Her breathing grew uneven again.
"Are you okay, Aria, darling?" Martha's voice came through the door once more, this time laced with concern.
Aria shut her eyes briefly.
I'm dead to Damien, she reminded herself. And if I ever run into him again… I need to stay dead.
Her jaw tightened.
I'm not Aria anymore. What was the name Ethan gave me again?
Oh yeah Penelope.
Taking in a deep breath, Aria gathered her courage. Her fingers trembled slightly as she reached for the doorknob again as she opened the door.
And there she was.
Aunt Martha.
The not-too-old woman stood there with her blonde hair neatly packed into a bun, dressed in a long, flowing gown. A wide, relieved smile spread across her face the moment she saw Aria.
"Aria!"
"Aunt Martha!!"
Tears instantly filled Aria's eyes and spilled over. Without hesitation, she rushed forward and threw herself into Martha's arms.
