“Guards!” I called out loudly.

“Ariana, regulate yourself. Why all this shouting?” Ruben asked, trying to smooth the deepening frown on his face.

“There’s nothing for you to worry about with me. I’ve heard all I need from you right now. I have to see Marco and I want it quickly,” I said, breath tight with urgency.

“Why the sudden change of mood? We were just talking not too long ago and you were curious, but now you’re angry. I expected the opposite after I told you about ...