The building fell on itself behind her, flames licking at her hair, but the bundled up frame in her arms was keeping all her attention. Yang fell to the ground in exhaustion and pain, crying out as her burned arm's skin made a sickening sound as it peeled away from the blanket.

She was in a daze, she couldn't see anything but the stars dancing in front of her eyes on a black curtain.

But then there was police lights.

She closed her eyes, completely exhausted.

There was shouting as Ruby was pushing the slave traders in the back of her police car.

There was the shrill voice of Weiss talking to the reporters and telling them to get the fuck away.

She opened her eyes.

Yang let out a groan as the blindfold fell from her eyes. She knew being dragged somewhere blind on her birthday by her friends was a bad idea. Sun, Neptune, Scarlet and Sage all grinned at her from their own plush seats, looking completely at ease in the low pink lighting of the strip club they were in.

"You have got to be kidding me."

Sun saw the red tint creeping in to her eyes and hurriedly sat closer, planning to calm her down.

"Come on Yang, you deserve a night to let go, get drunk, get a good show and just chill ya know?"

"A strip club? What do I look like? Some washed up loser who can't get a lover?"

Sun winced, looking back at his friends, then back at Yang. The blonde tried to fold her arms together but the prosthetic on her right made it a bit difficult. Yang sigh.

"Point taken I look like a loser."

Neptune leaned on his knees "of course not Yang. We just brought you here to have a good time, no afterthoughts involved, I promise. I mean it was Sun's idea so you know he didn't think that far."

They shared a laugh as Sun pouted, his tail whipping at his side.

"Oh ha ha, yes, laugh at the amazing faunus who got you in the white fang."

Yang paled. "We're in the white fang club?"

Sun gave her knee a nice pat "oh no worries, if you come in here with a faunus you're cool." Sun winked at her. "They just want to avoid the kind that have a faunus fetish in here."

Scarlet poked a passing faunus girl on the shoulder and asked her for a pitcher of beer with a smile. She returned it with a wink and left towards the bar. Yang relaxed, seeing all four of them so at ease in this place; they probably came here a lot. She absentmindedly brushed a hand over her right elbow and shrugged.

"Fine, but you guys are paying for all my drinks."

"And then some!" cried Sun happily.

Two pitchers later and Yang had a nice little buzz going on, it was enjoyable so far, to her surprise. The girls were beautiful and the shows were classy. It was definitely not what she had expected walking in a strip club with her friends. She loved those guys to bits, but they were far from classy as a unit.

The boys were buying her beer after beer and keeping her entertained with their antics, for which she was grateful. Her injury had her feeling like shit for the past months and this was the first time she really felt at peace for a long time despite all the nights she would drink away. There was something strangely comforting in drinking away from home, with buddies who cared about you.

"Yang look! They got one of your old match going on on that tv over there! Told you the faunus community loved your blonde ass!"

Yang's dazed lilac fell on the monitor across the room, just behind the main stage. There she was, in all her burning glory and tight shorts; fighting for the light weight belt. Her chest constructed at the sight of her right arm unscathed. Instantly, her mood darkened. She didn't want to be reminded of her former glory right now, she was actually starting to let go and enjoy one night of calm in her storm of emotions. She mumbled something about going to the bathroom, but Sage put a heavy arm around her shoulders. Smiling down at her look of confusion, he motioned to the room around them.

Every faunus in the club had come to a stop. Some of them getting up from their comfortable plush seats to cheer and punch their fists in the air. When the last round came to an end, they all started to call her name like a mantra. Yang's eyes widened at the sight before her, she knew what happened next. She could remember every fight, every second of this one in particular; apparently the faunus also did. The bell chimed, 5th round, and Yang came forward with a resolute stride, she quickly dodged a kick at what her opponent thought was an opening and jabbed her roughly in the stomach. The other woman gave out a brief startled gasp of air and it was enough for Yang to blind side her with a powerful hook, knocking the girl down.

The faunus all started yelling and whooping, slamming their hands on the table to show their appreciation of Yang's power. Yang swallowed and looked down, happy but embarrassed. Sage hugged her side and she looked back at his smile with one of her own, mouthing a quiet 'thank you' that was scattered in the loud noises. Sage let go of her and grabbed his cup in silence as she got up and wobbled towards the restroom.

