The living room was bright, almost blindingly so. The walls were made entirely of glass, revealing the tropical outdoors in every direction. Outside, the beach stretched out in full view, the white sand meeting the turquoise water under a sun that felt too cheerful for what was happening. It felt like a vacation spot, but the air inside was thick with a tension that hadn't let up for a second.
The group sat around the large dining table. Some were eating quietly, while Beam was hunched over her tablet, her fingers moving in a blur. They were in the middle of discussing their next move, their voices low and urgent.
"Everyone, look who's finally awake…" Haley announced from the doorway.
Immediately, the conversation died. All eyes turned toward them. Princess stood there beside Haley, looking pale but steady. She walked into the room with a heavy, deliberate pace.
