The next morning, Aria was called into the agency’s main office.

She had barely set one foot inside when she realized something was different.

The air buzzed. The managers were all gathered, speaking in hushed, serious voices.

"Miss Lane," one of them said, adjusting his glasses. "You’ve made quite an impression."

Aria blinked.

Was that... good or bad?

"Starting today," he continued, "you’re being reassigned. You’ll be working directly with Siren."

Aria froze.

Siren — the agency’s biggest act, the idol group that ruled the charts.

Leo Hart.

Riven Cross.

And two other members she hadn’t even properly met yet.

"Wait, are you serious?" she said before she could stop herself.

The man gave a rare, tight smile.

"Consider it an opportunity. They need someone grounded. Someone who won’t get starstruck or lose their head. Someone like... you."

Before Aria could argue — not that she even knew what to say — the door swung open.

Leo walked in, smiling as bright as the sun.

"Hey! Welcome to the madness," he said, tossing her a wink.

Right behind him, Riven followed, less enthusiastic, his hands jammed deep in his hoodie pockets. His eyes met Aria’s — unreadable, unreadable as ever.

"You sure about this?" Riven muttered to the manager.

"Positive," the man replied.

Aria inhaled deeply, trying to calm the storm brewing inside her.

Her mind raced. Working directly with them? Daily?

It was insane.

It was terrifying.

It was exciting.

And somewhere, deep inside her chest, a tiny voice whispered:

This is what you came here for.

Leo leaned down slightly, murmuring just loud enough for her to hear,

"Don’t worry. I’ll protect you from him."

He jerked his thumb toward Riven with a teasing grin.

Aria laughed, the sound surprising even herself.

But as she glanced at Riven — and caught the way he was already watching her — she knew.

It wouldn’t be Leo she needed protection from.

It would be herself.