Dim, secret-like darkness surged in from all directions like a tide, drowning the intricate patterns, covering the flickering sunlight, and swallowing the brilliance of the gemstone chandelier.
"We need to get out of here!"
Hai Xi watched the scene warily. Without hesitation, she immediately moved to leave the villa.
But almost the instant she stepped back, the hazy darkness covered the open door behind her, shrouding the entire hall in pitch-black silence.
A faint rustling, chewing sound rose from the darkness, like a chaotic rhythm beating against her heart.
An inexplicable irritation rose within Hai Xi. In that twisted darkness, something seemed to be slowly surging out, ready to seep into her soul and invade her mind.
She immediately looked toward where He Ao had been standing, only to find the spot completely empty.
Her heart tightened, but she quickly shook her head.
He Ao existed within her consciousness. As long as she could leave safely, He Ao could leave as well.
She immediately moved back, preparing to continue retreating and break through in the direction where the door had opened in her memory.
Bang--
Her hard-soled leather boot struck the floor with a crisp sound. One more step back, and she would step into the flowing darkness spreading toward her.
The rustling sound in the darkness grew denser, tapping against her heart and making her thoughts increasingly chaotic.
Instinctively, she was about to keep backing away.
"Don't rush."
At that instant, a calm voice sounded in her heart, stopping her.
The voice was like a basin of cold water poured over her head, briefly easing the anxiety and irritation in her heart.
"Jess, where are you?" She raised her head and looked around, but did not see that familiar figure anywhere.
"It's contamination of the mind," He Ao's calm