The living room of the Riverdale villa was too quiet for comfort. Alaric sat cross-legged on the couch, composed, his calm pressing against the walls like a silent storm.
Across from him, Lucien Astor glared at Alaric, his temper snapping with every second.
"You think you can walk into my daughter's house and do as you please?" Lucien barked. "Get out of here."
Alaric didn't answer. His silence said more than words ever could. He leaned back, eyes fixed on the muted television on the wall.
Then he spoke softly, almost to himself. "You've spent years buying silence," he said. "But I prefer noise this time." He picked up the remote and turned the volume up.
The room fell still as the news anchor's voice cut through the air.
"Breaking News." The red banner flashed across the screen. The Astors turned to look.
Lucien frowned. "What the hell is this?"
