Anna's head swiveled, her gaze locking onto the boy's smiling face.
Despite his innocent face, a chill ran down her spine.
She was starting to wonder if he was one of them.
His hand settled on her shoulder, sending shivers through her. He advanced, his voice deceptively gentle, "Don't be scared. I'm not a baddie."
The gruesome scene replayed in her mind, turning his words into a cruel joke.
He noticed her trembling body and chalk-white face.
"Hungry? Want something to eat?" he asked.
After all, she was a child and was truly famished. She nodded instinctively.
He knelt, meeting her eyes. "Come with me."
Anna blinked at his reassuring smile. "Okay."
"Let's go," he said, holding out his hand.
Following him, Anna asked, "Where are we? Those people were scary. Do you know who brought me here?"
"So many questions," he said, his tone neutral. "Which first?"
"Are you a good person?"
He tilted his head. "What do you think?"
"I don't know," she whispered. "They're bad, but you... you're different."
The boy was dressed like an aristocrat, with a bow tie around his neck. He was gentle with her, that was what made him seem like a good person to Anna.
A faint smile played on his lips.
"What's your name?" she asked.
"Taylor Carlyn."
"Taylor? Anna muttered, "Like ... someone who makes clothes?"
"Yes."
"My name is Anna Sander. It means 'gracious defender'," she explained. "My parents wanted me to be able to protect myself and fight for what's right."
"A Sander, yeah?" said Hamilton coldly, "Get rid of her."
Anna's heart raced. What did he mean?
Taylor's gaze shifted to her hand, which was gripping his clothes.
"There's no rush. She needs to be studied first. Wisteria needs to know some of her characteristics, habits and her past."
"We'll keep her for a few days then," said Hamilton.
He gave Anna a cold glance which sent chills down her spine.
The girl who was about her age approached. Her voice was like a sweet venom. "I am Anna Sander now."
"What do you mean?"
"You'll find out. Just to satisfy your curiosity, I'm Wisteria Carlyn, Anna Sander."
Wisteria smiled and reached out her hand to Anna. Instinctively, Anna reciprocated, but as their hands met, Wisteria pushed her to the ground.
Wisteria held Anna's head down as she let out an evil cackle. "Aw, poor thing. You must be hungry. Eat all you want, you dog."
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