After doing her business and fiddling with her hair a bit in the mirror, Yang walked back to her seat. She came to a stop when she saw a tall man with red hair and horns standing next to her friends. He had a serious look on his face but the three boys looked as laid back as they were when she left, so she shrugged and took her seat.

"Hey Yang, this is Adam, the owner of this club, but also a major UFC fan."

Yang smiled up at the man, holding out her good hand to shake his. His face stayed emotionless but Yang could swear she saw a bit of excitement cross his eyes as he shook her hand.

"A pleasure Yang Xiao Long, you are always welcomed here at White Fang. Not only because you are a very talented individual, but because of what you have done for my people."

Yang smiled sadly down at her prosthetic, putting her left hand over the metal hook at the tip.

"I did what anyone with my capacities should have done" she rose her head to meet Adam's eyes "and I would do it again."

Adam gave her a curt nod, lips tightened over his teeth in a small smile before he turned to Sun, leaning forward to talk in his ear. Yang grabbed another cup of beer and leaned back in her seat, eyes drifting to the stage where a rabbit faunus was leaving the stage with a small blush while a very tall man in front of the stage was smiling calmly with a brown bra over his head.

The disembodied voice came over the speaker to announce the next dancer and Yang looked around while sipping her beer.

"And now, ladies and gentleman, give it up for our lovely nightshade!"

"Wait Sun, isn't that your friend who's a total Ya- ouch!"

Yang turned around to see Sun elbowing Scarlet in the ribs, looking at her nervously. Yang gave them a weird look and turned back to the stage where a girl was sauntering. Yang's eyes drifted lower and towards the girl's swaying hips in appreciation before putting her cup down. The girl turned around and the blonde's breath caught in her throat.

Nightshade was breathtakingly beautiful. She had long toned legs that seemed to go on forever until they met the black heels she was wearing. The black and purple lingerie she wore fit nicely with the ribbons that were lazily wrapped around both her arms and Yang looked up when she put a hand to her hip. Oh dust, she had the most amazing amber eyes, kinda like a cat and Yang gave a silent oh with her mouth when she noticed the fluffy feline ears on top of her beautiful midnight black locks.

The lights on the stage dimmed slightly and the girl's eyes seemed to glow gold, pulling her gaze like a magnet. She barely noticed the music and the deep bass that settled in the room as the beauty started dancing, lithe curves rolling with purpose and abandon as her body became an avatar for the beat going through Yang's body. The brawler swallowed with difficulty but could not break her gaze away to look for her drink; not that alcohol could do anything for this thirst that was consuming her.

As far as Yang could tell, the lights could have gave out completely, she couldn't look away from the liquid gold that was hiding behind long lashes as the beauty was languidly moving on the stage. Her breathing was harsh and followed by shivers running down her spine, making her grip the plush of the arm rest tightly with her left hand. She couldn't exactly understand why, but Yang Xiao Long was completely entranced.

Soon, the cat faunus grabbed a hold of one of the poles on stage and effortlessly pulled herself up on it, legs kicking in the air to grip unto it, leaving her hands free. Yang's jaw dropped open slightly, watching Nightshade slide down the pole by twisting slowly around it, making Yang wish she was a pole. Seriously, Yang never thought for a second she would ever wish she was a pole before watching the faunus twirl around it as if it was nothing.

The music became faster and the faunus gracefully jumped down, landing in a low crouch on all fours and crawling towards- wait. She was crawling towards where Yang was sitting. Feeling her heart hammer against her chest, Yang looked around herself, seeing her friends with smirks firmly in place, trying and failing to hide it behind their cups of beer.

Fuck.

Looking back at the stage, her heart skipped a beat when she came face to face with those endless pools of gold. Nightshade's lips rose in a lazy smirk and she pushed herself to her knees, taunt stomach exposed to her wide eyes as she rolled her waist and chest in a circular motion. Her hands came up to her collar bone and she let her sharp nails trail down between her breast, across her ribs and to her side. Head thrown back, the dancer's nails scratched across her belly and Yang could see the faint but solid edges of her abs behind the red lines on her skin. Her skin looked so soft and inviting, the blonde thought briefly about leaning forward and licking the perfect flesh before a sudden movement made her eyes snap back up and into the faunus'.

