"ಠ,_｣ಠ I feel like I'm missing several very important explanations right now."
Just as the girl inhaled to scream again, Si Hon reacted instantly.
He lunged forward and grabbed her by the waist, pulling her tightly against him before clamping a hand firmly over her mouth.
The scream died in her throat.
"Don't!" he whispered urgently.
Outside the door, the monsters were still gathered. Even the smallest noise could bring them crashing through.
Si Hon leaned closer, lowering his voice until it was barely more than breath.
"Who are you?" he demanded quietly. "And what is that mascot over there?"
The girl froze in his arms, stiff with shock. For a moment she didn't move at all. Then slowly, carefully, she reached up and touched the hand covering her mouth, tapping his wrist twice in signal.
Take it off.
Si Hon hesitated, then slowly removed his hand.
The girl inhaled sharply, her eyes darting around the room in panic as if expecting the walls themselves to be listening.
