Sweet Coercion

The long exposure to the wind had left them both chilled to the bone, but as they huddled together, a slight warmth began to take hold between them.

Valerie knew that Alaric's mood wouldn't change immediately, especially with the haunting, heart-piercing words Tristan spoke just before his demise.

"Alaric, you're not like him. You are a living, breathing person. But Tristan was not." Valerie said.