Chapter 15

The murmur of conversation in the room halted at my arrival. I was hoping I'd be able to sneak in unannounced, but that seemed to be wishful thinking. It was the same small room where we ate lunch the first time. The only difference this time around was that the round table was completely full, besides the one vacant seat next to Benji whose eyes were already focused on me.

He silently motioned me forward and I followed his unspoken command. I focused on the shuffling of my feet as I slid into the seat next to him, trying to ignore all the curious eyes watching my every move. It felt like I was an animal trapped at a zoo, there to entertain the viewers.

I shook the thought from my mind, turning my head ever so slightly to face him. "Hi."

"Hello." He responded, his blue eyes searching my face for a moment before turning to address the rest of the people sitting at the table. "This is Aria, for anyone who isn't aware."

I tried not to zero in on the way he addressed me. He introduced me