No One Will Ever Hurt You Again I Promise-Chapter 42: Why The Hell Does This Hurt So Much

We have what it takes to help them, guys. And I think Howie’s kinda calmed down right now, can we go check on the twins? They spat up blood I just hope it won’t be serious because their mother is a real pain that one.

You can go, Kaeli and I will join you later, Tess told them, staying behind, Kaeli who was unaware of this sudden decision stopped abruptly to look at her hearing her name. What the hell, Kaeli asks her with a shake of her head.

Tess grabbed her arm and pulled her towards herself. We have something to discuss, Tess weirdly whispers between her teeth so as not to attract the attention of the others to what she says. Let’s go, Elie intervenes, who can’t stand Tess’ stupid face anymore, I think they need some time to talk to each other.

With these words, she grabbed Mandy’s sleeve and dragged her with her. Without looking back, the four of them head for the school building, which houses the students who attend it, to find the others.

I hope the boys are doing well, I don’t want another drama even more complicated than the rumors between Howie and the boys to cloud our future sunny days.

Yeah, it’s like you say, Mandy, actually I don’t think anyone is ready for such an eventuality. On the one hand, the fact that this Hugg pirated the cameras was beneficial to us. If they have to make up another story it will be easier without the evidence, plus it’s their word against the others after all, right?

That’s exactly it, but that jerk Hugg is going to give us a little explanation anyway Elie, he intentionally engineered it all, he knows the newcomer very well, just like Howie. He was so relaxed seeing the other’s face and he smiled, yeah, we’ve all seen him smile, right?

Added Oleck, with a little restraint, he’s not sure that H could have smiled like that at this newcomer. While the guy, despite being paid billions remains impassive and stoic, even when he is in the company of the twins, he does not smile easily. Unless he has to play a role in annoying those around him, then he sure knows how to piss people off, hmm the son of a...

Hmm calm down Oleck why are you so worked up because he smiles at another guy, you’re straight as a ruler, no? uttered Raphael with a mocking smirk, But they don’t know that Howie often smiles even out loud sometimes when the three of them are together.

that’s not the point, Oleck baked back at him with a glare that says stop spouting nonsense you little bastard.

Alright, we’ll stop the nasty comments that are likely to put Howie in a bad mood more than he already is or to upset the twins. We are there to assist them and help, not to make the wound worse, and then we’ll have our little chat with that jerk, Hugg. add Raphael...

And if the newcomer wants to sue H what will happen, Raphael? of course he wanted to help the twins but no one will testify to this, and the twins were unconscious when all this happened, you see the drama there, guys? We’re really in deep shit this year, believe me, if you want cause I don’t even know why, but this year is probably the one I’ll remember the most in my entire life so far. And believe me, if you want, I’d like this weirdness to continue until we finish high, I like the fact of getting out of this deadly monotony.

Hey, by the way, sweetie, Oleck said softly half-turning to Mandy, if your feelings for Howie aren’t reciprocated what will you do?

Mandy chuckles softly before gazing at Oleck. Oh for that matter you don’t have to worry mon beau, I’ve known for a long time that he doesn’t feel the same for me and I don’t mind at all.

Oh, really? how do you know that?

Mandy laughs softly, of course I know that, plus just because I have a crush on him doesn’t mean he should do the same. He is a beautiful person and the most beautiful soul I have ever met. But he doesn’t let anyone see beyond what he wants us to believe and see. He hides, he is hard with everyone and even with himself, yet he notices us all, he knows the names of everyone he talks to, and he pays attention to people around him. And a few people realize this side of him, it is thanks to him that I became aware of the pitiful state in which I put myself because I refused to believe in my potential as a human being. He has done enough for me.

So, if I understand correctly, Elie resumes a little interest in the conversation, if Howie does not act on the feelings you have for him, it will not hurt you, is that what you said?

Yeah, that’s exactly what I said, and even more so I know he doesn’t see me the way I see him and that’s fine with me because I’ve already learned from him what I need. Not to mention the fact that he doesn’t have to share my feelings, my feelings for him are my business, not his so it’s up to me to handle them. I can’t force myself on him if he doesn’t want me, it’s absurd.

Yo girl you’re fucking awesome, I love you. I love the way you think and everything that makes you who you are, you’d make a perfect, wonderful girlfriend for me if someone else didn’t find you appealing enough already. Barked Oleck in a teasing tone.