Nightshade was full out smirking at her now, her body rolling back and forth to the music as her ears twitched on top of her silky black hair. She jumped back to her feet, backing up slowly towards the pole behind her. Yang gulped, leaning a bit forward on her chair to get a better view as the faunus' back pressed against the metal. Crossing her arms above head, she let herself glide down the pole, spreading her legs wide as she got closer to the floor. The ribbons on her arms unraveled as she slid down, becoming taunt in her grip and she twirled them around her wrists once.

Winking at the blonde, Nightshade pulled herself up by the ribbons, lifting her body up so that her ass was leveled with where the ribbons were holding on to the pole through a hole. She raised her legs horizontally in front of her before opening them briefly, half smile showing off her sharp canine as she closed them again.

The song came to a stop, and Yang finally noticed she was panting and sweating. Shaking her head, she tried to turn her head back to her friends but after blinking several times, her lilac eyes could only go back to gold once more. She felt enthralled, completely enraptured by this mysterious girl.

Way to go Yang, first visit in a strip club after your accident and now you're falling for strippers.

Nightshade took her leave, walking offstage through the runway. Yang's gaze once again fell on the girl's swaying hips and she swat at Sun's hand coming up to her shoulders. The way the girl walked made her want to sin in every possible ways.

"Wha-what do you want Sun?"

She finally looked back to her friends when the dancer disappeared behind a dark red curtain in the back. Sun, Neptune and Scarlet had very big and stupid smiles on their faces. Yang groaned and let her flushed face fall in her hand.

"Oh my god that was so fucking hot" groaned Yang, she felt Sage's big hand on her back and she let out an appreciative moan at the pressure on her tightly knit muscles. She was really worked up from just one stupid pole dance.

"Yang has the hots for the caaaat giiiiirl~" sang Scarlet, face screwed up in a very annoying smug smile. Immediately Yang wanted to punch it back in one of pain.

"Come on Scar, leave Yang alone, she never saw Bl-er Nightshade dance before."

Scarlet rolled his eyes and rose from his seat, wobbling slightly "I'mma get us another pitcher."

"Yeah you do that pirate bo- EEP!"

Yang roared with laughter at Neptune, who was currently crying out in a high pitch voice because Scarlet had turned the last few drops from his cup unto his lap.

The brief distraction was enough for Sun to slip out of their shared booth unseen.

Another pitcher of beer later and all of them were pretty drunk, except for Sage, ever the responsible one.

"Sage" slurred Yang "ever told you if I wasn't into dark and mysterious cat girls I'd climb you like a tree?"

Sage smiled in amusement, grabbing the cup from Yang's hand and leaning in to kiss her cheek. "No, but now I do and I'll make sure to remind you tomorrow."

Yang giggled stupidly and nodded, hand going up to her blonde mane to comb through it. A sigh escaped her lips at the nice sensation and so, she did it again. That was weird, she didn't remember combing a hand through her hair feeling this good before.

"Oh hey Nightshade!" quipped Sun "nice of you to show up, finally!"

Yang's brain took a moment to register the dancer's name but when she did, her head spin around so fast she nearly fell down from her chair and face first into the faunus' chest.

"Watch out" said a calm, amused voice. Yang gripped the table to steady herself and came face to face with the dancer, who was apparently running a hand through her hair.

"Oh, you might wanna watch the hair" warned Sun, "she punched the last person who simply brushed them by mistake."

Nightshade glanced down at Yang's unfocused eyes and smirked "she looks pretty harmless to me."

Yang felt herself sober up suddenly, blood was draining from everywhere and filling her face. The dancer dropped her hand to her side, putting an end to the wonderful pressure that was being applied to her scalp. Nightshade took a seat between Sun and Yang, casually crossing her right leg over her left and turning her head towards Sun.

"I'll have you know I had a long list of customers who wanted to have private dances, I came as fast as I could."

Sun opened his mouth to say an obvious crack at her choice of word but the dancer was faster.

"No."

Pouting, Sun's tail whipped behind him, slapping the plush chair with a barely audible thud. Yang leaned back against the chair, trying to follow the conversation going on.

"You basically just booked the rest of my shift for your little sausage fest booth, as per usual. Neptune's hard earned money I presume. You know, I don't believe I've been introduced to this new and refreshing addition to your little band."

Yang perked up when Nightshade turned towards her, a mischievous little grin on her full lips. Yang smiled, some kind of bravado back in the rest of her dignity that was shot in the head the last time she had seen the faunus.

"I'm Yang."

