Tilly looked at her pale face and frail shoulders, then took a slight breath, scooped Norris Moore up horizontally, turned around, and carried her away.
She had no rapport with Aldana Candi, couldn't possibly offend Philip Shaw for her sake.
*
Aldana Candi stood in place, watching the receding figures of Tilly and Norris Moore. It seemed as though the warmest thing in her life was gradually disappearing along with their diminishing silhouettes, leaving behind only an icy chill that froze her very soul.
The man approached, gripping her shoulders to turn her around, then reached out to pinch her chin, forcibly lifting her face. Aldana lowered her gaze, her eyes resting on the void.
"Look at me."
Accompanied by his slightly impatient voice, his fingers applied increasing pressure on her chin.
Aldana slowly raised her eyes, her slightly reddened eyes calmly and unwaveringly staring at him.
