A warm breeze swept around Ariel, gently stirring her sticky bangs from her forehead. Squinting in the dim light, with the moon obscured by clouds and no lanterns illuminating this corner, Ariel found herself standing near what looked like a barn—or, upon closer inspection, an outdoor theater.

Curious, Ariel took a few tentative steps toward it. The structure was covered, but its roof had several large gaps. The only wall was positioned behind a small wooden stage, while the rest of the theater remained open-air, with rows of wooden benches now overtaken by creeping weeds. Ariel frowned in confusion, wondering why a town so passionate about theater, like Magnolia Midlands, would allow such a venue to fall into such disrepair.

After a moment of thoughtful silence, Ariel’s thirst became a pressing distraction, drowning out her curiosity. With a sigh, she turned to glance once more at the crowd illuminated by the soft glow of firelight as they swarmed towards various food stands and attractions. Despite her parched throat, Ariel felt a peculiar sense of contentment in having stumbled upon this quiet sanctuary away from the festival's chaos. She had a rare moment of clarity and calm, finding solace in the stillness.

The next gust of wind carried with it the enticing aroma of festival food and the murmur of voices. Startled, Ariel glanced into the shadows, her solitude interrupted. Guided by an intuitive impulse, she dropped to the dusty ground, crouching behind one of the benches that had long been abandoned and overrun by tall grasses. Hidden by the darkness and foliage, Ariel could scarcely see but could clearly hear the voices growing from a faint murmur into a more defined tone. Words drifted through the air: “alone,” “Magnolias,” “theater”...

Ariel crouched lower as she realized whoever was out there was approaching the theater. Though she wasn't entirely sure why she was hiding, she wasn’t about to stand up now.

"I had planned to restore it this summer, though after all the extra expenses, I never got around to it."

Ariel nearly inhaled a mouthful of dust as she recognized the voice—Mr. Warner. Covering her mouth and nose, she struggled to stifle a sneeze as a female voice responded.

"Daniel, you know that would be pointless now."

The playwright emitted a reluctant sound of agreement. Ariel shifted carefully, trying to catch a glimpse of the mysterious woman accompanying him. The soft, unfamiliar voice intrigued her.

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He’s certainly not taking Shiloh for a midnight stroll.

Through the parted grass, Ariel could make out shadowy figures—long legs draped in a dress—but no discernible colors amidst the pervasive darkness. Mr. Warner walked by, only a few feet from her, and she ducked sharply as he spoke, his voice resonant in the stillness.

"I know you're unhappy about this..."

"Daniel, enough apologizing...I'm not that upset."

Ariel imagined the two sharing a look or a smile—or, given their proximity, possibly a kiss. She pressed her hand tighter over her mouth to stifle a surprised noise, nearly biting her tongue in the process.

"Take this—please do not deny me this one thing."

Mr. Warner’s voice sounded different from what Ariel had heard before. It was serious, pleading, yet carried a firmness she hadn’t expected. The silence that followed felt heavy with unspoken tension. Ariel leaned forward, straining to see anything, but the figures had already moved away, heading back toward the stage. The woman’s soft reply drifted back.

"I accept it...thank you."

Their shadows began to move again, drifting away from the theater.

No! I have to follow them!

Just then, a strong hand clamped over her mouth, and in one swift motion, she was pulled to her feet and held from behind. Ariel let out a shocked cry and struggled, but the strong arms that restrained her were far too powerful. She was pinned against a warm body that smelled strangely of...coffee?

Led swiftly into the shadows, frustratingly in the opposite direction of Mr. Warner, Ariel was finally released. The moment her captor’s hold relaxed, she spun around with such force she nearly lost her balance.

"Help—" she began to cry out, but a firm hand caught her arm, steadying her before pulling her close again. A warning finger was pressed to her lips.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she stared into the eyes of her attacker, and then she recoiled in surprise.

"Jasper!" she gasped.

Her boss glared at her sharply. "Ariel, be quiet," he warned.

Ariel was grateful for his firm grip on her arm, certain it was the only thing keeping her upright at that moment.

"What do you think you’re doing?" she demanded breathlessly, stunned by his forceful handling.

"Don’t you think that’s a better question for you?"

Ariel jerked her arm from his grasp. "Excuse me, but last time I checked, it wasn’t normal to kidnap your employees and drag them through the dark—"

"Last time I checked, normal people didn’t crouch in the dark eavesdropping on innocent couples," Jasper cut in, his gaze lingering on the dust coating Mandy’s pristine dress. Ariel’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"Innocent couples? There was nothing innocent about—" but she stopped abruptly, noting the eager gleam in Jasper’s eyes.

He hadn’t arrived in time. He didn’t know whom she had seen.

That Jasper.