The blonde held out her hand in front of her, but the dancer had something else in mind. In one fluid motion, Nightshade had twisted herself up and unto Yang's lap, straddling her. Yang's breath caught in her throat, eyes fixing themselves on the nice bra clad breast in front of her before meeting the amber eyes once again.

"Oh yes, I know who you are. Most faunus in this city know you in fact."

Yang looked down in embarrassment, lifting her left hand to rub the back of her head. She tried to keep her thoughts under control, tried to focus on the oh so very soft texture of the girl's skin or the way she could feel a tiny tremor in the air when her cat ear swished this way or the other.

The dancer leaned down, bracing her hands on the brawler's shoulders and mouth brushing her ear.

"Thank you."

Yang blinked in confusion, eyes on the dancer's lap. Something caught her eye then, under the ribbons, the girl's forearms were crisscrossed with faint scars. As if rope or something similar had burned her skin on more than one occasion. Yang's eyes snapped back up and into Nightshade's face with seriousness. The dancer shied under Yang's gaze for the first time tonight. For a brief moment, the blonde was sure she saw the real girl behind the lazy smirk. Gone was the façade of the enticing pole dancer. All she saw was a bruised woman who let down her walls for a fleeting moment to show her gratitude. And for once, the gratitude was not unwelcome to Yang. It didn't remind her of what she lost when she got involved in this mess, it reminded her of what that girl gained.

Yang was shaken out of her thoughts when a lone finger made its way from her right shoulder to the tip of her metal hook. She followed it with her eyes, only to look back up into the faunus' amber.

"You're still as gorgeous as you were when you won that belt" she whispered.

The blonde made a choked sound and blushed, raising her left hand to steady itself on the girl's waist. Yang tried to look for something, anything in those golden orbs to make sure it would be okay to let this beautiful girl know that her own scars were not hideous. That she, too, was as beautiful. That she was worth just as much as she was before this happened to her. An idea came to mind and Yang let her fingers glide up the dancer's sides slowly.

"Hmm, if you want to touch you might have to pay extra."

Yang grinned, hand reaching the girl's shoulder blades and around back down her arm. The dancer froze, not moving a single muscle as Yang's fingertips reached her ribbons and pushing them down towards her wrists. Nightshade looked ready to stop her hands but something stopped her. Yang's grin fell into a gentle smile as her finger tips brushed lightly against the scarred skin. A tremor went through the faunus and Yang felt it; her breath caught in her throat at the small rocking motion the dancer made on her lap. Her eyes bore in glowing gold once more and there was no hesitation in them this time.

"I remember you" said Yang breathlessly "you're the girl I found in the basement."

The faunus' eyes never left hers. Nodding once, she let one hand fall from the brawler's shoulder to her collar bone. Closing her eyes, she leaned into Yang again, lips merely an inch from her ear.

"I'd say that deserves a private dance, wouldn't you?"

The hot breath over her ear made Yang shiver and feel heat pool low in her stomach.

"You don't have to." A whisper, fleeting and which would have been lost in the music of the club if it weren't for Nightshade's exceptional hearing.

"Oh but I want to."

Climbing off of Yang, the dancer took a firm hold of the blonde's shirt, pulling her through the patrons and towards a dark red curtain. She followed, wobbling slightly because of the alcohol that was still coursing through her. Her nose caught a whiff of the dancer's perfume and her head started spinning for a whole different reason. She found herself in a small room, only occupied by a comfortable looking chair and a low table where a pole was sticking out of the middle. After closing the curtains behind them, the faunus pushed Yang who simply let herself fall back in the seat with a soft groan.

"Careful on the rough treatment, I might have to leave a bad review."

Nightshade ignored Yang while she chuckled at her own joke, flicking on the 'occupied' light, showing people outside that the booth was being in use. Yang's eyes drank in the sight of the dancer's back once more, the curve of her waist before it met her hips. Yang had to raise her left hand to lightly slap her own cheek to not reach forward and take a hold of the girl by her delicious lower back dimples.

Sliding back unto Yang's lap, Nightshade wrapped her arms around her neck with the lazy smirk back on her lips. Yang frowned. She wanted more of the girl she had saved, more of the shy look behind long lashes. There was something indescribably tempting in knowing the dancer more intimately.

"So, this song's on the house. You may touch me but not over or under the undergarments. Enjoy~".

