on was br

d by strangers who were supposed to be

ce wasn'

a gilde