Ariel's breath caught as Dave stepped into the room, his presence was unwelcoming as it was shocking. He stood by the doorway, he exuded the same arrogant confidence she had at one time mistaken for charm. His eyes scanned the room and then locked on hers, a smug smile tugging at his lips.

"Ariel," he said, his voice smooth but laced with condescension. "You look... different. I suppose moving up in the world does that to people of your kind."

The teacup in Ariel's hand trembled, and then it dropped from her hand and shattered on the floor, Maria stepped forward to quickly retrieve the broken pieces before she steps...