Soft warmth and delicate fragrance enveloped Howard, yet his heart remained still, devoid of emotional turbulence.
He understood that his involvement with this girl was purely utilitarian, tinged with a hint of guilt.
"Do not worry. When they come again, I shall strike unexpectedly, catching them off guard. I am certain I can rescue you from this place."
Howard offered comfort, and Aurelia nodded incessantly.
At that moment, however, a scoffing laugh followed by a series of coughs echoed from nearby.
"Who's there?"
Aware of the presence of someone still breathing in the adjacent room, Howard was not surprised.
He had not probed earlier; if someone was feigning death, it was of no concern to him.
Now that the person had made a sound, it indicated a willingness to communicate.
As expected, a feeble voice soon emanated from the other side: "Thinking of leaving this place?"
"You might be overly optimistic!"
