oduction crew had set up lights around the perimeter,

and folding chairs, the mandatory "get

s chest, his body language screaming "don't talk

er back straight, her hands resting on her knees. She

t, concerned smile at Aedan. "So, Aedan," she said, her voice dripping with fak

e filled with venom. He opened his mo

connected with Aedan's shin.

ed the curses, his jaw working furiously. "I'm fine,"

"Still so feisty." She exchanged a knowing look

we're all friends here. No need for hostility." He turned his warm, brown eye

nsation washed over her. A cold, oily feeling. A smell

"I am not in your industry," she said, her voice clear and co

the group. Aedan's nails dug into

l, it's great to be out in nature, right? A cha

her eyes bright with curiosity. "So, how did yo

We didn't meet, she's holding me

id, her tone leaving no furthe

arrative the internet had already constructed. The

or Cecil's enhanced hearing to catch. "She's

l. "She's putting on an act. Wait until th

to Katia. The coldness in her eyes was absolute.

wn her spine, and she quickly looked aw

smiles, the hidden agendas, the carefully cons

frustration, his weakness-it was all out in the open. He w

wasn't enough. She had to build a wall aro

ht, everyone! The fun begins tomorrow. First task is a navigation cha

hic maps. "One member from eac

cape the social pressure and

ulder. The force was light, but Aedan's knees b

, her trench coat swirling around her