But thanks to Zoe Pierce's interruption, the atmosphere between Chase Shaw and Nathan Lockwood visibly eased.
Miles Sherman, who had gotten off the shuttle first, immediately noticed the change when he saw the trio again.
Aaron Xavier, who had watched the whole thing unfold, felt superior. In that moment, neither the ever-composed Nathan Lockwood nor Chase Shaw—who always found him childish—could compare.
As they disembarked from the shuttle, Zoe Pierce released her grip on the two men.
The sky over Siren Star was gloomy and lightless, vast and desolate.
Visible motes of dust drifted through the air.
Zoe Pierce's expression instinctively sobered. One look was enough to tell this wasn't a place for games.
The instructors standing by the shuttle and speaking with Miles Sherman were all clad in training gear, their expressions grim and unsmiling.
They seemed fine seeing Miles Sherman and the others, but their brows furrowed at the sight of Zoe Pierce.
