Back in Lackey's house,
"Hmm…"
A faint groan slipped past Penelope's lips as her heavy eyelids slowly lifted.
After nearly a whole day and a half of uninterrupted sleep, her body finally gave in to wakefulness. For a few seconds, her vision remained blurred, her mind sluggish, as though it refused to fully return just yet.
She raised a hand, rubbing her eyes weakly, trying to clear the haze.
The ceiling above her felt unfamiliar.
The walls, the faint scent in the air, even the silence… none of it belonged to her.
"H-Huh…? Where… am I…?"
Her voice came out soft, fragile, laced with confusion.
Then—
Everything crashed back.
Her eyes snapped open.
Her pupils trembled.
"Oh… my… God!!"
She shot upright.
The scene from the restaurant replayed vividly… every second, every movement, every reckless moment she had almost crossed.
Her face burned instantly, heat rushing to her cheeks as she pulled her knees tightly to her chest, curling into herself.
