The chanting faded only after they were three corridors away from the kennel, but Leon knew better than to think the noise was harmless. In this place, sound traveled like gossip — moving faster than people, always finding the ears you least wanted it to.
Grace walked between Wolfe and Mo Rou, her steps quick and nervous. She didn't cling, but her posture said she wanted to. She kept looking over her shoulder, as though she expected the shadows to reach out and pull her back.
When they reached the safety of their quarters, Leon locked the door and did his usual sweep for listening devices. Wolfe was already sitting Grace down at the small table, his voice low and even.
"Drink this," he said, passing her a cup of water from the jug.
Grace hesitated, eyeing the water like it might be just another test. "I… don't drink anything they give me here."
"It's ours," Wolfe said simply, and that seemed to be enough.
