At a certain dungeon in Necrophi, within the southern continent of Mazuria...
Lumia slowly opened her eyes.
"It's already been six days…" she murmured, her voice raspy. "I wonder how the girls are doing. I hope Xia didn't get caught by that pig."
Her crimson eyes, still beautiful, stared blankly at the iron bars before her—eyes that once held fire now dulled by fatigue. Her once-lustrous blonde hair swayed weakly in the breeze coming through the window, lifeless like dry silk. Leaning her back against the cold, rough wall, she sighed again.
That was when she heard several footsteps approaching.
The iron-barred dungeon door clanked and creaked as it opened—twelve thick bars reinforced the entrance. A thin, middle-aged man walked in, flanked by guards. His long, frilly grey hair and slanted eyes gave him a sleazy look. He had a curled mustache that twitched with every smirk.
His name was Smir, secretary of the wretched Count Glaint.
Smir stepped inside, scanned her from head to toe, and chuckled.
"Well, well... quite a harsh punishment, isn't it?" he said mockingly.
"Nope. I'm comfortable," Lumia replied flatly, smiling with dry sarcasm.
"Hoho, hoho!" Smir laughed like a pig choking on air. "Be grateful. The great Count Glaint has forgiven you for your disrespect. Truly, a man with a generous heart."
"That pedo? Kind?" Lumia said, blinking slowly.
Smir's smile twitched. His tone turned cold. "Be careful with your words. If it weren't for the value of your blood to the Count, he would've—"
"How amazing and great Count Glaint is!" Lumia interrupted, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Please thank him for giving this poor girl another chance."
Smir grinned again. "Now we're talking."
But inside, Lumia was screaming. Her stomach twisted with every word she'd just forced out. She wanted to vomit just saying that bastard's name in praise. Still, she had no choice. There was nothing she could do right now—nothing to gain from rebellion.
Smir waved his hand, and the guards stepped forward, unlocking her chains. One of them reached to lift her.
"I can walk," Lumia muttered, brushing them off as she stood.
She walked past Smir with quiet dignity, despite her weak legs. The guards followed behind as he turned down another path. Lumia said nothing. She didn't want to waste words anymore.
---
They took her to the place where the girls were kept.
As she stepped into the dim corridor, a shout erupted.
"Lumia!!" a girl cried.
All the girls turned at once. The first to rush into her arms was Xia.
"Sister Lumia!" she sobbed.
"Xia…" Lumia whispered, hugging her tightly.
The guards simply turned and walked away, their expressions indifferent, as if it were just another shift.
One by one, the girls surrounded Lumia. Tears welled up. Voices overlapped.
"Are you alright?"
"Did they hurt you?"
"Where does it hurt?"
Lumia took a breath and looked around.
"Where's Clara?"
The room fell quiet.
A girl with curly silver hair and downcast eyes stepped forward. Her name was Lyra.
"She… she's been taken to the lab. Ever since you were locked up, she volunteered to take your place. For the blood draws and the experiments."
Lumia's entire body stiffened. She clenched her fists.
She tried to stand—but Xia immediately grabbed her wrist.
"You're in no condition to give blood! Please don't even think about it."
"Xia's right," said another voice firmly.
Lumia turned to see Fors, the short girl with brown hair, sharp bangs, and serious eyes. She was the group's closest thing to a doctor.
"We've been taking turns to cover your quota. You don't need to feel guilty. Just focus on recovery."
Lumia nodded slowly. And then her knees buckled.
Everyone gasped—but Fors quickly knelt down and checked her pulse.
"She's just exhausted," Fors confirmed. "She'll be alright after some rest and a proper meal."
"Maya," Fors called.
A tall, muscular girl stepped forward. Her eyes were kind but firm. Without a word, she gently picked Lumia up like she weighed nothing and carried her to the bed.
---
A few hours passed.
Lumia slowly opened her eyes. She was in her bed.
Beside her… lay Clara.
The sight of her sleeping face brought relief—but that relief turned to dread when she noticed the thick bandages wrapped around Clara's arms. Her expression darkened.
"It's okay. It was her choice," said Fors from behind.
Lumia turned to see her holding a bowl of water and towels.
Fors walked over and sat beside Clara, unwrapping the bandages with care. Her brows furrowed in frustration.
"They didn't even bandage her properly…"
As the cloth came off, Lumia's heart sank.
Clara's arms were covered in needle holes, each a silent wound. Some were still bleeding. Fors calmly began cleaning them with practiced hands, her movements precise.
Lumia said nothing. She just watched.
Then she stood, quietly walking toward the door.
Fors didn't stop her. She focused on Clara.
At the doorway, Lumia looked back one last time.
"…Thank you," she whispered.
"Say that to her when she wakes up," Fors replied softly.
Lumia nodded.
---
Outside, she bumped into Xia.
"Whoa! Easy!" Xia said, quickly supporting her. "You shouldn't be walking yet."
Lumia smiled faintly.
"You must be starving," Xia said, looking her over. "The girls made food for you."
"Let me bathe first," Lumia said quietly.
Xia nodded. "Alright."
---
After washing, Lumia went to the dining room. It was a simple hall with a long table, lined with exactly 28 seats. As she stepped in, the girls turned and parted silently, making space for her.
She sat down. The food was warm. The atmosphere was tense.
"I'm okay," Lumia said, noticing their gazes. "You all should eat, too."
Bit by bit, chatter returned. The food disappeared from plates.
Lumia felt warmth return to her limbs. She wasn't fully healed—but she felt stronger.
After finishing, she stood.
"I'd like to talk to all of you," she said. "When Clara wakes up, let's gather here tonight."
The girls looked at each other.
No one asked questions. No one refused.
They simply nodded.
To be continued...