Chapter 1

Third  person pov:

Aria woke up early that morning, feeling refreshed and excited for the day ahead.  As she went through her morning routine, she thought about her life and all the things she was grateful for.  Aria loved reading and always had a book on hand, whether she was commuting to work or relaxing at home.  She also had a soft spot for animals, and volunteered at the local animal shelter.  And she had a secret love of all things magical and fantastical.

Aria left her cozy apartment, her book and keys in hand, and made her way to her favorite restaurant.

Aria finally arrived at Peter's restaurant, a soft smile on her lips as she took in the vintage decorations and the bustling activity in the restaurant.  She looked around, searching for Peter, and was delighted when she spotted him behind the counter, greeting customers with a warm smile. When he saw Aria, his face lit up, and he came out from behind the counter to greet her. 

Peter gave Aria a big hug, and asked her how she was doing.  Aria told him about her day, and they chatted for a bit about life, the city, and the latest news.  Then, Peter asked what Aria wanted to order, and she told him, her favorite dish, a delicious pasta with fresh herbs and a creamy sauce.

With Aria's order placed, Peter told her to have a seat at her favorite spot by the window.  As Aria sat down, she looked out the window and watched the world go by outside.  The sun was setting, casting a warm glow on the street and the people walking by. The sounds of the city mingled with the soft music playing in the restaurant, creating a soothing ambiance.

As Aria sat there, enjoying the view and the delicious smells wafting from the kitchen, she felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over her. It was the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy day.  Just as she was starting to feel a little sleepy, her pasta arrived, steaming hot and fragrant.

As Aria dug into her pasta, savoring every bite, she felt herself begin to relax even more. The creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta were like a warm hug for her taste buds.  Suddenly, she felt a tap on her shoulder.  She turned to see Peter standing there with a steaming cup of coffee.  "Thought you might like a little pick-me-up with your meal," he said with a smile. 

As Aria sipped her coffee and continued to enjoy her meal, she felt a sense of gratitude for her friendship with Peter and for this little oasis of calm in the midst of the busy city.  Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of laughter. 

The restaurant suddenly went silent as all eyes turned to watch them enter.  The men were all dressed in dark suits, and they exuded an air of danger and menace.  Even from across the room, Aria could feel the tension in the air.  The men were laughing and joking with each other, but their smiles didn't quite reach their eyes. 

The men entered the restaurant and walked to the counter to place their orders.  But as they walked, they looked around at the other patrons, and when they noticed Aria, they all stopped laughing and got quiet. Aria could feel their stares on her, and it made her feel very uncomfortable. 

Aria was so uncomfortable with the men staring at her, that she decided to leave immediately.  She got up from her table and went to the counter, where Peter was standing.  She told him she was done with her meal and said goodbye, trying to leave as quickly as possible. But as she turned to go, she noticed that the men were now standing right behind her.

He was tall and broad-shouldered, with dark hair and piercing grey eyes.  He stood a bit apart from the rest of the group, as if he was trying to distance himself from them.  But even though he seemed different, Aria still felt unease around him.

A large tattoo on his forearm, depicting a ferocious-looking dragon, its wings spread wide and its claws bared.  The detail is intricate and the colors vibrant, making it seem alive.  It seems to be the mark of someone who has seen battle and emerged victorious. 

With the tattooed man still standing behind her, Aria gathered her courage and walked towards the door of the restaurant.

But she couldn't resist taking one last look over her shoulder at the tattooed man and his companions. They were all watching her leave, but their expressions were unreadable.  She pushed open the door of the restaurant and stepped out into the street, her heart racing. 

Even though Aria was still a little shaken by her encounter with the tattooed man and his companions, she forced herself to focus on her errands and headed to the supermarket.