A Remarkable Woman Springs from Nowhere

"Hey, what are you two doing here? Didn't you hear the gunfire?"

Suddenly, an English-speaking woman, appearing out of nowhere, startled them. She looked peculiar, dressed in a traditional kimono with her face painted pale, making her look especially eerie in the dead of night.

Avery Miller, frightened by her sudden appearance, fell into Ethan Montgomery's arms, accidentally touching his wound and hearing his barely audible grunt of pain.

"Are you okay? Did I touch your wound?" Avery quickly stood up, reaching out to touch his injury but hesitated to press any further.

"Heh, you are hurt, aren't you! Choosing such a place and time for romance, though secluded, isn't the safest. Be careful around here; it's not the safest time in the area!"

She rambled on, causing Avery's cheeks to turn red with embarrassment. But really, this was just a more recessed part of the alley—where had this woman come from?