"If that's it for tonight, we should head back," Jasper announced, his voice sending a shiver down Ariel’s spine. She concentrated fiercely on a rock near Leroy's foot, trying to avoid looking up.

"Oh yes, that’s a very good idea," Mr. Warner agreed, drawing Mandy closer to his side. "We wouldn’t want to be late for the meeting."

Ariel blinked, her curiosity getting the better of her. Despite her resolve to avoid eye contact, she risked a glance at Jasper, only to be taken aback by Mr. Warner’s casual mention of a meeting.

A meeting?

"What meeting?" Jasper’s voice was sharp, his gaze fixed intently on the playwright.

Mr. Warner looked around at them all with an air of surprise. "Didn’t you know? The day three meeting is always held the night before."

"It works for me," Taylor muttered, clearly relieved. "There’s no way I’m getting up at the crack of dawn again." With that, she began to make her way toward the Inn, following the steady stream of people heading in that direction.

"About that," Mr. Warner began, trying to interject, but the priestess ignored him. "Uh, I guess she’ll find out for herself soon enough..."

"We really should be going," he urged the remaining group.

Finally, the crowd began to disperse, John falling into step beside Ariel. They exchanged a silent smile, a small comfort amidst the evening’s chaos.

"Are you okay?" John asked quietly as they walked through the now-emptying grounds.

"I’m okay," Ariel replied. "It’s just been... a long night. And you?"

"Good, actually."

Feeling a bit lighter than she had all night, Ariel’s eyes sparkled teasingly as she glanced at him. "You had some interesting company earlier..."

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

John coughed, a hint of pink coloring his cheeks. "Mandy and I met them a few days ago; they seemed to have taken... a liking to me."

Ariel’s lips twitched as she struggled to suppress a laugh. "I noticed."

They shared another smile as they passed beneath the canopy of magnolias strung up at the entrance to the festival grounds. The remnants of clouds from earlier rain parted slightly, allowing the moon’s pale glow to wash over the flat landscape of Magnolia Midlands. Ariel watched as her shadow stretched long and lean in the moonlight. Another shadow came to mind—Jasper.

I hope this meeting isn’t anything like this morning’s.

Her cheeks flushed pink as they approached the Inn, which was nearly as noisy and chaotic as the festival grounds had been. Ariel clung to Leroy’s arm tightly as they followed Jasper and Mr. Warner into the crowded building. The mingling scents of perfume, cologne, and sweet magnolias created a heady mixture that left Ariel yearning for fresh air.

"I didn’t know the Williamses had enough rooms for all these people," Leroy remarked, raising his voice to be heard over the din.

"Me neither," Ariel responded, ducking to avoid the elbow of a man squeezing past her.

Feeling overwhelmed by the heat and the tight quarters, Ariel was relieved when Mr. Warner announced that the meetings would be held in the same large rooms as that morning.

"Here," Leroy said, gently guiding Ariel toward Taylor. "I’ll see you in a bit."

Ariel nodded, reluctantly releasing his arm. Without her anchor, she was already being jostled about. "Have a good meeting," she called after him, her tone sincere.

With a quick grin, Leroy looked back. "I’ll be sure to keep my ears open."

Noticing Taylor’s inquisitive stare, Ariel feigned interest in her sleeve.

"What was that about?" the priestess asked, prodding for answers.

Ariel shrugged nonchalantly. "Who knows..."

Taylor’s eyes narrowed in suspicion, but she didn’t press further, as Mandy approached.

"Are we ready?" Mandy asked, her voice calm but commanding.

"After you," Ariel said quickly, gesturing for the medium to lead the way.

Mandy paused for a moment, scrutinizing her rival, but then moved on, gliding ahead with an air of composure. Taylor and Ariel followed behind, sharing an uncomfortable silence—Taylor eager for conversation, Ariel unwilling to engage.

The hall ahead was crowded with many of the women who had attended the festival that night. Most still carried their magnolias and were engaged in animated conversations, their laughter echoing through the space.

"I don’t know which I like better, tonight or tomorrow morning..."

"I know, I hope I can catch Noburo before Kasumi does."

Ariel frowned uncertainly, puzzled by the buzz about day three. Just what was it supposed to entail?

"WELCOME BACK, JUST IN HERE—THERE YOU GO..."