All hell broke loose as Aria collapsed.
"Aria!" Liora screamed, rushing forward, tears slipping freely down her cheeks.
Serena blinked in shock. She had not expected that. But even as panic surged in the room, she remained seated, frozen, lips slightly parted, spoon still in hand.
Kael and Ren leapt to their feet at the same time.
"ARIA!" Kael shouted, knocking his chair over in a bid to get to her quickly.
Dax was already moving. He scooped Aria into his arms.
Kael reached for her, "Let me take her…"
Dax slapped his hand away without saying a word, his gray eyes burning with warning.
And then he was gone.
The doors slammed behind him with a gust of wind.
The silence that followed was heavy.
Liora clutched the edge of the table, heart pounding. "What just happened?"
Ren stared at the door. "Dax…" he muttered.
Everyone had seen it. The way Dax held Aria like she was the most precious thing in the world. The way his lips trembled, even though he did not say a word.
