672: THE THREAT

ARIEL'S POV I hastily dried my hands on the towel before reaching for my phone. The number was unknown, but I slid my finger across the screen to answer nonetheless, holding the device up to my ear. "Hello?" I said tentatively, my curiosity piqued. A chill ran down my spine as a deep, unfamiliar male voice spoke. "Stay away from Luke, Ariel," the man warned. "Or you'll regret it." My grip on the phone tightened, my heart pounding in my chest. "Who is this?" I demanded, my voice shaking slightly. "Consider me a friend," the man replied cryptically. "One who doesn't want to see you get hurt." "Why would I get hurt?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. "You don't know him like I do," the man continued, a hint of bitterness in his voice. "He's dangerous, Ariel. If you know what's good for you, you'll stay away from him." My mind raced as I tried to make sense of the situation. Who was this man, and why was he so intent on warning me away from Luke? "I don't even know who you