The following morning, they climbed out of the underground chamber, blinking as daylight poured through the cracks. The inn was in shambles—broken furniture, blood smeared on the floors and walls.
"Ma'am, what should we do?" one of the girls asked, her voice trembling.
"Clean everything," the head girl ordered, masking her fear behind authority. "We'll reopen when it's done."
"Yes, ma'am," the girl replied and hurried off.
Meanwhile, Alex and Raphael were inspecting the damage when the golden-haired girl approached them.
"Please," she said, her pink eyes pleading, "help us. We can't keep hiding forever. I know you're strong—you can save us."
Alex's expression hardened. "I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in helping anyone here. Find someone else." Without another word, he walked away.
Outside, Derek was waiting by the car, speaking with the head girl. As Alex and Raphael approached, he turned to them. "Are you ready to leave?"
"Yeah," Alex replied curtly.
