"He swallowed, man," Artis said, his voice quivering. "And then... he ran. He just... ran away, screaming. I... I don't think he'll ever be the same again."
Hajin was trembling, his hands shaking.
"This is... This is a nightmare... How... How could something like this happen?"
Artis placed a firm hand on Hajin's shoulder, his face serious.
"That's why I got her out of there, man. I couldn't let her witness such... depravity."
He looked over at Lily, his eyes softening.
"I couldn't let those animals lay a hand on her... or worse... make her watch that freak show."
Hajin's eyes filled with gratitude.
"Artis... You... You saved her..." His voice cracked. "You... you're a hero..."
Artis smiled heroically, his teeth gleaming.
"I did what any man would do... to protect a woman's dignity."
Lily's mouth fell open. Dignity?!
'Oh, you arrogant son of a—'
Hajin's eyes sparkled with admiration. "