He was walking between Raphael and his sister, and the two of them gave him two violent nudges in his ribs at the same time, to make him stop talking nonsense, which he had already said too much. When will he be able to hold his tongue huh? grumbled Raphael between his teeth.

Hey, but what did I say? yelled Oleck innocently. Why don’t you meddle in what concerns you, you’ve become a real busybody, I have trouble recognizing you, Raphael answers him glaring at him from head to toe.

He laughs softly, uh, I didn’t want to be indiscreet, I just wanted to make sure my go was okay. And now that I know it, I’m gonna stay out of other people’s business, right Elie?

And what the fuck are you dragging me in all of this, Raphael was the one talking to you and why are you barking my name for?

Hey, oh, cut the crap darling I am not barking. I know you are sensitive to what surrounds you I just wanted to have your opinion on the subject.

Yeah, that’s it, my opinion my ass. You stop your bullshit and when you interfere like this in people’s lives don’t drag me with you, I have my mess to take care of. Eli replies while pinching the skin of his arm with all his might.

Ok, that’s ok I get it... no need to tear my skin off dude.

Dude! Shouted the other three in chorus. Dude, Elie whispers to herself why doesn’t that make me weird she says not letting the others hear her.

Oops, my bad, my bad darling! That’s not what I meant, it escaped me like that. I’m sorry Eli. You shut up Oleck you’re starting to piss me off how dare you? yelled Raphael who got enraged seeing his sister’s confused face. Mandy touched Elie’s back in a friendly hesitant way not knowing how to react to the situation.

Rafa it’s okay, don’t worry about me, you too Mandy I’m fine. Shit, Oleck shouted, babe I assure you I meant no disrespect, I didn’t say it against you to hurt you it just came out that way. And with you just like with my friends I’ve always had this feeling of free will I’m not stressed to talk to you or act with good manners. I’ve always thought of you as I’ve always thought of Rafa, as one of my boy buddies. I’m sorry

Cut the crap Oleck, I don’t want to hear you anymore. Then she walked away from the group, spacing out her steps.

I knew you would end up doing or saying a few stupid things, man, you have no control over your mouth and your person anymore, you need to control yourself. When you start talking you have no limits, now look at the shit you’ve done. Yes, she looks like a boy, and that way more than half of us here but that doesn’t permit you to call her that without her will. She’s trying to figure out who she is, but you don’t have to jerk it out like that.

Yeah, that’s a touchy subject, she’s not even quite used to her new self yet, you should watch your language a bit, bud when you’re talking to her. Besides, everyone knows that Elijah doesn’t like to offend people, no matter how nasty they are with her, intervene Mandy with a concerned tone.

Yeah, I know, you’re going to stop pushing me like that, I fucked up I know, and that’s what saddens me the most right now, I didn’t mean to offend her. I see her as a male friend of mine, not as I see you, Mandy, with you I always have to be careful, but with her it’s different it’s as if I were talking with my teammates, I say things as I hear them without any filter. It was always like that from the time I met her to today, she was different and I feel her that way.

Hey, shouted a voice from afar, you bunch of peddlers, could you film me and give me your opinion?

What Elie, you’re not... of course not, you idiot if you only see your face now, you’re going to film me or something. I already have the look and the style, now I need the walk to go with it. I am no longer a girl but a boy in the shoes of a girl she said aloud even if I am still and I will remain that girl you’ve known for sixteen years now. I don’t want you to have trouble talking to me, I am both a girl and a boy that’s how I feel inside of me so no matter how you call me it’s fine as much as you mean no harm.

The other three have tears in their eyes, Mandy hid her mouth in her hand to stifle this cry of joy that escaped her involuntarily, she does not know why but the fact that Elie feels good about herself acts positively well on her person. Raphael crushed a tear from the corner of his eyes discreetly with two fingers. Oleck him as usual, discretion plus him make two, he laughed out loud attracting almost all the eyes that passed by towards them, then he wiped away his tears of joy with a sigh of relief.

Thank god she’s not mad at me, he jumped shamelessly. They took out all their cameras to film the show that Elie is about to give them.

