Lilianna's smile didn't waver. A rude little secretary was not going to make her flinch.
"Oh, just for the record, I wasn't suggesting anything intense!"
She let a laugh carry the words, airy and unconcerned.
"I just figured—This is your first time meeting everyone properly. It'd be a great way to break the ice. Show everyone what you're made of."
Show everyone what you're made of, hung in the air like a challenge flag.
The ambient chatter had noticeably quieted down after she said that.
Pete leaned back, watching next to Chronos.
Chronos tilted his head and let one eye peek open.
Helena stood with her arms crossed, her expression unreadable.
Colonel Vane, who seemed to have melted into the wall, had materialized next to Helena.
Lilianna pressed forward.
"Tell you what—I'll make it easy. You pick the game. Whatever you're best at. I'll adjust to your level."
She spread her hands in a gesture of magnanimous generosity.
"Don't be shy. We're all friends here."
