As I crouched behind the tree, like some kind of paranoid raccoon, I peeked around the bark to keep an eye on Elara. She was still chatting with the production crew, completely oblivious to my presence thank the gods. I wiped a bead of sweat from my forehead. How long could I keep this up? At some point, I was going to have to stop skulking around like a criminal. Unfortunately.
[You realize this is the dumbest plan you've ever had, right?] the system chimed in. [You look insane.]
"I'm aware," I hissed under my breath, glancing around to make sure no one could hear me talking to myself. "But I need time. I can't have Elara seeing me before I figure out how to play this."
[Oh, right, because she's going to be so thrilled to find out you're the brains behind this show,] the system mocked. [Let me know how that conversation goes. I'm sure it'll be heartwarming.]
