"Edward is a good friend of mine."
"Heh, just a friend?"
She frowned. "Just a friend for now."
A flicker of anger crossed Hibbert's green eyes. "You spend practically every day with him, and he's still just a friend?"
Audrey was rather baffled. "Do you want us to be just friends or something else?"
"I want..."
Hibbert drew a breath. "I'd rather you and he were strangers."
"Hmph!"
She gave a little snort and entered her Spectator State. "Was the ship waiting for you all this time? Did Dad send you? Just to keep an eye on me?"
"I'm going to Bayam to discuss a business deal."
Liar!
You're here to watch me!
Audrey thought for a moment and asked, "Since you're here, does that mean I don't have to go home tonight?"
"Yes."
He nodded. "I've left a room for you in the suite I booked. You can stay there tonight."
Audrey narrowed her eyes in thought. "All right."
Hibbert breathed a sigh of relief. So far, it seemed his sister hadn't suffered at that fellow's hands yet. "What are you going to Bansy for?"
"Edward is going to Bansy. I'll go home as soon as we arrive."
Hibbert froze, then frowned. "Is Bansy dangerous?"
"Yes. Edward said Bansy seemed to have been contaminated by some mysterious power."
"Then what's he going there for?"
"Well, just think of it as a treasure hunt."
"Hmph!" he said disapprovingly. "I really don't see what's so good about becoming a Beyonder. Alfred had no choice because of his position, but you? Instead of enjoying your life as a young lady, you insist on risking madness and losing control. Mom and Dad worry about you every day."
Audrey's expression immediately softened at his words. "Thank you for caring, Hibbert, but... there are things