The air was cold. Damp. Silent.
Vex lay unconscious on the ground. Blood slowly spreading beneath her. Phantom stood above her. Calm. Unbothered.
Then, Footsteps echoed. From the shadows, Zander stepped in. Hands in his pockets. Smirk is already there. "…You really made it dramatic this time."
Phantom didn't look at him. "Handle Blitz and Specter." A pause. "They're at the greenhouse right now."
Zander's eyes flickered slightly.
"Don't let them interfere with my work with Vex." A beat. "And bring him with you."
From behind, another figure stepped forward. Tall. Quiet. Sharp eyes scanning everything instantly. KAEL ARDYN.
Zander glanced at him briefly. "…So this is the new one."
Kael didn't respond. Just observed. Like Specter, but colder.
Zander sighed lightly. "Alright, boss." A lazy smirk returned. "Got it."
Then, he tilted his head slightly. "…You just want some alone time with Rania, don't you?"
A small chuckle. "I get it."
Phantom didn't react. But his silence was answer enough.
Zander grinned. "…Enjoy your moment." He turned. Walking toward the exit.
Kael followed silently beside him. Zander glanced sideways.
"…You talk?" Silence. "…Or just stare like that all the time?"
Kael finally spoke. "…Depends." A pause. "On whether you're worth talking to."
Zander smirked. "…Oh, I like you already." Kael didn't react. "…Unfortunate."
Zander laughed softly. "…You'll get along with Specter." That made Kael pause slightly. "…Specter?"
Zander glanced forward. "…Yeah." A smirk. "She's the only one who might tolerate you."
A beat. "…Maybe more." Kael didn't reply. But something in his eyes shifted. Just slightly.
[GREENHOUSE]
Glass walls. Rain is tapping softly. Plants everywhere. And inside two figures. Blitz. Specter. Unaware, they were about to be found.
[AIDEN'S MANSION – HIDDEN ROOM]
Silence. Not empty but controlled. The room was dimly lit, illuminated only by a soft amber lamp resting beside the bed. Clean. Precise. Too precise.
Medical equipment stood neatly to the side, monitors blinking steadily, wires carefully connected to her body.
A faint beep… beep… beep… The only sign that she was still alive. Same situation as Aiden before. But now, it's her turn.
The scent of antiseptic lingered in the air. Cold. Sterile.
But strangely, there were small details that didn't belong.
A single chair is placed too close to the bed. A glass of fresh water. Not untouched. And a coat, carelessly draped nearby. Like someone had been here. Not as a guard. But as someone who stayed.
Vex lay motionless. Bandages wrapped around her chest. Blood no longer fresh.
But the pain is still there. Even in sleep. Her brows tightened slightly. And slowly, her mind drifted.
[RANIA' DREAM]
Rain. Soft. Endless.
A younger Rania stood under a dim streetlight. Cold eyes. Sharp. Watching. Her target. Aiden.
Leaning casually against a wall, like he had nowhere to be. Like he already knew.
"…You've been following me for a while," he said without looking at her.
Rania didn't respond. Just stepped closer. "…You're not very careful," she replied.
Aiden smirked. "Or maybe…" He turned. "…I wanted to be found." Silence.
That was the beginning.
Laughter slipped between them, soft, unfamiliar, almost fragile.
Rania didn't realize she was smiling until he pointed it out. "…You're annoying," she muttered, trying to look away.
Aiden leaned back slightly, watching her with quiet amusement. "And yet… you're still here."
A brief pause. "…Don't get the wrong idea," she said, her voice softer than she intended.
Aiden's smirk deepened, eyes never leaving hers. "I already did."
When the broken truth lies on them, darkness swallows the space between them.
Two figures stood apart, close enough to see, too far to reach.
"You used me." Aiden's voice was steady. No anger. Just truth.
"…So did you." Rania's reply came just as quietly.
No denial. No defense. Only silence followed. Heavy. Suffocating.
