PAID

In the early hours of dawn, Rosvisser was awakened by the sound of faint sobbing.

She opened her eyes and, illuminated by the pale moonlight streaming through the window, turned toward the source of the sound.

Xiaoxue was curled up in the corner of the bed,

Her legs tucked against her chest, arms wrapped tightly around them, her face buried in her knees—

Her shoulders trembled as she wept silently.

Rosvisser gently moved closer and placed her hand lightly on Xiaoxue’s shoulder.

She was just about to ask what was wrong when—

To her surprise, the moment she touched Xiaoxue, the girl flinched violently,

Like a frightened kitten, her entire body shuddering uncontrollably.

“…Don’t be scared, Xiaoxue. It’s me—Auntie Rosvisser.”

Seeing her reaction, Rosvisser immediately withdrew her hand.

She didn’t try to touch Xiaoxue again.

Instead, she simply spoke gently, her voice laced with reassurance.

“…Did you have a nightmare?”

Xiaoxue clutched her own arms tightly, her small fingers digging into her skin,

Her nails pressing so hard that her fingertips had turned white.

“…Scythe… the scythe…”

Rosvisser didn’t quite catch what she said.

“…It was like… like the Grim Reaper…”

“…Holding a black scythe…”

Xiaoxue’s voice broke as she spoke, choked with emotion.

But from her tone, Rosvisser could tell—

This wasn’t just a nightmare.

It was a real, traumatic memory, manifesting in her sleep.

“…It’s alright, Xiaoxue. I’m here. Auntie will protect you.”@@novelbin@@