Drawing the Line

Cornelius lay on the hospital bed, his face pale.

Enzo was by his side, trying to calm him down.

When Aria and Alaric walked in, Cornelius's expression finally eased up a bit.

"Aria, my dear, you're here," Cornelius said, waving her over.

He glanced at Alaric. "Ah, Alaric is here too."

"Mr. Thorne," Alaric said, nodding respectfully to Cornelius.

Enzo had just told Cornelius that Alaric spent the