Aria's POV
"Lila? You sound like sunshine breaking through storm clouds."
Her soft giggle crackled over the phone speaker. "I'm really okay, Aria. I want to come home."
My heart pounded so hard I thought Damon might hear it through our walls. "Tomorrow morning?" I whispered, voice trembling.
"First flight out," she said, and even though she tried to be cheerful, I heard the tremor in her words. "I miss you, sis."
"I miss you more. Maya and I—" I caught a knock at the door. "Hold on one sec."
Maya poked her head through the frame, eyes bright. "Are you okay?"
I closed my eyes, breathing deep. "She's coming home."
Maya's face lit up. "Yes! Let's get everything ready. Dam, too—"
I bit my lip. "He's not here. He had a business call in Chicago and got back late. He said he'd be home tonight."
Maya sighed. "Perfect storm."
