A second photograph.Her mother was standing beside a man Aria didn't recognize.
The man's face had been scratched out.
She frowned.
"Who is that?"
No one answered.Victor examined the photograph.
"I don't know."
Aria looked around.
"Then let's find out."
She noticed a small number written beneath it.
17-B. Noah immediately searched the shelves.
"There's a box marked 17-B."
He pulled it down.Dust covered the lid.
Inside...there were letters. Old documents.
And one small black notebook.Aria carefully picked it up.The cover carried a single word.
Sophia.Her hands began trembling.
"That's my mother's handwriting."
Rafael stood beside her.
"Open it."
She hesitated.
Then slowly...she opened the first page.
The writing was faded but readable.
If something happens to me...Aria's heart stopped.She continued.Marco must never trust the council.She looked up.
"What council?"
Noah frowned.
Rafael's eyes narrowed.
"Keep reading."
Aria turned the page.
