<span style="font-style: italic">Yes, I do feel better.</span><br/><br/>Sawyer nodded at the girl’s words. He couldn’t speak, but he did indeed understand. When she stroked his fur, he relaxed a little more. Well, as much as he could anyway. He went so far as to lick her face, figuring that was good enough of a thank you, though something deep down seemed to scold him for the action.<br/><br/>She seemed… kind.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">She is a victim, as you are.</span><br/><br/>Victim? Perhaps she was, he thought. But he was still wary. They were placed in this room for a reason. These people… what did they have planned?<br/><br/>----------------<br/><br/>“She’s friendly with him,” the woman said. “After all she has been through, I’m surprised she can still talk.” A cruel smirk appeared on her expression. This was going well so far. The results were not quite as she had expected, but it was far too early to say she was displeased. Time would tell whether or not she would need to really take this up a notch or two.<br/><br/>“What now?” One of the men asked.<br/><br/>She looked at him over her shoulder, “We wait. Those two are special to us and to him as well. Especially the dog. I have specific orders for that dog…”<br/><br/>“If I may be so bold, what exactly are we accomplishing?”<br/><br/>“Right now? Nothing. This is just another test, and if it goes well, we’ll continue from there,” she explained. “Now, if you will, I will need you to lower the box.” Her tone suggested that this conversation was over. The man got the hint, nodded, and moved over to a button near the wall.<br/><br/>When it was pressed, a box was dropped into the room by a rope.