A very bass heavy song started in the booth speakers. It was loud, but not that loud in comparison to the main lounge. Yang felt the excitement build back up in her chest and met the teasing flutter of eyelashes with her own flirty smirk. Nightshade trailed a finger along Yang's cheek and down across her lips before getting up and off her lap.

The music picked up and the faunus turned around, showing her back to the blonde before swaying her hips and waist along to the sinful beat surrounding them. The brawler bit her lip and her fingers flexed on the armrest. Noticing her lack of reaction, Nightshade let herself fall backward a bit, hips rolling and moving a bare inch away from Yang's. The blonde took in a deep breath through her nose and raised her hand to ghost her fingertips on the side of the exposed back. The faunus shivered lightly from her touch and Yang grinned smugly. Not one to accept defeat, Nightshade sat down on Yang's lap. Back leaning against a soft, full chest; she brought her arms up and over Yang's head. Holding unto the back of the chair, she stretched her body forward, arching her back and pushing her firm ass against Yang's crotch in a slow grinding. The brawler gasped, hand holding unto the dancer's hip more firmly but not doing anything to slow or hinder her delicious rocking.

Nightshade let her head fall on her shoulder, lips stretched in a grin as she whispered in her ear.

"By the end of this song, I'll have you begging me to give you another one."

Yang let out a breathless chuckle. If she wasn't so worked up already, she might have scoffed and tried to challenge the faunus on her allegation... But her body felt like it was on fire and she didn't want her to stop working her up.

"You're on, kitten."

Well, in her defense, Yang was still Yang.

Laughing breathlessly, the dancer let her hands wander in the wild, golden mane. Yang felt her lids getting heavier and her head leaned forward, pressing her nose and lips against the back of the faunus' neck. A shiver ran through the dancer, making the brawler smirk against her skin. Nightshade let go of the chair and put her hands on Yang's thighs. She trailed her nails forward and down to her knees before pushing herself off her lap with one last rocking motion.

As soon as the warmth left her lap, Yang let out a low groan of disappointment, missing the weight already. Looking up, her eyes locked with the faunus'. She was smiling coyly, leaning backward against the pole, her body rolling lazily against it.

Yang couldn't tear her eyes away, this girl was intoxicating. The sheer amount of desire she felt for this faunus was more than anything she had ever experienced before. Lifting her left hand, Yang made a beckoning motion with her finger. Biting her lip with a smile, Nightshade shook her head and rose her arms up along the pole, hips swaying from side to side.

The brawler's eyes flashed red for a mere moment but the dancer noticed. Her body stopped grounding against the pole and her chest rose and fell faster suddenly. Yang was too enthralled to notice her reaction, but she saw the cat ears stand up at attention. Licking her lips, the blonde beckoned again, this time with her whole hand, fingers itching to touch the faunus again.

"Come here kitten, I won't bite."

Eyes still locked with Yang's, Nightshade quickly filled the distance between them and straddled her lap again. The music slowed down and Nightshade pressed her chest against Yang's face, fingers wrapping in her mane and rubbing at her scalp in a very pleasant way. Yang inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of the beautiful faunus' skin, face pressing against the warm fabric of the purple laced bra. Her left arm wrapped itself around the other girl's waist, pressing their bodies together. The side of her face was now pressed firmly against the dancer's chest. She could feel the erratic beat of her heart, daring Yang to push her luck and go further. She opened her mouth and gently pinched the side of her breast between her teeth. Yang felt the sudden intake of air more than she heard the gasp coming from above her.

Pushing herself back, the dancer kept one hand on Yang's collar, the other in front of her chest in a defensive gesture. Yang would have felt bad if it wasn't for the subtle blush adorning her pale cheeks. Inspecting her chest and seeing no mark, Nightshade frowned at Yang who simply grinned cockily. The faunus gave her a devilish smirk and Yang's heart gave a flip.

There it is.

The dancer's hand delicately cupped Yang's jaw, forcing her to keep eye contact with her as her hips started to ground down harder against the brawler. Yang groaned appreciatively and, leaning back against the chair, she rocked her hips up to meet hers. Lids became heavy in front of endless golden pools and Yang bit her lip at the look the dancer was giving her. Letting go of her chin, she brushed her hand down her right shoulder and over her prosthetic, making Yang furrow her eyebrows in confusion.

