Ayla’s POV
I nodded, grateful that he was taking charge because my brain felt like it had stopped working properly. Everything felt surreal, like I was watching this happen to someone else.
We reached the main area where several large tents had been set up. Some were for dining, others for activities and socializing. String lights had been hung between the tents, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that felt completely at odds with what had just happened.
Derek guided me to one of the picnic tables outside the main dining tent. A few other participants were scattered around, some eating, some just talking and laughing together.
"Sit," Derek said, and I did.
He sat down across from me, close enough that our conversation would feel private but far enough that it wouldn't look susp
