[ Her shoulders sag as she draws a deep breath for the first time in what feels like hours, finally feeling like she's able to once the man who's already hiding in here speaks and makes it clear that he's not a threat. While he crosses the room, her eyes dart to the fearsome-looking weapon he carries, a sight that unconsciously makes her double down on the grip she keeps on her staff, using the slight weight of it to ground herself, even though she feels rattled to the core. ]

I hope it's just the dogs. [ Her voice is soft but strung tight, and though her throat wants to close before her mouth can form the words, she makes herself continue. ] If you start to hear wheels squeaking, we have to run.

[ Just mentioning that sound is enough to make her stomach tighten, and Aerith forces herself to take another deep, slow breath, striving for a sense of steadiness, knowing she needs it now more than ever. As a precaution she turns her head so she's at a better angle to listen through the door, still watching Steve as she does. As much as she doesn't want to hear those wheels, she wants to be caught off-guard by them even less. ]

Is something after you too?