Aurianna scoffed, glancing at Batholem. "Your friend is… annoying."
Batholem shrugged. "Just ignore her. And Nae, I believe it's time you let go of my arm." He offered Nae a polite but firm smile.
Nae's jaw clenched, her fingers tightening briefly around Batholem's arm before she reluctantly let go. 'Since when does this coward have the audacity to speak to me this way?' she seethed inwardly, her gaze darkening as she caught his cold stare.
Elena perked up again, turning to another young man in the group. "Hey, Peter! Since she's New Era, that means she'll be joining us, right?"
"I refuse," Aurianna cut in, her tone flat. She hadn't even grasped what they were talking about, but her answer was instinctive.
"Come on! I didn't even get to explain what we do!" Elena pouted.
"You're too impatient, Elena," Shuwi giggled, watching with amusement.
"Fine," Elena huffed, folding her arms. "I guess I can wait… a little."