Chapter 99

Morning sunlight filtered through the leaves as Aria Bennett tiptoed into the cave.

"Time to wake up," she whispered.

Damian Cross was already packed and waiting by the rock wall. The other guests stirred awake, stretching and yawning. The production crew bustled around, adjusting equipment before restoring the livestream feeds.

"I remember a stream nearby," Aria said, glancing around. "Who wants to freshen up?"

"Me!"

"Take me with you!"

"Wait for me, Aria!"

Nearly everyone raised their hands—except Serena Blake, who stayed rooted in place.

"I’ll stay and keep Jonah company," she forced a smile. "Just bring me some water."

Last night’s failure weighed on her. She never expected Silas’s men to be so useless. At least he got away…

The thought sent a chill down her spine.

"No need," Jonah Pierce said flatly, shifting away.

Serena’s smile froze.

[LOL Jonah’s savage!]

[What’s Serena plotting now?]

[Stay away from our Jonah!]

Fans flooded the live comments, oblivious to the faint wisp of white mist drifting from Serena’s body.

By the stream, the group marveled at Aria’s sense of direction.

"How do you remember all these paths?" Kieran Doyle asked, awestruck.

"Seriously, I’m already lost," Elliot Hayes groaned, rubbing his temples.

Aria chuckled. "Maybe I just have good spatial memory."

She led them to bird nests and wild berries before guiding everyone back effortlessly.

"Aria’s basically a human GPS!"

"I’m officially an Aria fan from now on!"

"Same here!"

The trainees clamored with admiration until Kieran blurted out, cheeks pink, "Can we call you Aria-bear?"

"Of course," Aria’s eyes crinkled. "That’s what my fans call me."

[AHHH Aria-bear’s smile is lethal!]

[Wifey look at me!]

[Aria-bear, mommy loves you!]

The comments exploded as mom-fans and girlfriend-fans vied for attention.

Nolan Reed watched the screen, a sour pang in his chest. Then an idea struck—maybe… he could become a fan too?

The thought made his pulse quicken. Maybe this was the best way to reconnect with her.

Damian stood nearby, a faint smile playing on his lips. He didn’t need to be a fan—he had a far more exclusive role.

Outside the cave, Serena listened to the laughter, nails digging into her palms.

Her reflection in the water revealed her dwindling luck.

"This can’t go on," she muttered through gritted teeth.

Aria noticed Serena’s tension, her lips curving slightly.

The real game had only just begun.