Ethereal Embrace

Cassian played along, tense and alert. "Ms. Vance."

"Ms. Vance," Arthur echoed nervously.

The others were just as jittery, their expressions taut.

Olin's face was unreadable, but he suggested, "Dr. Vane, why not carry Ms. Vance to the hot spring?"

"Understood," Cassian replied.

Arthur took the wheel while Cassian cradled Marcella in the backseat.

The remaining four guards climbed into a separate f