Aria rolled her shoulders slowly, drawing in a long breath. Her usual energy was muted, simmering beneath the surface instead of exploding outward like it normally did. A strange calm had settled over her features, but her eyes still sparkled with that familiar fire.
Then, with a quiet exhale, her wings began to grow.
Feathers shimmered into place, light bending around them as they rapidly stretched outward until they reached their original, enormous size. The sheer wingspan brushed against the walls and ceiling of the gym, casting shifting shadows across the faces of the group. Their presence was striking, powerful and undeniablly beautiful.
Aria stood tall beneath them and looked around at the others, her expression more serious than any of them were used to.
"Well," she said, her voice casual at first, "since everyone's in the mood to get real… I guess it's my turn."
Adam stiffened slightly. His brows pulled together in concern.
