**Flashback**
"Stop right there!!" A voice shouted from behind just as they emerged from the basement, making them freeze. The three of them turned to see Joey, eyes burning with anger.
"Where do you all think you're going?" Joey demanded furiously, pacing closer.
The stranger set Hannah down gently, shielding her behind them. "We don't want any trouble. Let us go!" the stranger said firmly, their voice filled with authority.
"Who the hell are you to give us orders?" Gilbert yelled from beside Joey. "And what even are you, a man or a woman? Show yourself!"
"My identity is none of your concern. Just let us leave, and no one gets hurt," the stranger responded coolly.
Louis and Hannah exchanged glances, both confused but also in awe of the stranger's confidence. They too couldn't help but wonder about the stranger's gender, but their priority was survival.