While not far from where they are is found a certain door concealed by a column behind which two boys give themselves to their heart’s content in sexual pleasure. A most erotic and wild activity in a languorous and sensual sigh they end their little session, Hugg cum all over the room like an animal ardently by dirtying the wall in front of squirming in all directions like a worm.

His feet and pants were all now covered in cum, as Theo emptied his whole bag inside of him pushing his hard cock even deeper inside him. as if he wanted to dig a tunnel there, his long fingers squeezing his soft, fragile throat until he was smothered, until not a drop of cum remained in his testicles.

Hugg’s head reddened like a lamp on the verge of exploding, then Theo released him, freeing his arms and his throat where his fingers now rested like an imprint on his soft flesh. It looked like he had been marked with a hot iron, he fell to the ground in front of him, like a lifeless body unable to support his weight.

You screwed me like a real bitch when you were supposed to be the only bitch here and made a whole mess out of me each time you fuck me, Theo, what am I supposed to do without you now?

But I don’t blame you, you know that... it’s your way of making love and since that day that I had the misfortune to taste your delights, I couldn’t help but come back again and again and each time it feels like the first time. You are an outstanding and incredible lover a rare pearl, beautiful, understanding, caring and fiery, everything it takes. He says, between two cherubs, which split Theo’s soul.

He doesn’t even look at him, he zips up his pants puts his mid-length hair in order and then he walks towards the door, one hand resting on the wrist of the door he turns to take a last look at Hugg. Seeing him piled upon himself like a mountain of dirty clothes, he shuddered in disgust.

In the next moment he hastened to come back to him, he crouched down in front of his bruised body and took him in his arms. Hey, open your eyes, look at me Hugg, you deserve to live a life worthy of yourself and with a person of your choice, a person you’ll love. Don’t be anyone’s hobby anymore, make yourself loved because we all deserve it, we each have someone waiting for us outside, so get ready to welcome your someone on the day he will come to you, okay?

Eyes misted with tears, he opened his eyes and his tears ran down the corner of his eyes miserably. He lifted his hand and stroked Theo’s cheek trying to stay strong like he always does. Theo put him back on his feet, he took off his shirt which he put on him, taking care to button it up meticulously, he pulled up his pants with the same care. He tried somehow to give him a semblance of decent appearance, the shirt, much too big makes him even more fragile than he already was.

You have to get out of here, I’ll take you to the locker room to take a shower if you don’t mind, hmm what do you say?

No, don’t worry about me, Hugg shouted pushing him, you don’t have to pity me, I can handle myself. Go away, get out of here, and above all stay away from me I don’t want to see your face again, I don’t want to meet you again. You screwed up my whole life and all my dignity with it. I hate you, I hate you Theo with all my might.

While speaking he drummed on Theo’s bare and firm chest, pounding him with very violent punches, Theo let him do it until he calmed down, remaining motionless bearing every blow on him without batting an eyelid.

When El heard them cumming like two insatiable beasts he turned off his long-distance listening at top speed, it was the limit he could endure, and his heart was beating so fast he felt it was about to burst from his stomach. He took his phone out of his pocket and quickly dialed his parents’ number in a conference call. He needed to talk to them, to hear them, he needed their warmth and tenderness, he needed their protection and attention.

When he heard his father’s warm, firm voice on the other end of the phone he let his tears run wild once again. He burst into hot tears like a kid, this El who usually acts like the king of pain in the ass is right now nothing but a child in search of affection and tenderness from his parents.

Oh honey it’s you, what’s up with you, you can come home at any time you know it, honey. The melodious voice of his mother intervenes. Ah let him cry darling, you are not going to encourage him to come back to the first obstacle he encountered, he is a strong and persevering man he will manage. My boy is a fighter, you don’t have to worry about him, am I not right Cachu?

A sobbing laugh escapes El’s lips when his father calls him by his stupid pet name. A name he refused to let them call him when he was eight, a nickname his brother gave him. The one had a rabbit as a pet and the latter found that his infant brother looked a lot like his rabbit, he wanted his parents to name him Cachu as his rabbit. This is how he ended up having the nickname Cachu, thanks to his big brother.

Then gradually he calmed down. His dad is also laughing on the other end of the line, he knew this would calm his silly son down, he always knew how to handle El’s fearless temper. So tell us, big boy, why are you crying? Did something happen to you brat?

