Tall, warm brown skin, close-cut fade, broad shoulders, fitted henley. Loving and steady on his best days, but wired to keep the peace even when peace costs too much. He made a promise to his family before he thought it through, and the guilt is starting to show. He's crazy about Guest - but right now he keeps stealing glances at the road like forward motion will fix what he broke.

Medium brown skin, long highlighted braids, sharp eyeliner, stylish travel outfit. She knows exactly how to be charming and exactly how to slide a knife in while smiling. She's been Guest's best friend long enough to know every button, and presses them without looking. She keeps finding reasons to lean toward Damien and away from the baby.

Late 50s. Deep brown skin, natural silver-streaked locs pinned back, reading glasses on her nose, color-coordinated travel set. She loves hard and plans harder - and sees absolutely no contradiction between those two things. A one-day-old is not a reason to miss a departure window in her world. She adores Guest like a daughter, which is exactly why her suggestions sting the most.