Helga's gaze softened, but her words were no less intense. She crouched down slightly, speaking to Aron in a voice that was unexpectedly gentle. "Listen, you don't have to worry. Just say it. Say she kidnapped you, and I swear—I'll bury her with my own hands." Her tone was chilling in its softness.
Aron's eyes widened in shock, but it was Esme who reacted first. "Excuse me?" she spluttered, disbelief clear in her voice. "Do you think I'm the type of person who kidnaps someone?"
Helga turned to Esme, slowly looking her up and down with a scrutinizing glare. "You are."
Esme recoiled as if she'd been physically struck, her expression one of exaggerated hurt. It was as if Helga's words had shot straight through her heart. She dramatically collapsed to the ground, clutching at her chest with mock anguish. "How could you do this to me? I am such a sweet, innocent, weak girl," she whimpered, her voice full of false sorrow.