Darling stop provoking him, he’ll think you’re happy with his misfortune in the end complained his mother, who tries not to laugh at her husband’s amused and stupid tone. Since El chose to act like himself without copying his brother’s footsteps, his father and he have this attitude toward each other, and they tease each other all the time. They never miss an opportunity to pick on each other or brag about a few daily exploits.

Let him do it, mom, this old man is only trying to get me out of my hinges, I’m not going to play his little game and I know he misses me. You heard how he answered the phone, it’s as if he was very thirsty to hear my voice.

Ah ah ah, and why would I be thirsty to drink such water? I must have a death wish at such a young age, huh? You two stop, Honey, and if you tell us what’s bothering you and don’t worry about your dad he misses you when he’s at home he spends a lot more time in your room than in ours or in his office, it has become his favorite room in the whole mansion.

Hay, I should have sealed my bedroom door before I left. Old man, if you touch my pieces of stuff be sure to arrange them in the same place and properly.

If it’s me you’re talking about, rest assured because I don’t know what your mother is talking about. Where is your room exactly? I don’t even remember you had anything like that in my house. That’s it, I’m not here, now it’s your house, ok I’ll let you brag about it this time.

And ask your mother, your leaving is the best thing that’s happened to me in seventeen years, and I assure you that I’m in great shape, the old man here is you. You hear your voice there, it’s hoarse and raspy without any suppleness or softness, you’ve aged my buddy.

El and his mother burst out laughing, and at that moment listening to them talk it was like he was back home with them he completely forgot what was weighing him down before, and he laughs softly savoring the moment with his parents. Since he left home, it’s the first time he’s spoken to them and he didn’t think he missed them so much until he heard them bickering and laughing heartily as if they hadn’t heard him cry.

Pa, man, does love always hurt? He asks them point-blank. The question took them by surprise, they stopped bickering to turn their attention to their son. It looks like Cachu needs help this time, maybe I’ll stop calling you Cachu once and for all this time. My Cachu is starting to grow up, it seems.

Pa! El complained calling his father in a plaintive tone, he knows that he continues to make fun of him despite the serious and concerned tone he took. Ok, it’s okay, I’ll stop being stupid, talk to me, son, tell dad what’s bothering you and why such a question torments you so young.

No, forget it, maybe it’s too soon and maybe I’ll find out for myself later how it works. No, darling, we’re here you called it’s certain that it’s important so let’s talk a little, okay? We don’t have all the answers but we have our experiences and if there is something we can help you with we will be proud to do it.

I think I love someone, I didn’t meet her for a long time but I discovered that she has someone else in her life and it hurt me. I wanted to die and then there was this feeling too as if I was going to suffocate it was excruciating and I have the impression that it will last a long time.

I see, my little treasure, love is like that my boy, it hurts and it feels good at the same time but you should never be afraid to take risks, with love it’s like investing in the stock market it can be beneficial or unfavorable but you know that between these two expectations one is as strong as the other, so it’s either you invest yourself completely or you do everything halfway.

But when you give yourself halfway you’ll never know what opportunity you missed, what you could do, or what you didn’t do right, if you don’t permit yourself to understand the two options of your investments, either you invest large capital to generate more income or you remain cautious by investing small amounts without any value.

If you put yourself into it completely, at least, after if it doesn’t work you won’t have anything to reproach yourself with. On the contrary, you’ll say, I did everything it’s probably not for me that option, and so you’ll know what to do for the next steps you will have to take.

But if you give yourself half you will reflect morning and evening on the ifs, like for example, and if I had done this and that, perhaps the result would be less disastrous today. It’s better to live with mistakes that you can’t make again than to have a list of regrets to carry around in your life.

So yes, love hurts and sometimes even way too bad for something that is supposed to bring us happiness, laughter, and all the stuff that comes with it, but it’s also the most beautiful feeling we’ll have to share with someone when you find the person with whom you feel good and yourself. Do you understand me Cachu?

Yes, dad, I understand thank you, I miss you a lot Buddy you know that? I know it and I miss you too my bud. A soft sob is heard on the other hand of the line, Mom, are you crying now? his mother is always in this state when she finds them in these kinds of touching conversations, even if his father uses complicated examples to explain his thoughts. El chuckles a little, you are unbelievable, you have been married to this loudmouth for years and you still let him act like this on you? You two are a pain.

