Ann nodded her head solemnly. Alice crouched down to her level, her tone soft but firm as she spoke, "Ann, why aren't you bound like the others?"
Madison stood silently behind Alice, her arms crossed, eyes darting toward the girl, waiting for an answer.
Ann hesitated, glancing down at her hands. "Because of my powers," she said softly.
Alice tilted her head. "Your powers? How do they protect you?"
Ann's voice trembled slightly as she answered. "I can heal. The owner of this mine... he makes me use my powers whenever he tortures someone."
Alice's face tightened with anger, but she nodded, taking a deep breath to calm herself. "I understand," she said grimly. "Ann... have you seen anyone named Nate among the workers here?"
Ann furrowed her brows, thinking hard. After a moment, she shook her head apologetically. "I'm sorry. I don't know anyone by that name."