Thirty-one. The stench of decay

Daisy let out a cry of delight, but then, remembering there were people outside, she quickly covered her mouth.

Anna waved at her with a goofy smile, like an idiot.

"How come you're here?"

"It was arranged by the academy, to perform a musical in Watch Town. We've been rehearsing recently. I wanted to keep it a secret until the play started and then invite you over for a surprise, but I didn't expect you to come..."

Their joy-filled whispers continued, and Lu Li didn't interrupt, crouching beside the unconscious female student, pressing his hand repeatedly against her skin at various points.

The skin was warm and elastic, with no signs of decay. Her chest rose and fell slightly with breathing. These points were enough to confirm that the girl had not been taken over by O'Connor or the Blood-Colored Tentacles.

But what about the tentacles he saw, and why did she run away?