His mother laughs between two sobs accompanied by his father. And this girl where did you meet her honey? His mother asks him between sniffles.

Oh, I’m going to disappoint you, it’s not a girl Man, it’s a boy. What the hell? cried his father on the other end of the line. But since when are you attracted to boys? Where did you pick up those bad manners? Maybe I picked them up from my stupid dad who nearly broke my temples, El replies in the same tone as his dad.

His father laughs softly, sorry I had forgotten that I’m not very good at acting, I would have made a bad actor or it’s you who know me too well. I’m going to have to get a little further away from you to be able to surprise you one day.

Yeah, you’ll need a lot of work El replies with a smile. How is this boy who made my Cachu cry? I’ve never seen you cry for your girlfriends and now you let yourself be manhandled by a boy, ah I don’t believe in you anymore. You have to make him understand who you are and make him yours, if there’s someone who needs to cry it’s him and not the other way around. My Cachu has everything he needs...

Hey, honey stop your nonsense now, in love everyone cries and it depends on the feelings of each party. Don’t listen to your father’s craziness now, he cried a lot, he pretends to be a badass but it’s only for his customers, his employees, and business partners, after which he is very sweet and nice to the inside like a little sheep.

Don’t worry mum I always knew about him. Well, does that boy know your feelings baby? No mom and before I wasn’t even sure he liked boys, and I just found out most horribly too.

Keep hope, the fact that he is taken does not necessarily mean that he will be with this person for life, and that’s love, today we are in love and then tomorrow we are no longer lovers. So, wait your turn but in the meantime try to stay busy with something else, my son is far too young to experience the burning bites of love. Find a way to attract him to you, if you notice that he feels at least zero point five percent of what you feel for him.

Honey, but what is this advice you’re giving him, it’s the same tactic you used with me. It wasn’t cool back then, old man, and now you want our young son to use the same techniques to force somebody’s hand.

Oh, my love! I didn’t force your hand, you just realized a real fact, if you let me go with another, you would never have the chance to know what you missed. And that Anthony jerk didn’t deserve you anyway, honey.

So you’ve always been so shameless and cheeky Pa? Yeah that’s all your father, my darling, don’t imitate him, okay but if what he said is possible don’t miss your chance to know if this person is made for you or not, we support you. Thank you guys, you are an incredible source of happiness. Oh, darling, you are our source of happiness replies his mother. I love you, honey, yeah son we love you so much. And keep me posted on the progress of the mission.

El laughs softly, I love you too, I love you, Buddy. Then he hung up with a stupid smile on his face, he regained his energy from before, completely invigorated by the phone call. He stood up with a leap lighter than ever.

He turned around with the same stupid smile that appeared on his face, he jumped as he met Theo’s shadowy and dark gaze, the latter was standing, not far from the place where he let himself fall on the stairs staring at him with furrowed brows.

Tch, how can someone who has just had sex and cum so intensely frown so much? He mentally wonders staring at him, how long has he been here, has he heard all my conversations with my parents, or at least he just arrived?

Without further ado with an embarrassing smile, he passed in front of him and went out into the hall, it is at this moment that he remembers the mission that Lugh had entrusted to him, an hour ago. Holly shit! Holy fucking shit! What the fuck did I do again, I got distracted again, it’s the fault of that little worthless Theo, and his fucking shitty boyfriend, all that.

He hastily retraced his steps, he went and planted himself in front of Theo arrogantly, his chest bulging, his head held high with a relaxed expression. Yo, you gotta follow me, I need your help to help my friend. Theo doesn’t move, he hasn’t even noticed his presence. But what is he doing, isn’t all the noise he made in the janitor’s closet enough? Or at least it was too good to break out of his trance so far.

So he’s not free... he has a buddy he likes, wow did I really hear that right, or is my mind playing dirty tricks on me, or maybe I deserve what happens to me? All my life I’ve never had someone I was officially dating, there’s always been sex in my life. Girls and boys and mostly older than me always wanted to do something serious but I wasn’t ready.

I wanted to start with someone my age, but he doesn’t live in the same world as me, he doesn’t even know who he is yet. And then I found him, what’s more, disturbing to hear him say I love you to the one he loves, hum? While without knowing how it all started, here I am trapped in one-sided love. Isn’t providence funny?

