Rachel gazed upon Harper's peaceful, slumbering form, their cruise ship halfway to Germany already. This country held a deep familiarity for her, inextricably linked to the woman before her—Harper Wilson, the only person on Earth who had placed unwavering trust in her, without question.
She still vividly recalled their first encounter within the confines of the virtual game world. Harper had been the quiet one in their group, and yet, somehow, she had found herself the object of attention and affection for many of the men.
This had often irritated Rachel, who despised the notion of being treated as a helpless girl who knew nothing. She had vowed to forge her own path, to excel at the game and climb the ranks on her own merits, without the need for coddling or protection.
