On the third day of Silas Norwood's stay, the International Hotel, which had been mostly empty, was suddenly fully booked.
Silas Norwood kept to the shadows, sitting with Celia Sterling in a corner of the hotel lobby over coffee. Droves of men and women with East Asian features were lining up to check in. After watching them for a moment, Celia whispered to him:
"They must be from the Perfumer chat group. The ones invited to the social event at the base."
Silas murmured a soft agreement. He didn't look at the newcomers, instead keeping his eyes lowered as he dutifully skimmed the foam from the top of Celia's coffee.
Celia glanced at him. "You've never been one for gatherings. You don't have to say a word, just stay with me."
Silas hummed in agreement again.
Celia looked down at her phone and sent a message to Miles Trenton. "Have you scheduled the meeting with Rivermoon?"
