Looking at Haley's concerned expression, Ava couldn't help but let out a sigh before quickly grabbing her hand and running.
Startled, Haley couldn't help but stumble for a step or two before quickly catching up to Ava's pace. Although she was slightly injured and less athletic than Ava, her longer legs allowed her to keep up without too much difficulty, with each of her steps matching two of Ava's.
As they ran forward, Ava continuously looked back to ensure that neither Bruno nor the lanky man was following. All things considered, it was unlikely that they followed, considering that Bruno had his ankle cut while the lanky man had an eye poked out. Not even considering that, they were still in a decent part of town that was bordering the grey zone, and the Foxes Respite had a certain level of reputation in this part of town. Not enough that people would go into the alleyways to interfere, but enough that they'd be willing to send a message if they saw something problematic in public.
If that was the case, Bruno and Lanky would be done for. Of course, even in the situation that no one explicitly saw them, they were still likely done for, as it wasn't exactly hard to figure out what happened to Haley after the fact, but in the process, Haley would be raped and possibly killed.
To put it simply, the two of them were idiots. No matter how clever or strong they thought themselves, they were idiots who overestimated themselves and didn't have a clear view of the forces in the grey area. Sooner or later, they would offend someone they shouldn't offend and would die for it. It was simply a matter of how much damage they could cause in the meantime.
After they managed to get back into the general vicinity of Foxes Respite, Haley couldn't help but slow down while panting, "Ava, Ava, slow down. I can't, I can't catch my breath."
Turning back and looking at Haley, Ava struggled for a moment before nodding in agreement.
Seeing Ava agree, Haley let out a deep breath and started to slump down towards the ground, but Ava quickly tapped her and pointed at the wall. Groaning, Haley stopped sitting down and leaned against the wall. After catching her breath, Haley looked over at Ava, who was circling around and checking the various streets leading towards them for people. Letting out a wry smile, Haley said, "Thanks for saving me, Ava, I really appreciate it, I do, but you shouldn't put yourself at risk to save me! You should have gone back to get the Madam."
Frowning, Ava looked back at Haley, "But you would die."
Her face paling, Haley let out a thin smile, "But you could also have died with me."
Giving Haley a good look, Ava turned her head, "Caught your breath?"
Startled, Haley nodded, "Yes, but."
"Good. Let's go." Turning around, Ava started walking in the direction of the Foxes Respite.
From behind, Haley could only let out a sigh and quickly take a breath before chasing after Ava.
A moment later, they arrived back at the Foxes Respite and were surprised to find that the Madam was waiting for them at the door with a tense expression on her face.
Upon seeing them arrive, the Madam's face instantly relaxed as she let out a sigh of relief. Rushing forward, she went and looked over Haley and Ava to confirm that they weren't harmed, and after confirming there were no visible or serious wounds, she finally regained her solemn manner, "Alright, let's head to my office, girls. We can talk more in there."
Nodding, Haley and Ava followed after the Madam. As they entered, they were surprised to see there was no business on the main floor, and most of the other girls were standing around, looking at them with eyes of concern. Seeing this, Ava once again couldn't help but reevaluate the Madam in her heart. She knew that the lady had some level of status and power in this part of town, but the fact that she had been able to get information about their predicament before they managed to return was quite impressive. After all, someone had to see the situation and come back and tell her in the time it took for them to get out of it and sprint back.
Entering the Madam's office, Haley and Ava sat down. Pouring out two cups of hot tea, the Madam placed them in front of the two girls and asked, "Haley, I'm so glad to see you're safe. Did… anything happen?"
Letting out a soft smile, Haley shook her head, "No, I managed to get away mainly unharmed, just a couple of bruises down the backside thanks to…." Looking over at Ava, Haley hesitated for a second to try to explain what had happened.
Turning her eyes over, the Madam raised her eyebrows at Ava, "I must ask, how did you end up coming back with Haley."
Glancing over at Haley, Ava explained, "I was walking back when I heard a commotion in the alleyway. I went to see what happened and, with some luck, managed to give Haley a chance to run before getting away myself."
Hearing Ava underselling herself and the risk she took, Haley waved her hands, "It wasn't just luck, Madam! Ava was amazing back there. She came in and tricked the two men into thinking she was harmless and managed to stick a needle down Hector's eyes, and then, using herself as a distraction, she gave me a chance to run, and then, and then. Uh, well, I was outside the alley, but I heard Bruno let out a shout like I've never heard before."
Turning her eyes over at Ava, the Madam looked in curiosity, "Quite impressive, taking on two people twice your size. It's my negligence for not doing cleanup more regularly. It seems people think that the Foxes Respite has grown lax."
Letting out a small nod, Ava said, "The both of them should still be alive with any luck. They shouldn't be able to get far, though. The bigger man should be bleeding, so they'll leave a trail."
As she nodded, a ruthless glint flashed through the Madam's eyes. Anyone who could establish a base in this place wasn't simple, the Madam included. But after just a moment, her face returned to calm, and she couldn't help but ask Ava, "But… shouldn't you still be at your apprenticeship, Ava? How come you were on the streets."