Rolling like a ball, the head of the remaining youngster was wrenched from his body, his wide eyes frozen in a last moment of shock. Death claimed him as quickly as Jin pieced together the answers he sought.
Meanwhile, the woman who had endured unspeakable horrors trembled uncontrollably, her body a canvas of trauma upon witnessing Jin's ruthless efficiency.
"Just end me," she whispered, her voice laced with hopelessness. Yet, her plea carried an undertone that hinted at a willingness rather than reluctance.
With a reluctant resolve, she opened the long, warm cloak that Jin had offered, revealing her vulnerable, naked form. Her eyelids closed, head tilted skyward, she tried to disconnect from the reality she faced.
Unbeknownst to her, her heartbeat quickened, a primal rhythm that betrayed the tumultuous emotions beneath.