Evaline:
I stared at River, waiting for him to repeat himself because surely I had misheard.
I couldn't believe he made us wait hours just to mess with us by playing a joke of this kind. He's not the type to do that. And yet, I couldn't believe he was being serious right now.
"Money?" I asked again, louder this time, because my brain absolutely refused to accept it.
River only nodded.
Rowan looked just as stunned as I felt, jaw slightly dropped, eyes wide. Kieran was the only one who looked composed, though even he had a faint crease between his brows... his version of complete disbelief.
"Money," River confirmed again, running a tired hand down his face.
I blinked. Twice. Then a third time.
"Are you trying to say the so-called 'offerings' turned out to be money?" I asked, my voice climbing higher with each word.
"Apparently so," Oscar replied from where he sat slumped on the couch, looking like he could fall asleep mid-sentence.
