บท 160: Shadows of Self

Leroy moved towards Inari to check. The cuts had not all healed yet, even with the blessing. Even with the bloodline, she was but a child, and the sick youth had tortured her for no less than half an hour. Blood kept bobbling out, trailing from her face, chest, stomach; even her fingernails were dug from inside out. Just seeing it would make one stomach churn and chest boil with fury.

Little Inari had no tears left to pour out of her eyes, still shaking in the corner, peeking from the gaps of her fingers.

"It's alright," Leroy said to the little girl, approaching. "I am here."

Little Inari unconsciously withdrew, even though her back was against the wood. Leroy stopped and crouched down, searching for a way to calm this little girl down. Seriously, it was not easy. He was no older than fifteen. How would he calm down a child who went through all this?