"Holy crap! Demi just charges into danger like a freaking superhero!"
"The show should pay her double at this point."
"I wonder how she'll react when she realizes Ana's among those she's saving."
"She'll still do it. Remember Thomas? She's saved him twice already!"
"Honestly, I fall harder for Demi every episode."
...
Several minutes later, Maria and the others came running, breathless.
"What happened? Is everyone okay?" they asked frantically.
The staff repeated their earlier explanation to Demi.
Maria pointed at the raging rapids and asked worriedly, "So, Demi went after them?"
The staff nodded. "Yes."
"Hold on. Why did you ask Demi when you have professional rescuers?" Maria's tone turned accusatory in her moment of panic.
The staff lowered his head in embarrassment. He couldn't bring himself to admit they'd developed a reflex to call for Demi whenever danger struck.
Before Maria could protest, Wendy stopped her with a subtle tug.
"Are there any crew members ahead? Can you check on their status?" Wendy asked.
The staff member quickly radioed in. "Have you located the guests? What's the situation?"
"All good!" The reply didn't come from the radio—it was Demi's voice, echoing from downriver.
Moments later, Demi came into view, swimming while towing a small raft.
Three women sat aboard—Ana, Caitlin, and Vivian—while Herne pushed from behind.
Ana's expression was stony. Caitlin and Vivian looked deeply embarrassed.
The staff rushed forward to assist.
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