WINTER IS COMING

[Doom]

"I'm so sorry," Blake said, raspy-voiced. "How did you get out of the city? Where are your parents?"
Monique stared at the floor, mumbling, "Mom and Dad told me to stay with my friends, saying I'd be safer with them."
Blake frowned. "Monique, there's no need to lie. You can trust me."
Monique hugged herself, face red. "Fine. They had a big fight and I ran away. For good this time."
"Oh my," sighed Blake, now looking at Stephanie and Kailen. "And what about you two?"

[Gifted]

"My parents are terrible people who likely had a part in this happening. I haven't spoken to them in months. Kailen's father is on the run."

[Doom]

"You're very forward," said Blake, nodding. "What's your name?"

[Gifted]

"Stephanie Clark, sir."

[Doom]

"'Sir.'" He chuckled. "You've got good taste in friends, Monique."
"If I could interrupt," interrupted Cam. "What was that about your parents, Ms. Clark?"

[Gifted]

"As I said, I haven't had contacted them in months. My parents are not good people, and I prefer not to associate with them."

[Doom]

"Leave her be, Cam," said Blake. "We'll have plenty of time for details later. For now, we need to ensure you kids are safe. The car you drove here: where'd you get it?"

[Gifted]

"We rented it. I intend on driving it back into the city a bit and ditching it. I paid cash so the rental company does not have my information."

[Doom]

"Smart," said Blake. "Taking the car all the way back to the city could be dangerous, though. If it were me, I'd ditch the car far away from the city, maybe drive it into a lake. Then I'd head in the opposite direction, throw off the trail. That's just me, though."

[Gifted]

"I don't want to break it. I'm not trying to be a thief. I'm breaking exactly as many laws as necessary. I'll likely leave the keys in the glovebox and park it somewhere."

[Doom]

"Suit yourself," said Blake. "Whatever you do, best do it quick. If your parents are involved in this, then chances are you're a person of interest. Even if you paid cash, there's still the possibility that you're being tracked somehow."

[Gifted]

"It's fine, I have multiple aliases I work under. They taught me to stay under the radar. I'll do my best to avoid them."

[Doom]

"Aliases, eh? So is 'Stephanie' an alias?" asked Blake.
Monique stepped forward, "Yeah, Stephanie is her real name."
Blake smirked.
"In any case," said Cam, "we should get you unpacked. You're all probably exhausted."

[Gifted]

Stephanie smiled at Monique. "Thank you very much. We'd like the help."

[Doom]

Cam set to work without a word, bringing in all the luggage he could carry. That wasn't much of a struggle, though, considering they'd packed light.
"'Can't say I was expecting three guests," said Blake apologetically. "Room arrangements might be a bit cramped."
"I think we can manage," said Monique. "Right?"