Arthur stepped forward, a rare, paternal softness in his eyes as he looked at Aria. "Aria, my dear. Are you sure about this? It’s a long way. And you’re so young."
Aria looked at Zayn, then back at her father. "I... I think it’s for the best, Father. Zayn says it will be a good opportunity."
Arthur sighed, running a hand through his thinning hair. He didn't understand Zayn’s sudden transformation, or why his youngest child was suddenly being whisked away, but the chaos of the past few days had left him weary. "Well, if Zayn says so. Just promise me you'll call. And write."
"I will," Aria promised, her voice thick with emotion.
Zayn nodded to the two burly men in discreet dark suits standing by the door. His security detail. They were almost invisible, blending into the background, but
