Chapter 225

Aria's POV Lillian tapped my shoulder, her gaze landing on my flushed face. "What were you dreaming about? You look pretty hot and bothered." She handed me a tissue. I took it, dabbing at the thin layer of sweat on my forehead while my mind replayed fragments of the dream. Heat rushed to my cheeks. I avoided answering her question, instead sitting up and staring blankly at the comforter covering me. Lillian misinterpreted my silence, assuming I'd had a nightmare. She wrapped her arms around me. "Aria? Don't be scared. It was just a dream. You're awake now—whatever happened wasn't real!" I pressed my lips together and glanced at her face, guilt washing over me. "Mmm," I managed weakly. Gently pushing her away, I mumbled, "I need to wash my face." "Sure," she said, releasing me. I padded to the bathroom in my slippers and splashed cold water on my face. The mirror reflected my flushed complexion, and despite the cooling sensation against my skin, I couldn't help remembering the vivid sce