The sound of crunching bones fills the space as the man stumbles back, his cap falling off his hand. “Ow! What the fuck was that for!?” He exclaims, clutching his nose.

Dizzy from the hit, Elodie shakes her head rapidly, the cloth tied around her mouth falling off. She takes two steps back, steading her gaze on the door, preparing to lunge forward, but the man blocks her path, planting himself in her way with both his hands outstretched. He says in a loud voice, “Wait!” Elodie freezes, his face coming into view.

Elodie's brows draw together as she scrutinizes him. Recognition dawns on her face, and she lets out...