Wanting to brush off the subject, I said, “I dunno, dude. Anyway, how much longer does this thing last? I’m hungry.”
“We’ve got another hour of mingling,” Saffron said. “And this time, you’d better stick by me.”
Hope fluttered in my chest. My plan was already paying off.
“Don’t worry about it, bro. I got your back,” I promised.
And I meant it.
Six
Mylo
After the meet-and-greet finally ended,I returned to the hotel in a daze.
It felt like stepping out of a dream and back into reality. Except not exactly, because I was in a 5-star hotel on a pristine beach on a private island owned by dragons, and that certainly wasn’tmyusual reality.
But still, the wildest part was my conversation with that golden-haired man. He’d singled me out of the crowd, defended me from cruel comments, then pulled me aside to talk to me one-on-one...
I felt breathless thinking about it. Before the show, I expected to disappear into the background and be forgotten. Instead, I had thirty cameras circling me like vultures.
“Are you going to move so others can use the elevator?” a dry voice asked behind me.
I jolted as Alaric slipped next to me and jabbed the elevator call button. His cheeks were flushed from alcohol, and he wore a scowl that didn’t look like it was leaving his face anytime soon.
“Sorry,” I said.
He sniffed. “Whatever.”
My stomach fell. Was he mad at me? What did I do wrong?
“Don’t mind him,” Poppy said gently, appearing on my other side. “He had a little too much to drink.”
“I am perfectly fine,” Alaric slurred.
“So, he’s not upset with me?” I whispered to Poppy, hoping not to draw Alaric’s ire.
“Iamupset,” Alaric snapped. “But not with you... whatever your name is. I forgot.” He waved it off. “I’m upset at the situation I find myself in for the fourth time. Augh!”
Poppy anxiously glanced behind him. He and I must’ve been kindred spirits, because I noticed the same thing he did. Other contestants listened closely, seeking information and drama. Plus, there were camera crew in the hotel lobby.
“Come to my room,” Poppy said under his breath. “We’ll talk there.”
After an awkward elevator ride in which Alaric bemoaned his life, Poppy herded us to his room. The casual way he strode down the hallway and unlocked the door made me think he’d done this before. Come to think of it, their chatter during the opening ceremonies hinted they had more experience with this game show thing than I did. Maybe I could learn a thing or two from them.
The inside of Poppy’s room was tidy, but smelled like wolf. We’d only been on the island for a couple days, and Poppy himself didn’t exactly reek of doggy odor. Had he stayed here longer before?
Alaric pushed past me and launched himself onto the bed with a loud moan. I felt uncomfortable in a second-hand embarrassment way. Alaric seemed so prim and well put together, it was weird seeing him like this. I guess he was too drunk to care that a total stranger bore witness to his meltdown.
“This is the worst day of my life,” Alaric lamented. “The twins aren’t even my type, but come on.” He threw his arm vaguely in my direction. “They pickedthatguy over me!”
His words stabbed me in the gut.
“Alaric, that’s not nice,” Poppy chided.
“What? I don’t know his name.”
Poppy put his hand over his mouth. “Oh... I don’t think we ever introduced ourselves, either. I’m Poppy, and this is Alaric.”
