A Predictable Exit

Helena squeezed Aria's arm, her sharp nails digging into the soft fabric of Aria's blouse. "I am talking to you. Did you hear what I said?"

Aria pursed her lips tight. Arguing with her mother over Dorian's true nature was a losing battle. It made her feel suffocated.

Aria looked her mother dead in the eye and offered a hollow concession. "Got it."

Playing along would at least buy her some peace