"Stay here. I can't be sure I won't hurt you if we talk in this state."
BAM!
Hikaru sank to the basement floor, her knees pulled tightly to her chest after Ars left her behind—alone in the room they all knew as the place where Ivan punished Yuki.
"…"
Since witnessing Yuki's indifferent expression, Hikaru had stopped crying. She remained silent even though she knew she was locked inside the windowless room. Her mind felt empty. No matter how hard she tried, Hikaru knew she would never be able to make Ars believe her words.
CLICK!
But the silence didn't last long.
Soon, the heavy lock turned again. Hikaru thought Ars had come back. She lifted her head, only to see Alexei standing there.
"Get up."
Alexei stopped at the doorway and opened it wider before continuing.
"You need to leave now."
Hikaru stared at him blankly, as if the words didn't reach her at all.
Leave?
"W–Where…?"
Her voice came out hoarse.
