With a deliberate, unhurried motion, the octopus, retracted one of her sinewy tentacles, planting it with a soft thump on the cold, hard ground. Her eyes, unblinking and vigilant, were locked onto the disconcertingly serene smiles worn by Valeria and Margaret. In response, she offered them a grin, less refined, but genuine.
"Klaus," Margaret voiced her concern, her tone laced with apprehension. "Are you alright?"
Klaus responded to Margaret's inquiry with an affirming nod. "I am," he assured her, his voice steady. He then gestured towards the octopus as he saw Margaret and Valeria's stared, introducing it, "This is Krivvor. She's a friend."
At Klaus' declaration, a subtle shift in Valeria's and Margaret's expressions was noticeable. Their eyes remained fixed on Krivvor, their gaze scrutinizing, as if trying to decipher an unreadable code. After a moment of silent contemplation, Margaret broke the silence by moving towards Klaus.
