The lingering scent of burnt coffee filled Aria’s kitchen, a bitter counterpoint to the quiet tension that always seemed to hum between her parents. She leaned against the counter, mug clutched in her hands, trying to project an air of nonchalance she didn't feel.

“No, Gaia, we are not going to tell her.” Dimitri’s voice was a low growl.

“She’s an adult. You can’t keep this from her forever, Dimitri.” Gaia shot back, her voice tight with exasperation.

Aria sighed. Another one of their cryptic arguments, always about her, always just out of reach. She had woken to their hushed, furious whispers, a familiar prelude to a day of veiled truths and evasions.

“You don’t know that. She could stay human for the rest of her life.” Dimitri countered, his frustration palpable.

“You know as well as I do that even if her… what was that?” Gaia’s voice cut off abruptly.

“Aria?” Dimitri called, his tone laced with sudden concern.

Caught. Again. Aria pushed away from the counter, stepping around the corner into their view. “Hi, Mom, Dad. So, what were you two arguing about this time?” she asked, trying to sound casual as she walked towards the coffee maker.

Dimitri offered a strained smile. “Nothing, darling, just some parent stuff.”

Gaia snorted, a decidedly un-ladylike sound. “Bullshit,” Aria muttered under her breath.

“What did you say, Young Lady?” Dimitri’s voice sharpened.

Aria turned, her gaze hardening. “I said, ‘Bullshit’.” Her night had been bad enough without them waking her up with their secrets. She was tired of it.

Gaia, sensing the shift in her daughter, moved quickly to intercede, stepping between them. “Are you okay, Aria?”

“I got into a fight last night at the bar, and then you two wake me up. I know you were talking about me, and I’m getting really tired of having things about me kept from me.” Aria’s glare encompassed both of them now, demanding answers.