Their eyes met, and neither of them looked away. "…We're the same."
A pause. Long enough for it to sink in. "…That's why it hurts."
Something twisted in her chest. Sharp. Unavoidable. And then, her own voice echoed back at her. Cold. Unforgiving. "That's what you get for playing with someone else's feelings…"
A breath. "…now you're the one getting hurt."
[PAST – EXECUTION SITE]
The air was cold. Too still. Like, even the wind refused to move.
Aiden stood in front of her. Wounded. But still standing. Still looking at her, like nothing had changed.
Vex held the gun. Steady. Unshaking. At least, on the outside.
"…Anything you want to say," she asked coldly, "before you die?"
Silence. Then, Aiden smiled. Not mocking. Not afraid. Just soft. "…Yeah." A pause. "I choose you."
Vex's grip tightened slightly. "…What?" Aiden's eyes didn't leave hers. "For my secret weapon."
A beat. "Don't get hurt." His voice dropped. "You know what I mean." Silence.
Something cracked. Just for a second. Vex hesitated. Her finger froze on the trigger. Memories. Moments. Feelings she buried, threatened to rise.
"Do it." A voice behind her. Cold. Brandon. "Finish it." The moment shattered.
Vex's eyes hardened instantly. Everything is gone again. Locked. Buried.
"…You talk too much." A faint smile appeared on her lips. Playful. But her eyes were swollen. Heavy.
"…Goodbye, Aiden."
BANG. The shot echoed. Loud. Final. Aiden's body jerked, then fell. Slowly. To the ground. Silence.
Brandon stepped forward. Calm. Satisfied. "Throw him into the gorge." A pause. "Check again." His voice sharpened slightly. "Make sure he's completely dead."
One of his men nodded immediately. "Yes, sir."
Brandon turned, looking at her. Proud. "Good job, my daughter." A faint smile. "That's the tough one." A pause. "I like it very much."
Vex didn't respond. Didn't move. Didn't look at him.
Her gaze remained on the body. Because deep down, she knew. That shot wasn't the end.
[BACK TO PRESENT]
BANG. The same sound. Echoing again. Inside her mind. Inside her chest. Because some shots never stop ringing.
"Ah!" Vex's eyes snapped open. Her body jolted slightly, then froze.
"…It hurts…" Her hand instinctively moved toward her chest, but stopped halfway.
Bandages. Reality. Her breathing turned uneven. "…I'm alive…" A pause.
Her eyes wandered slowly around the room. The ceiling. The walls. The dim light. "…This room…" Her gaze sharpened.
"…Isn't this..." Recognition hit. Soft. Dangerous. "…Aiden's place…" Silence. Her eyes darkened.
"…Of course." A faint, tired smile appeared. "…You really don't know how to let go." But her voice was softer than she intended.
Outside the room. Footsteps. Slow. Measured. Coming closer.
And inside, Vex lay still. Awake. Waiting.
Because this time, she wasn't the one setting the trap. She was already inside it.
[AMSTERDAM AIRPORT – OUTSIDE]
The cold air greeted them the moment they stepped out.
Blitz stretched her arms. "…Okay, I officially hate this weather." Her mouth was still chewing on the snack she bought from the plane.
Specter didn't reply immediately. Her eyes locked onto something ahead.
Two black sedans. Parked quietly outside. Men in dark suits are standing beside them. Still. Watching.
"…Look at that," Specter said slowly. Blitz blinked. "Huh? Where?" Still chewing.
Specter reached out, grabbed Blitz's head, and turned it toward the cars. "Look properly."
Blitz squinted. "…Oh." A pause. "…Yeah, okay, that's suspicious." She took another bite. "...They look like they're here for us."
Specter crossed her arms. "…Exactly."
Blitz tilted her head. "…But organization people don't usually dress like that, right?" A beat. "…This feels different."
