NOVEL NEXT Chapter 25: Chapter 25
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"Who are you thinking about?"
Caitlyn and Vi had been navigating their way through the sewers for several hours, unable to find a way out. Exhausted, they sat down to rest, each immersed in silence, too tired to even chat.
Once paused, Caitlyn's mind started to wander. Her thoughts turned more pessimistic as she glanced over at Vi. Vi sat leaning against the wall with her eyes closed, her tank top soaked with sweat, revealing her muscular frame. Caitlyn was taken aback, realizing for the first time that a woman could possess such a determined appearance. Vi's features, from her forehead to her nose, lips, and chin, seemed sculpted, like a masterpiece by Michelangelo come to life.
But Vi was no lifeless statue; she was flesh and blood, with emotions. When Caitlyn saw the pain on her face, she couldn't help but ask.
"I'm thinking about Powder," Vi said, opening her eyes, sadness threatening to spill from them. "I haven't seen her for five years. And... the last time I saw her, I hurt her."
Caitlyn crouched down, resting an arm on her knee, ready to listen to Vi's story. Yet Vi hesitated, unable to open old wounds. That night was a scar she could never erase, and she wasn't ready to expose it to anyone else. Besides, this wasn't the time for storytelling.
"Let's not dwell on these things," Vi said, giving her face a pat and changing the subject. "We have a long way ahead of us. Sadness won't help us at all."
Caitlyn chuckled. "You're quite the optimist, given that we still haven't found a way out."
"For me, this situation isn't desperate at all—look, we've got food here!"
Caitlyn followed Vi's gaze and spotted a passing rat, as plump as a cat, seemingly unafraid of them as it leisurely crawled by. It had red eyes and sharp teeth, looking quite intimidating.
"Is this... a local specialty from the undercity?" Caitlyn asked, a hint of fear creeping in as she moved behind Vi.
"No, I haven't seen a rat this fat in the undercity either; must be a new breed from recent years?" Vi said, licking her lips. She was uncomplicated and unconcerned why the rat was so large, as long as there was meat.
"Are you sure it's edible?" Caitlyn asked, still clinging to a bit of civilized doubt despite her hunger.
"Why not? It looks so plump. Listen carefully, when I count to three, we'll both jump at it," said Caitlyn. She and Vi, still handcuffed together, needed to plan their moves in advance for such an effort.
"One, two, three!" The two lunged at the rat, but lacking perfect synchronization, they tugged at each other in mid-air, missing their target. Despite its hefty appearance, the rat was surprisingly agile, darting away in an instant. Oddly, it didn't continue fleeing; instead, it turned around, baring its teeth at Vi in a menacing stance.
"It actually dares to underestimate me? I'm going to skin it for sure!" Vi exclaimed. The two continued their tussle with the bold rodent, progressing from clumsy attempts to seamless teamwork. Eventually, they managed to corner and capture the nimble creature, blocking its escape from both sides.
"It's still not quite enough for both of us," Vi commented as she held the dead rat, skillfully skinning and cleaning it. She was well-practiced in this, having relied on such meals during her time in prison.
"I have a lighter here," Caitlyn declared, having quickly adapted and found materials to start a fire. In the cold, dark depths of the sewer, a small, warm flame finally flickered to life. As the fire grew stronger, it provided light and warmth for both of them. The rat's fat sizzled under the flame, making their mouths water.
"One, two, three!" Vi and Caitlyn sat close together, using their free hands to pull the roasted rat apart from the middle, releasing a tempting aroma as it split. In reality, the smell was just the ordinary scent of burning fat, with not even a sprinkle of salt added. Yet, to the two starving individuals, it was a rare delicacy. The handcuffs didn't slow them down; even Caitlyn, crossing her mental hurdles, devoured her half of the rat cleanly.
"Ah..." Caitlyn sighed, discarding the bones and relaxing as she leaned against Vi. She closed her eyes, quietly listening to the crackling fire and their two beating hearts. "Let's just sleep here tonight." Although they couldn't see the sun or tell time, exhaustion demanded a break. With their stomachs now full, drowsiness overcame them. Words became unnecessary, and they settled down to sleep. Initially, they lay back to back, owing to their opposite allegiances. But the handcuffs forced their arms together, making this position uncomfortable. Thus, Vi and Caitlyn had to face each other, feeling each other's breaths, as they drifted off into sleep, surrounded by the soft, flickering flames.