I sat on the couch, watching the quiet apartment around me as Ariana walked toward the bathroom, her back to me. "I'll take a shower first. You rest a while," she said casually.
"Shower?" I was taken aback, watching her retreat into the bathroom. I muttered to myself, "At a time like this, she still has the calm to shower... She's too composed."
The sound of running water soon filled the room, and I sank deeper into the soft sofa, exhaling a sigh of relief. The Ring in my hand still faintly glowed, its energy as cold and unfamiliar as ever.
Meanwhile, inside the bathroom—
The sound of water masked her movements. Ariana, having made sure the door was firmly shut, quickly pulled out a small phone from her pocket and dialed a number. She spoke in a low, measured tone, laced with caution.
"Hello, it's me."