Morning came with rare sunshine breaking through the clouds. Aria woke early, determination settling in her chest. Today would be different. Today would be normal.
"Luna, wake up sweetie. We're going on an adventure," Aria said gently, stroking her daughter's hair.
Luna's eyes opened, one gold and one green, both bright with curiosity. "Adventure where?"
"The lake. Just you, me, and Daddy. We're going to swim and play and have a picnic."
"Really?" Luna sat up, excitement replacing the haunted look that had become too common lately. "No training? No priestesses?"
"No training. No priestesses. Just fun." Aria smiled at her daughter's joy. "Now get dressed. We leave in an hour."
Dante had already arranged everything. A security team would follow at a distance, invisible but present. The
