A Second Life, A New Power novel Chapter 374

"Don't call me by my name since we're not close," Demi replied coldly.

Maria's anger flared even hotter. So, Daniel was speaking for Ana now? He was clearly siding with Ana.

"Let's find a place to eat," Nigel interjected, trying to diffuse the tension.

"Wait. Ana needs to change first. She can't be exposed to cold water," Daniel said urgently.

The group fell silent. Why did she join an outdoor survival show if she couldn't tolerate cold water?

"Is it that time of the month? If so, maybe she should consider withdrawing from the show. The director did say it's allowed," Wendy asked in concern.

"N-No! It's not that!" Ana's face flushed as she shook her head vehemently.

Silence ensued again.

Daniel wasn't a fool. He had noticed everyone's skepticism.

"Ana has been frail since birth. She isn't throwing a tantrum," he defended.

Ana interrupted, "Daniel, it's okay. My bag got swept away, and all my clothes were in it."

Daniel paled, realizing his oversight.

"Could any of the ladies spare her a change of clothes?" he asked the female guests.

They stared back, speechless.

Wendy reminded him pointedly, "Have you forgotten that we've all agreed to pack only one change of clothes to maximize the supplies to carry?"

Daniel understood the women's hesitation. In his panic over Ana catching a chill, he'd overlooked their prior arrangement.

Truthfully, Daniel wasn't here for the show. Between babysitting Ana and repairing relations with Demi, survival logistics had slipped his mind.

"My apologies. It slipped my mind," he conceded, then turned to Thomas. "Give Ana your spare clothes."

Thomas wanted to challenge Daniel's decision. However, defying Daniel wasn't an option. Grudgingly, he unzipped his pack and thrust his spare outfit at Ana.

Daniel and Thomas then escorted Ana away to change, taking a tent's waterproof tarp for privacy.

Maria suggested, "Should we all change into dry clothes too? We could hang the wet ones on the tree to dry."

The group agreed and proceeded to split by gender to change. The cameramen had to film the trees, water, and clouds during that time.

…

At noon, the group settled on a flat stretch of land to eat lunch. They had instant food and ready-made meal packets while their damp clothes were left drying on nearby trees and boulders.

...

After the meal, they began their ascent up the mountain trail. The path was treacherously steep and devoid of man-made steps, forcing them to climb on all fours at times.

...

The comment section erupted into an all-out warfare between the two factions.

Demi deliberately ignored Ana's pointed look and addressed the group instead. She said, "Follow me up the mountain. We'll find shelter from the rain."

"But where? Even if we find a spot, we'll have to cut trees and pitch tents. We'll be soaked by then!" Maria couldn't help complaining.

"Trust me. We'll find something." Demi's confidence was unwavering as she gestured for them to follow and began leading the climb.

The group hurried after her. Demi deliberately slowed her pace, glancing back frequently to check on everyone.

Another half an hour had passed, exhaustion set in, especially among the female guests, and their teeth chattered violently from the cold.

"We're almost there. Just ten more minutes," Demi encouraged.

The promise of refuge revived their spirits.

...

15 minutes later, they stood before a gaping cave entrance.

Herne stepped forward, scrutinizing it. "This looks like a wild animal's den. Going in could get us attacked. We can't risk it."