I'm staying.

“I’ll stick around,” you tell Natalie, and she pressures you to break from the group, but your answer remains the same. She gives up without a sign but doesn’t offer much conversation.

Once your tour continues, you’re joined by the rest of the circus crew, who offer insights and explain the jargon used.

As you delve deeper into the circus world, you’re taken aback by the crew's family-friendly nature. The absence of swearing and their warm interactions with the fox girls, as if they’ve been long-time friends, fills you with a sense of joy and wonder. Mikko and Gwendolion's happiness is infectious, and even Arabella, who is usually reserved, seems to be enjoying the tour.

Before any choice can be made with what to do with yourself, someone comes up behind you and claps your shoulder. You turn, and you’re met with a dark blue gaze. It’s Scarlet, and she’s grinning.

“How was your private tour?” You ask her. Her smile straightens, and she stretches.

“It was fine,” Scarlet says. “There are six contractors, excluding you and me. And I’ve been selected as the head of this side of the program.”

“Wow. How’s the bump in pay?”

“Nonexistent,” Scarlet scoffs. “But I get to make the big girl discuss exterior dramas.”

Your eyebrows are knit. “They gave you a more important position and fucked you?”

Scarlet shifts her weight from leg to leg. “Complications and a half, but I’m here on good terms.”

“Joy,” you sigh. “What does this mean for the rest of us?”

“Nothing. But Jennifer mentioned the fox girls having to work. It’s the least they could do. Little brats could use some time working a real job anyway, not slaving away for gun runners or going-soft-contractor,” Scarlet produces a pack of cigarettes from her back pocket and opens it. In seconds, she’s puffing away.

“I ain’t soft,” you flare, snatching her package and getting your cigarette. Scarlet laughs softly, shooting you a sly wink. “What’s your gut tell you about this gig?”

“Honestly,” she takes a moment. “I’ve got a bad feeling, but it’s not because of the people here. I hope not, at least.”

You’re silent at first, contemplating what it is that could be an exterior threat, but it dawns on you she’s worried about Hetch's group sending a team after her. “What’d Jennifer want?”

“Don’t sweat it,” Scarlet exhales, flicking the orange end of her cigarette away. She steps down and looks at you. “Are you eating the rest of the contractors or your foxes?”