The journey back to Valoria was silent.
No one spoke much inside the convoy.
Aria sat beside Rafael, Sophia's letter resting tightly between her fingers.
The words kept repeating inside her mind.
Your father and I were never guilty of what they accused us of.
Aria stared through the rain-covered window.
For the first time since arriving in Valoria, the Ricci estate didn't feel like home.
It felt like a place holding secrets.
Rafael noticed her silence.
"You don't have to do this tonight."
Aria shook her head.
"I do."
"Aria—"
"I need to hear it from him."
Her voice was quiet but determined.
"If Grandpa knows what really happened to my parents..."
She looked down at the letter.
"...then I need to know."
Rafael studied her for a moment.Then he reached for her hand.
"Whatever he tells you..."
"We'll deal with it together."
Aria nodded.
"I know."
