A Second Life, A New Power novel Chapter 398

"You believe that? Because I sure don't. What are the odds? Every single time you swear, it thunders. That's not just bad luck—it's cosmic feedback." Maria tilted her head, staring straight at Ana.

Ana quivered her lip. Her eyes filled with tears again, threatening to fall any second.

"Alright, Maria, that's enough. We're all on the same team. I hope everyone here can treat each other sincerely and stop with the mind games," Wendy said.

"I don't do mind games," Maria said firmly, shaking her head.

"Come on, Ana and Daniel. Warm up by the fire before you catch a cold," Nigel called to them.

"Let's go." Daniel gave Ana a little nudge, and they walked toward the fire together.

…

After dinner, the group took inventory of their remaining supplies.

Not much was left. Between feeding wolves, tigers, and lions—none of whom had small appetites—the group had burned through their food fast.

Thankfully, they'd gathered a few things from the mountain earlier. If they hadn't, they'd be out of food by tomorrow.

"We're all full and happy, so let's—" Cody started enthusiastically.

"Let's skip the games tonight. Everyone's tired. We should get some rest," Daniel cut in quickly.

He was genuinely afraid of Demi and, more specifically, what she might say if she started telling stories again.

"Are you serious?" Cody looked at him like he'd grown a second head. "It's only 6:30 pm."

"I'm just really tired," Daniel muttered, trying to hold his ground.

"Then you go rest. Find a spot and knock out," George said bluntly.

Daniel was speechless.

"We're in the wild, not your penthouse. You don't get to demand blackout curtains and complete silence," George continued.

Nigel looked awkward. There were two clear camps now—those who wanted to play and those who wanted to sleep. And he didn't want to offend either.

"I've got earplugs, Mr. Pitt," Cody offered helpfully, pulling out a pair and handing them to Daniel. "Just shove these in and deal with it."

Daniel's expression darkened, but he knew this wasn't his boardroom, and these people weren't his subordinates. He couldn't afford to lose his temper here.

"Thanks. Fine, let's play for a bit. But let's keep it short."

Maria and Demi exchanged a look, and both quietly laughed. They knew exactly what he was scared of.

But to his relief, Demi didn't talk about her past that night, and no one brought it up.

"That's a whole different question," Demi said with a smile.

"No worries. We'll circle back to you." George rubbed his hands together.

"Hey, no targeting me next round!" Demi warned, already on the defensive.

She knew too well what would happen if they started poking around her real secrets.

"We don't have to target you. Fate will do it for us," George said smugly.

The fact that the conversation had shifted to something so harmless finally allowed Daniel and Ana to breathe normally again.

Just a moment later, Cody grinned mischievously. "Demi, is there a guy you like at school? What's your type?"

"No," Demi answered crisply.

Demi was at a loss for words. What George said was weird.