The memories halted, and the person in his arms was stiff as a board.
"You look really ugly when you cry," he said on purpose, though she didn’t look ugly at all right now. Her eyes were red, her nose was red—just like the rabbit she had kept all those years ago.
Lena’s eyes flickered, but she didn’t argue back, didn’t scold him. That only made Alaric more nervous. Her once-dry tear ducts were now moist again. The previously empty corner was suddenly filled with people, and to any onlooker, it seemed like he was bullying her.
Alaric regretted getting involved. He wondered just what had hit Lena so hard that she was crying like this. Her current behavior didn’t resemble her at all. Even when he kept his arm around her waist, she didn't react or pull away.
Carefully, he moved his hand, a
