Just as Tim left, someone else stepped out of the elevator.

Lily’s eyes snapped up as the door opened and her eyes brightened.

Her best friend, Gemma Wilson, was standing there.

"Oh, m’girl, you looking prettttttty!" Gemma shouted as she ran toward Lily, arms wide open for a hug.

Lily’s smile widened. Gemma had truly been the greatest divine gift granted to her... After Jensen, of course.

She remembered the first time she met Gemma.

Years ago, when she was far younger and the pressure, she was facing from her uncle... Someone she was supposed to trust after her father’s death.

Gemma had found her weeping in her hidden spot back at school. At first, Lily expected to be ridiculed or made fun of after getting caught with snot running down her face.

But no... Gemma sat next to her and cried as well.

Turns out, her crying spot had also been used by Gemma, they just never crossed paths until that day and as they cried, they both shared their stories.

They were so similar, it seemed like a copy.

However, unlike Lily, who was being suppressed by her uncle, Gemma’s torment came from her own father and brother.

Most especially her father, for one simple reason... Unlike the rest of the family, Gemma was not awakened.

Her father saw her as nothing but a bargaining chip to help further her brother’s career and he made sure she knew it every chance he got.

But unlike Lily, who was slowly falling into depression, Gemma had a unique way of dealing with her trauma.

She cried in private... Washed her face... Redid her makeup once she was done crying... Drank enough water to prevent dehydration. Then walk back out and keep fighting.

One of her most important sayings, which she kept repeating to Lily, was, "Never let them see you down."

Gemma was one of the main reasons Lily kept pushing and reached this point which was why she had asked Jensen to help her best friend.

She had even gone as far to exaggerate her best friend’s influence in the politics of the town to Jensen.

Lily smiled. "Good to see you too, sis." She spread her arms and ran into Gemma’s embrace.

They hugged for a full minute straight before Gemma slowly pulled away.

"Girl, your skin looks amazing. What are you using?" Gemma asked as her hands reached for Lily’s face.

"I told you. I am now awakened." Lily chuckled.

"Yes. Show me! Show me!! Show me!!!" Gemma jumped around excitedly.

Lily smiled and pulled her to a corner where they had more privacy.

Gemma stared intensely at Lily’s fingers as they transformed into claws.

"Oh my... it is beautiful," Gemma shouted excitedly.

"It looks scary," Lily said with a smile.

"It looks beautiful in a scary way." Gemma smiled. She was truly happy for her best friend, who she considered her sister. "Looks like I can depend on my little sister to take care of me."

"About that..." Lily began slowly.

"Oh, do not worry. If you cannot help, I have survived so long—" Gemma tried to stop Lily from explaining, but Lily cut her off.

"No... No... That is not what I meant." Lily’s smile widened as she saw her sister’s expression. "I think I can get you the opportunity to become awakened as well."

Gemma’s expression changed from excited to concerned. "What did you do?"

"Do not worry while I exaggerated your influence in politics a bit, it is something we can easily fix."

"Why did you even do that in the first place?" Gemma asked, confused.

"He does not really care who joins the family as long as they are useful."

"So, you claimed I was very influential."

"Well, technically, I told him your family was influential." Lily smiled. "All I have to do is recommend you to Lady Maria and speak to her... since we are quite close, she will cut you some slacks and as long as you have something to show, she will definitely choose you."

A short pause followed after.

"And if that does not work, I will help you myself."

(Lily had the Lesser Vampyre Creation ability.)

"Although what?" Gemma asked, catching the hesitation.

"Although you will be weaker."

"That is fine, I guess... I mean, as long as I become awakened." Gemma said, trying to lift Lily’s spirit. "So how do we plan to increase my influence?"

"Well, I have access to more than a hundred thousand low-grade mana stones currently so it should be very easy." Lily smiled.

"Wait. Why do you have so much? Is that just for sleeping with him?"

"No... I am now the Grand Treasurer of the Morvath family." Lily smiled proudly.

"So, you are using family funds to help me? Is that not just putting yourself in a bad position?" Gemma asked, concerned.

"As long as we make a profit, I do not think he would care much. Besides, we will be doing it for the benefit of the family." Lily smiled at Gemma, feeling her concern.

They fell silent for a few seconds. Gemma considered thanking her, but she knew Lily would only take it as an insult, so she changed the subject.

"I cannot believe you lost your virginity like that. What did I tell you?" Gemma grabbed Lily’s shoulders and shook her rigorously.

"Do not go for the first thing you see in the market. There might be better deals deeper in the market. Same goes for men." Lily answered rolling her eyes.

Lily sighed. "But it is different with Jensen... I don’t think there is anything better out there."

"Then you could have kept him busy with hand jobs until you found one or confirmed your theory." Gemma said. "then it wouldn’t be too late to tie yourself together."

Lily snickered. "You think Jensen is the same as your fiancé? The one you can keep on the hook with just a hand job? Trust me, he is not."

"Tell me... How many times have you done it since the first time?" Gemma asked.

"One more time." Lily’s voice was much quieter now.

"Just twice? What did I tell you? Once men have what they want, they quickly lose interest. That is why you want to keep them wanting." Gemma shook her head and coached Lily.

"And how do you know that Miss VIRGIN?" Lily’s smile widened.

"From influencers, of course and it has worked so far." Gemma said proudly. "Marty still does everything I say just for a hand job."

"And you turn a blind eye to him sleeping around with other women," Lily interjected.

"And he always comes crawling back." Gemma laughed. "I have him wrapped around my fingers."

"Like I said, that would not work with Jensen."

"We will see. If he is a dragon like you claim he is, then I am all in as promised." Gemma paused.

A big smile appeared on Lily’s face as she asked "Are you up for a trip to a site outside town? Trust me, it is a good way to show your usefulness and join the family so you can become awakened and your safety is guaranteed."

"Say less," Gemma said.

***

On the other hand, the man both women were talking about had just made it to the camp as everyone was going to sleep.

He was carrying Kairi and Aiko on his shoulders allowing him to travel all day and now he had finally arrived.

Unlike before the camp had definitely gotten better and he could see that Talia was definitely planning for the influx of people that would soon be coming in.

Jensen nodded his head in approval and immediately made his way towards the centre of the camp.