The Silent Standoff

Dorian had honestly believed that lowering himself to soothe Aria would work.

He had imagined she would snap right back into that familiar bright mood, thrilled the way she always used to be whenever he tossed her a little attention.

But the shock came fast. Aria refused to play along.

She shut him out so completely that the entire hospital room felt colder.

And it made the anger Dorian had been s