Now and Always

The tension around him was so thick you could feel it in the air.

Aria picked up on it instantly.

Alaric had his arms around her from behind, but when Aria heard his question, she turned to face him, meeting his eyes head-on.

Still held close by Alaric, Aria looked up at him and said, "She told me the Vance family isn't what it used to be, that someone with my background isn't worthy of you, so I