Their voices gradually faded down the hallway, swallowed by the distance.
Marie remained staring at the ceiling, her mind racing.
What the hell...
Was Novaterra Paradise?
Were they really that terrifying?
The fear in her boss's voice hadn't sounded fake. He was a man who rarely showed weakness, who ruled through intimidation and cruelty. To hear him speak with such dread, such genuine terror, had shaken something in her. He'd been afraid—truly afraid—and that fear had been contagious.
For the first time since she'd arrived here, she felt something she hadn't allowed herself to feel in years.
Hope.
At least the human wouldn't be returning anytime soon.
Once he was finished with her, he always went looking for the boss instead. Something about business deals and profits and "maximizing returns." She didn't care what they discussed, as long as it kept him away from her. She'd take any reprieve, no matter how small.
Marie closed her eyes and released a quiet sigh of relief.
