The three of them walked down the long marble hallway, their footsteps echoing softly through the empty corridor.
The tall windows on their right flooded the passage with afternoon light, casting a warm glow across the polished floor. The air was quiet, peaceful—only the faint sound of birds outside filled the silence.
Fran was walking ahead again, humming lightly, her tail swaying behind her. Dila walked just behind her, calm but still distant, her eyes half-lowered, while Jade walked beside her, keeping a respectful distance after what had happened earlier.
After a few moments, Jade spoke, his tone gentle but cautious. "Hmm… I heard something bad happened today," he said softly, glancing at Dila.
The moment the words left his mouth, Dila's eyes shot toward him—cold and sharp. "Shut it," she said quietly, her voice trembling faintly with irritation.
