Arla snorted a laugh as Rayth led her forward. “‘My imaginary friend did it’ usually doesn’t go over very well with most people!” Though, she had to admit, the thought of being capable of pairing up with someone invisible certainly would have its advantages. 
	Despite their banter, she noted the care Rayth took to lead her around the mix of mess and cleanliness of the double-stacked beds.
	The musty odor of blankets and clothes a touch overdue for a good wash strengthened as they passed an exceptionally messy area. But they quickly left that behind, going from one sleeper car to the next.
	She stared at the new bunks absently. She had never shared sleeping quarters with someone else before. Not long term, at any rate. Even her experience with sleepovers was dismal. She ran her tongue over the back of her teeth as it dawned on her exactly how close-quarters she’d be living with others. She hadn’t expected to have her own space, but seeing the living arrangements in person sparked a tinge of apprehension in her.
	She frowned. Reassuring herself she had nothing to worry about—except maybe keeping her camera from breaking if she left it out—she shoved the emotion down with everything else on her, "Deal With That Later," list.
	Lost in her thoughts, Arla bumped into the half-vampire when he stopped. She looked up to him as he spoke, then followed his gaze and gesture to a bottom bunk. Her brows raised at the state of it. It looked far from being unoccupied. Either Rayth was messing with her, or this Genesis felt the need to claim two bunks. 
	“Tempting. But I think I’ll take your word on that. I’d rather not find out what it takes to get on a vampire’s bad side!” she offered a smile as he continued speaking, turning to her.
	She shrugged her indifference. “Sounds fine by me. You lead, I’ll follow. My light at the end of the tunnel is still that shower!” She ran her fingers through her dyed hair in emphasis. 
	“So…” she began, turning toward the next door leading from one car to the next. She may as well find out what she could about this place and its people now. “How many members are there? And what are the house rules?” she added as an unhappy afterthought, her eyes narrowing.
	She knew anywhere with others would have a code of conduct to prevent complete chaos, but she couldn’t help but hold her breath while she waited for his answer. She had already spent too long in a household with stifling rules. She had no intention of knowingly walking back into the same situation. Frieda seemed like the relaxed, understanding type, but you never really knew how someone captained their ship until you were a part of the crew.