The servants bowed and led Mo Ying and Lin Xu down a narrow stairway. The laughter and noise from the hall slowly faded behind them. The air turned cold and damp, the walls rough and dark.
They stopped at a heavy wooden door guarded by two men. One servant bowed. "Your purchase is inside, honored guest."
"Open it," Mo Ying said.
The guards pulled the latch, and the door creaked open.
Two young girls sat huddled on the floor, their wrists tied, faces pale and frightened. Lin Xu's chest tightened. She hurried forward. "It's alright… you're safe now."
Mo Ying said quietly, "Untie them."
The servants cut the ropes. One of the girls tried to stand but stumbled. Lin Xu caught her quickly. "Don't be afraid. You're safe now."
The older girl looked at her with trembling lips. "Will they hurt us again?"
Lin Xu shook her head. "No. I promise."
Mo Ying turned to the guards, his tone calm. "Prepare a carriage. They're coming with me."
