Alaric was pacing the room when the door suddenly snapped open and his parents walked in.
"We are leaving right now," Zara announced before the door had even shut.
"What?" Alaric blinked, not sure he heard right. His gaze swung to his father in question.
Caspian sighed, his voice tired. "You heard your mother. We are going home."
"No. No, no." Alaric shook his head. "I can't leave right now."
Zara jutted her chin. "And why is that?" Her eyes locked on his. "Because of Violet Purple?"
Alaric didn't answer, his Adam's apple bobbing instead.
Zara stepped closer, desperation flashing in her eyes as she stared him down. "What has that girl done to you? I can't even recognize my son anymore."
"She did nothing to me, Mom. I just can't leave. I have to be here when she comes back with the others."
Those words scraped against Zara's nerves, and she lost it. "That girl has a mate!" she screamed. "Two, in fact! So what exactly are you waiting for?"
