Ivy and Ember both winced and instinctively lifted their hands to shield their faces.
Grey and Harry followed close behind. Once inside, Ember frowned. "Why is it so hot in here? What's going on?"
"This is just the entrance," Harry replied smoothly. "We'll reach the market soon."
He gestured for them to follow. Ivy and Ember exchanged a silent look before trailing behind.
After a short walk, they reached an open chamber... an eerie clearing lit by faint, flickering bulbs.
The air here was different. Thick. Heavy. The faint sound of muffled sobs echoed off the walls.
Ivy's heart sank. Dozens of men and women were tied up inside, their faces pale, eyes hollow, and bodies slumped in exhaustion. Several guards patrolled the area lazily, laughing and chatting.
Ivy and Ember froze in horror
Though they had expected to come across an inhuman scene, it still made their heart tremble.
Especially Ivy, the memory of being trafficked to a laboratory was still fresh in her mind.
