Chapter 82: Dare

Jess burst into laughter the second time..

She doubled over, shoulders trembling as she covered her mouth with a hand, but it did nothing to hide the sharp bursts of laughter spilling out. The firelight flickered against her, casting shifting shadows across her flushed face, her orange eyes alight with sheer amusement.

I sat there, frozen, the shock still settling in.

"I love you, Wanderers."

I repeated the phrase inwardly, testing how it felt in my mind. It didn't help.

Slowly, I turned to Celia, forcing a small smile as I leaned forward. "You sure you don't want to change it?" My voice was light, almost coaxing, but beneath it was the desperate hope that she'd reconsider.

But Celia only smirked.

"No," she said simply, her deep blue eyes gleaming. "My dare is final."

Her voice held no room for negotiation, no hint of mercy. Just pure amusement.

I exhaled sharply, dragging a hand down my face. Alright. Fine.