Hey, man what the hell are you doing? Come back among humans, hello here earth, I want to communicate to alpha-centaur?

Did you guys see that? it’s El and the newcomer, I think they’re on good terms those two. They are not arguing, it seems that we are worried for nothing, if he does not file a complaint there is a way that the mother of the twins is not aware of the fight. And the twins on their side aren’t going to discuss it either because Howie is now involved.

So, we’re crossing our fingers that what we have in front of us is real, so we won’t have to convince anyone or put pressure on anyone either. We don’t know the exact motives of this Hugg, but we’ll deal with him so that he leaves Howie and the boys alone.

Ok, now the cavalry is coming! I had to screw up everything, so how am I going to stop them? and if Howie is gone for good this time. The idea made him tremble from head to toe, then in a panic, he grabbed Theo by the tip of his jacket, and he hurried to lead him down the corridor towards the infirmary.

Hey, what’s going on, Oleck shouted, but why are they running away?

Well, let’s follow them, what were you waiting for? Raphael hastened to answer and without waiting they set off to catch up with the two fugitives.

Theo has this vague feeling that he is running, while he knows he is standing in the hallway trying to digest some news he has just heard. It was the sound of their pursuers’ voices that pulled him out of his daydream, he looked around and focused on the sleeve of his jacket, the shirt was no longer there since he gave it to Hugg to cover him properly before letting him mentally prepare to leave the room.

Hey, Theo shouted, what are you doing? He stopped abruptly, ripping his sleeve from El’s grasp. What are you doing, El asks him, approaching him dangerously with menacing eyes. Stay where you are, Theo ordered him, executing a step back a bit afraid, all of a sudden, of El. Otherwise what, El asks him, through clenched teeth still menacing.

Otherwise... uh, otherwise I’m going to scream with all my might, Theo replies with an embarrassing gesture. El stopped abruptly, and looked him up and down, but where did that arrogant little brat go? where is this arrogant jerk who starting to pull out of every hole in my body? he said, frowning, you’re not as haughty as before, what exactly is happening to you?

Theo does not answer he remained motionless trying in vain to escape El’s questioning gaze on him. Shit, you triggered your healing El noticed glaring at him but are you dumb or what? El tells him gripping his jaw which he checks more closely from left to right before pushing him in disgust, he must have done it while fucking that two-legged moron Hugg.

He was about to turn on his heels to get away from him but he changed his mind. He turned abruptly toward Theo without giving him time to understand what was happening to him; he punched him in the face at lightning speed countless times. Now, you are gonna wait a week to start healing asshole.

The four others who chased them can’t even testify to what just happened, the action was so fast.

You must have a grudge against me, Theo muttered between his teeth, his face swollen, his eyes black. The small group catch up with them which annoyed El even more. Without a word he turned away and headed for the door with the small band under his heels.

How am I going to keep them out? Damn, this is annoying, how could I get distracted with such an important thing? H’s life is in danger, and I got carried away by stupid feelings that have any value.

He turned towards the small band, which silently followed him. Listen, guys, we’re not in too good a mood today, I’m sorry, but give us some alone time to sort this shit out, and then you can get into it.

Nope! Shouted the four in chorus, we’re here to help and take the news of the twins, we’ve given you enough time like that. Desperate and unable to stand up to anyone just yet, Bravael rolled his eyes in annoyance then met the sad, pitiful gaze of Theo standing a little apart from the group, his face swollen.

His heart skip a beat before it only jerked violently in his ribcage so much that he brought his hand to the site of his heart, grimacing in pain.

Damn what did I do lord, was it necessary for all this violence, why does he makes me feel so sorry? He turned away abruptly, his heart aching and his eyes filled with sustained tears. I did this so why am I crying, why am I hurting so much, what the hell is wrong with this fucking shitty feeling? He screamed with all his might in his head as he trudged along.

What is happening to him all of a sudden, the others whisper behind him. They let him drag his steps miserably, they went to the door while Theo took advantage of this moment to save himself. He fled to the fire escape where El had been sitting earlier and exited the building, his eyes blinded by his unshed tears. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Elie put her hand on the door handle and opened it in front of her. No, no, shouted Bravael, trying in vain to stop her. And the door opened in front of them, on a spectacle like no other that is offered to them. They let out a cry of horror with wide-open eyes bulging out...