Eric Candi quietly held her, placing a hand over her lips to prevent her from making any noise that might attract attention.
There was a sharp pain in his palm as Aldana Candi bit down hard, but he didn't even flinch, merely looking up at Ellen Candi.
Ellen's gaze tenderly rested on Aldana in his arms, her eyes slightly red, filled with sadness and reluctance, but she finally nodded slightly at Eric and murmured, "You two should go quickly."
She gripped the rope and swiftly climbed upstairs.
Eric watched her figure, his eyes darkening, then held Aldana tighter and quickly headed towards the back yard.
"Bang—!"
In the silent night, a gunshot shattered the dense darkness.
Birds sleeping in the trees were startled awake, wings flapping noisily as they flew away into the distance.
