Minutes ago…
"Children."
Ophelia's gentle call caught everyone's attention.
The room resembled a dormitory, with rows upon rows of bunk beds filling the cramped space. Inside were children ranging from as young as four to their early teens, all dressed in identical tracksuits.
Most of their heads had been shaved clean. Even the child with the longest hair had only a few inches left.
There were no smiles on their faces. Only wariness.
Not a single child looked at ease.
Their gazes quickly shifted toward the person standing behind Ophelia.
There, they saw a beautiful woman.
Ashley.
"Hello." Ashley waved at them with a bright smile.
None of the children smiled back or spoke.
Instead, they slowly rose to their feet as though waiting for orders.
"Children," Ophelia said, walking farther into the room. "It's all right. The person with me is… someone who won't harm you."
Still, none of them relaxed.
Ophelia let out a shallow breath before glancing at Ashley.