Yang stopped breathing when the dark beauty wrapped her right arm, along with her prosthetic, around her waist, just over her left. The rocking motion still going on between them made Yang snap out of it and she stared up in bewilderment at the girl over her who simply smiled. Her smile was gentle, graceful, it made Yang feel appreciated, fake arm and all. Tears were threatening to fall from eyes and for a second, she panicked.

"But the hook! I might hu-er ok."

Letting her bra fall along her arms behind her, Nightshade pulled them back to her chest, hands kneading her perky breast. Arms holding unto the faunus tighter, Yang's lilac eyes turned completely red.

Looking away as the music slowly came to a stop, the dancer grinned.

"Sounds like your free dance is over Yang. Do you wa-ah."

Sweat dropped along the brawler's forehead, framing the piercing red eyes that were locked on hers. Not able to look away, Nightshade's hand brushed the blonde's bangs aside, mesmerized. Yang looked up and through her daze, she saw light coming out of those eyes, salvation in the sweetest way possible. She wante- no. She needed to know, to feel more of this girl than whatever this was they were doing right now. It certainly was more than a private dance at this point.

"Please-".

Yang's voice was hoarse when she next spoke, making her clear her throat and try again.

"Please tell me your name."

Nightshade absentmindedly ran a hand through her hair, ear flicking away from her fingers as she did. She looked away from Yang only for her chin to be cupped in a palm softer than she had expected coming from the UFC light weight champion. She licked her lips, tongue briefly going over her sharp canine. Yang glanced at her mouth for the briefest of moment and then those burning eyes were locked in hers again.

"Blake. My name is Blake Belladonna."

Lips crashed over hers roughly, making her moan in surprise before grabbing unto Yang's broad shoulders to steady herself. Foregoing all the rules, Blake threw her arms around the blonde's neck, hips grounding down once more with purpose. When the two of them pulled away to breathe, both of them were panting and completely flushed. Yang's eyes were back to their normal color and a smile graced her lips.

"Could I have another dance?"

Nails scratched her collar bone and Yang observed Blake's face intently. The faunus licked her lips slowly, eyes closing before opening again. Her pupils were fully dilated and her lids heavy.

"No."

Seeing the confusion and hurt in Yang's eyes, Blake rapidly added "no, you can't have another dance. Because if I start rocking my hips over you again I think I'm gonna cum."

Eyes widening at Blake's bold words, Yang let out a shaky breath. "I have to see you again. Feeling your heart beating so fast is the most alive I've felt in months."

Blake let out a shuddered breath and grabbed a hold of Yang's shirt, pulling her in a passionate kiss. Smirking against her lips, Yang lifted her hips towards the faunus, pulling at her waist at the same time. Blake moaned in her mouth, whole body shivering heavily against the brawler. Against her better jugement, Yang slid her hand over the dancer's firm ass and cupped one cheek firmly. She ground her hips up again, pulling Blake's body along with hers. A mewl left the faunus' mouth and she shut her eyes tightly, her whole body following the movement with renewed vigor.

"Fuck."

A shudder, lips pulling in a silent cry and then Blake was biting Yang's shoulder so hard the skin pierced. Yang moaned at the pain, it was a reminder that she was alive, that she still could feel something.

The song ended, their shared panting the only sound in the booth.

"Well" gulped Yang "that was a thing."

Blake laughed breathlessly, and it was beautiful.

The dancer slid away from her lap, reaching down to grab her bra and fastening it back around her chest. Yang rose behind her, unsure what to say or do.

Just before her hand reached the curtain, Blake turned around.

"If you want to see me again, ask Sun where I live."

After that, she pulled the curtain away and disappeared. Yang sat back down in the chair for a moment, heart still hammering in her chest and a soft smile covering her lips.

The building fell on itself behind her, flames licking at her hair but the bundled up frame in her arms was keeping all her attention. Falling to the ground in exhaustion and pain, Yang cried out as her burned arm's skin made a sickening sound as it peeled away from the blanket.

She was a in a daze, she couldn't see anything but the stars dancing in front of her eyes on a black curtain.

But then there was police lights.

She closed her eyes, completely exhausted.

Someone was shaking her shoulder.

There was shouting as Ruby was pushing the slave traders in the back of her police car.

There was a gentle, soothing yet husky voice pleading her to stay awake.

There was the shrill voice of Weiss talking to the reporters and telling them to get the fuck away.

She opened her eyes.

She saw golden eyes.