Volume Three, Chapter Twenty-Five: We at the End of the World_3

Xiao Xin, I know it's hard for you, but please, be rational," his throaty voice implored me to be sensible, yet he himself was not, holding me tight. "I'll take you for a shower, or—maybe go stand outside for a while—don't wear a coat—ah!"

I nipped gently at the side of his neck, prompting a cry from him. Then, he froze for a moment, as if battling fiercely in his mind before finally bending down to hoist me onto his shoulder and walking more than ten meters deeper into the corridor.

I had no idea where this was, only hearing the beeping sound, which seemed to be from an electronic lock. But his arms were trembling, failing three times before successfully opening a thick wooden door on the fourth try.