Empty Shell

The dark-haired youth who seemed to be a few days away from adulthood had only grown more dashing over the time, in a way that matched the coldness in his eyes.

Having only gotten to this place after so long, Ray barely held back on storming the place right away. He only nodded at the Shadow's report before heading to the back of the carriage.

Creak.

"Mmmm, mmm!"

All kinds of suppressed hums emerged as soon as the doors parted, allowing sunlight to go through and reveal over a dozen of children that were 'packaged' inside.

"It's okay… everything will be okay."

It had only been seconds, but Ray's coldness had at one point been replaced by a gentle expression. He climbed up to the carriage himself and started untying the children's hands one by one. Ray tried his best to calm them down, but they were still scared that they didn't try to do anything even after being freed.

'This is better for now…'

"We will have to leave the last part on for now, but it's just for your safety."