CHAPTER ELEVEN - TO KILL OR TO LOVE?

Aria tossed and turned, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The moon cast eerie shadows across her bedroom, a stark reminder of the ultimatum that now loomed over her. Her father's cold, calculating voice echoed in her thoughts. "One week, Aria. That's all you have to eliminate Lucas Kane. Fail, and everyone will know exactly what you are." She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out the memories. But they came flooding back, unbidden and unwelcome. Aria remembered the rare visits from her mother during her time at the training compound. Elena's violet eyes, so like her own, always brimmed with a mixture of love and sorrow. "My sweet girl," Elena would whisper, stroking Aria's hair. "You're so strong. Remember, no matter what happens, I love you." Those fleeting moments of tenderness were always cut short by Viktor's arrival. His presence alone was enough to make Elena flinch, her demeanor shifting from loving mother to subservient captive in an instant. "Time's up,