Not A Small-Town Girl

The people in the other boxes overheard the exchange and came out to watch the drama unfold.

Nathan, standing by the railing, suddenly felt a flicker of recognition. "That voice... it’s so familiar. Where have I heard it before?’

David also recognized Shadow’s voice, thinking, ’Isn’t that Danielle’s voice?’ He strode toward the railing, his eyes fixed on her, deep in thought.

"Boss, it looks like Mr. Wulf and Shadow are going head-to-head. But I swear this Shadow seems familiar, like I’ve seen her before," Nathan said, puzzled.

For years, Hades Fortress and Shadow Fortress had kept their distance in the border area, so Nathan had never actually interacted with Shadow herself.

As Danielle turned to go back to the box, her eyes locked with David’s. Despite his mask, she recognized him instantly. ’Wasn’t he abroad? How did he end up here... Wait, this mask is exclusive to Hades. Could he be... Hades?’ she wondered. David instantly recognized Danielle. "Danielle," he said, confused.

He wondered, ’What’s she doing here? Isn’t that fox mask for Shadow? No wonder... last time at the club, she was drunk but still took down a whole group like it was nothing.

Nathan froze when he heard his boss call out Danielle’s name. ’Wait, that voice... isn’t it Miss Darling?’

He suddenly realized, ’No way, this is the same Miss Darling who has my boss wrapped around her finger. How is she here at the border, bidding on the Ice Velvet Plant? First the Crimson Lily, now this... it’s like my boss and Miss Darling are fated.’

He paused. ’Wait a minute-Mr. Wulf just called her Shadow! The infamous woman with the ruthless reputation... Miss Darling is Shadow?’ Nathan was in shock.

David was surprised, thinking, ’Danielle always said she was busy, but now she’s here at the border...’ Danielle was equally shocked, thinking, ’Hades is David? Seriously?’

Aiden watched Danielle, thinking, ’Why is Miss Darling staring at Hades like that? Did she fall for him? She was just on the phone with her boyfriend this morning, and now she’s eyeing another guy.

Feels like Miss Darling might be a little... fickle.’