"Last minute partner swap," said Loveday to Baer and Brenner, who sat at a breakfast table with Wolf, Niko and Opal. "Baer, you're with Opal now, and Brenner you're with me. Generals' orders."
Baer kept shovelling in his breakfast, his expression unchanging.
Brenner had a shiner, and kept his face turned to his food because every time he looked up someone laughed at him.
"Okay," he said impassively.
Opal looked over at Baer with interest. He definitely wasn't Niko, but he was a big step up from being partnered with her own brother…
"Put it here partner," she called across the table to Baer, holding up her hand.
Baer looked up and her and returned the interested gaze for Loveday's benefit. He gave Opal a firm high five.
"Good news," he smirked at Opal, "looks like I've levelled up".
She giggled, looking furtively at Loveday. "You've definitely dropped a level Baer, don't be mean," she replied.