As the group began to gather their composure, the weight of Vladimir's inquiry still hung in the air. Raena and Aurora exchanged nervous glances, their minds racing to figure out how to navigate the situation without raising further suspicions.
The tension in the air was thick, and palpable, as if the very atmosphere was bracing for what might come next. Vladimir's eyes narrowed slightly as he observed the unease between them, his mind undoubtedly piecing together the oddities of the situation.
"Jaun," Vladimir's voice cut through the tension like a blade, his tone firm yet laced with curiosity, "What were you doing with them? You're not part of this group, are you?"
Jaun felt the gaze of everyone settle on him. The silence that followed was suffocating, pressing down on him like a weight. He knew that this moment could tip the scales, either drawing unwanted attention or forcing the truth into the open.
