Chapter 2 The Choice

Aria didn't sleep that night.

The world outside her small apartment felt distant, almost unreal. The city lights filtered through the cracked blinds, casting soft shadows on the walls, but they did nothing to calm the storm inside her head. Every time she closed her eyes, the image of Dominic Wolfe appeared in her mind-the sharp edge of his jaw, his intense, silver eyes, the grip of his hand on her wrist. And, of course, the contract.

Marriage.

The word echoed in her ears like a siren's call, both alluring and terrifying. She knew the truth now. Or at least, she thought she did. But what did it mean? She wasn't the person he claimed she was, right? A Moonborn? She had never heard of such a thing, let alone believed in it. The whole encounter felt like a fever dream-like something out of a storybook. There had to be a mistake, didn't there?

She tossed and turned, her mind refusing to let go of the impossibility of it all. The prophecy. The book. His touch. There was a sense of weight behind it, something deeper than mere words or empty promises. It felt... real.

Finally, with the first light of dawn creeping through her window, Aria pulled herself from the tangled sheets, the coolness of the morning air offering little relief. She didn't have time for dreams-however real they seemed. There was work to be done. Life had to go on, no matter how strange the night had been.

But as she pulled on her jacket and grabbed her bag, one thought kept pushing its way to the forefront of her mind.

What if it was true?

The thought haunted her as she made her way to the diner, the usual hum of the city greeting her in the early hours. She was used to the noise, the rush, the frantic pace of everything around her. It was part of what kept her grounded, part of what kept her from thinking too much. But today, it didn't help.

Her shift felt like it stretched on forever. Every clink of dishes, every soft murmur of conversation, every order taken and delivered felt like a distant echo. She found herself zoning out, her thoughts constantly drifting back to the encounter with Dominic.

As she wiped down a table in the back corner of the diner, her phone buzzed in her pocket. Aria glanced down, hoping it was a distraction. Maybe it was her friend Maya-someone who could pull her from the abyss of her own mind.

But it wasn't.

It was a text from an unknown number.

"I hope you've had time to think, Aria. I'll be waiting for you at The Blackthorn estate. Don't keep me waiting."

Her fingers went cold as she read the message. The Blackthorn estate? She'd heard of it-who hadn't? It was the kind of place that people whispered about. A sprawling mansion in the heart of the city, hidden behind high gates and security that could rival a fortress. It was owned by one of the most influential families in New York: the Blackthorns.

But why would Dominic want her to meet him there?

She had no idea, but her heart raced at the thought of it. It seemed like a bad idea. A terrifying idea. But at the same time, a part of her knew-deep down-that she couldn't just ignore it.

Not after everything he'd said. Not after the strange connection that had sparked between them. It was as though her body-no, her very soul-knew that this was bigger than her, bigger than anything she could understand. Something ancient and powerful was waking inside her, and it had nothing to do with the life she'd known.

There was only one way to find out.

Aria finished her shift as quickly as possible, the minutes dragging by as she mechanically moved through the motions. Every part of her screamed to turn back, to forget about the text, but she couldn't. Her mind, her instincts-whatever it was-had already decided for her.

The Blackthorn estate. She would go.

The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon by the time Aria found herself standing before the imposing gates. The mansion loomed behind them, an architectural marvel of glass and steel, its sharp angles and dark, gleaming surfaces making it look more like a fortress than a home.

Her pulse quickened as she approached the gates. She could hear the faint hum of security systems hidden somewhere beyond her line of sight. But before she could even consider turning back, the gates creaked open on their own, as though they had been expecting her.

She hesitated, but only for a moment. She stepped forward, pushing her nerves aside as she crossed the threshold.

The path before her was lined with perfectly manicured trees, their branches heavy with the weight of the setting sun. The air smelled faintly of lavender and earth, a strange calm hanging over everything. Aria walked slowly, her footsteps echoing on the stone walkway, as if the estate itself was watching her.

As she approached the front door, it swung open, revealing a tall figure standing in the doorway. Dominic.

His dark suit contrasted sharply against the pale stone of the mansion, and his presence felt almost suffocating, like the air around him thickened. His gaze locked onto hers, and for a moment, it was as though nothing else existed.

"Aria," he said, his voice a low murmur that sent shivers down her spine. "I'm glad you came."

"I didn't have much of a choice," she replied, trying to sound brave, though her voice betrayed her.

"You always have a choice," Dominic said with a faint smile. "But I think you know you've made the right one."

She didn't respond, her mouth dry as he stepped aside to let her in. The interior of the mansion was even more extravagant than she had imagined-high ceilings, sweeping staircases, walls lined with works of art that looked worth more than she could ever hope to earn in her lifetime.

"Do you want something to drink?" Dominic asked, as if he hadn't just dropped a bombshell on her life.

"No," Aria said, shaking her head quickly. "I didn't come here for small talk."

Dominic's smile faded, and he turned to lead her deeper into the mansion. "No. You came here for answers. And I'm going to give them to you."

They entered a large study, the walls lined with bookshelves that reached to the ceiling. A fire crackled in the hearth, casting warm light across the room. Dominic gestured for her to sit, and she did, feeling the weight of the moment pressing in on her.

"Let me explain," he began, sitting across from her, his gaze never leaving hers. "You were born for this, Aria. For the contract I'm offering you. You're not just any woman-you're a Moonborn, a key to a prophecy that will change everything. You are the Luna."

"Luna?" Aria echoed, confused. "I still don't understand. What do you want from me?"

He leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with intensity. "I want you by my side, Aria. To rule with me. To be mine."

The words hung heavy in the air between them, thick with promise and danger.

Aria felt her heart race, but she didn't flinch. "And if I say no?"

Dominic's smile returned, but it was colder this time. "Then everything you've known will crumble. The choice is yours, but I won't wait forever."

The fire crackled in the silence that followed, and Aria's heart thundered in her chest.

The choice was hers.

But something told her it would be the hardest decision she'd ever make.

And no matter what she chose, her life would never be the same.