Specter exhaled. "…Let's go ask." Before Blitz could react, Specter grabbed her hand and started walking. Fast.
"Wait... HEY, slow down!" Blitz nearly stumbled. "My food!"
"You can eat later."
"No, I can't!" She tried to balance both walking and chewing. "…You're ruining everything."
Specter ignored her. Dragging her straight toward the men.
They stopped. Specter stepped forward. "Excuse me." A pause. "Who are you waiting for?"
The men looked at them. Slowly.From head to toe. Then, one of them checked a photo in his hand. "…Specter and Blitz, right?"
Blitz raised her hand casually. "Yup. That's us." Still chewing. Still smiling.
The man nodded. "We've been assigned by Phantom, our leader, to pick you up." A pause. "To bring you to Phantom's mansion."
Blitz blinked. "…Oh?" The man continued. "Vex is there as well."
Specter's eyes widened slightly. "…She is?" A beat. "…Good." She turned to Blitz. "Let's go."
Blitz held up a hand immediately. "Wait." She stepped forward. Suspicious now. "…How do I know you're really Phantom's people?"
A pause. She crossed her arms. "I need confirmation."
Specter blinked. "…Since when do you do that?" Blitz ignored her. Then,
"VEIL ABOVE, SLIDE DOWN BELOW, WHAT IS YOUR PAST?"
Silence. The men froze slightly. Then, awkwardly say, "…YOUR DAY IS BLACK WOLF."
One of them scratched his head. Clearly confused.
Blitz's eyes widened. "…OH." A big grin. "They got it right!" She turned excitedly to Specter. "Let's go, Lisa!"
Specter stared at her. "…You actually did something smart for once."
Blitz smirked proudly. "Of course." A beat. "…Don't get used to it."
------------------------------------
The door closed. The engine started. Blitz leaned back comfortably. "…Okay, this is nice." A pause. "…I forgive you for dragging me earlier."
Specter sighed. "…Focus." Blitz rolled her eyes. "I am focused." A beat. "…On surviving."
The city lights slowly faded. The roads became quieter. Darker. More isolated.
Blitz glanced outside. "…This feels like a kidnapping."
Specter didn't respond. Because she was thinking the same thing.
The car stopped. Blitz leaned forward slightly. "…Wow." A large glass structure stood before them. Dimly lit. Surrounded by plants. Quiet. Too quiet.
"…This is the place?" Blitz muttered. Specter stepped out first. Eyes scanning everything. "...Stay alert."
Blitz stepped out after her. "…Always." But this time, even she wasn't joking.
Because something felt wrong. And they had just walked right into it.
The glass walls reflected shadows. Still. Quiet. Too quiet. Then,
"Hello, guys." A familiar voice.
Blitz froze. "…You again."
Zander stepped out from between the plants. A smile, but this time, it lingered a little longer on Blitz.
Kael stood behind him. Silent. Still. Watching. Like he was measuring everything.
Blitz crossed her arms immediately. "Seriously? Are you not done with me yet?"
A step forward. "And where's Vex?" Her voice sharpened. "I want to see her right now."
Specter stepped up beside her. "…Yeah. Where is she?" A pause. "We have something important to tell her."
Silence. Zander didn't answer right away. Instead, he tilted his head slightly. "…You came all this way just for her?"
Blitz rolled her eyes. "Yes. Obviously." A beat. "So stop talking and take us to her."
Zander's smile didn't fade. "…That's going to be difficult." Blitz's eyes narrowed. "…Why?"
Kael finally spoke. "…Because you're not leaving this place." Silence dropped instantly.
Blitz blinked. "…Excuse me?" Specter's gaze sharpened. "…Repeat that."
Kael didn't move. "You weren't brought here to meet her." A pause. "…You were brought here to stay."
Blitz laughed. A short, sharp sound. "…Okay, that's funny." A beat. "…You're joking, right?"
Zander stepped forward slowly. "…I told you before." His voice lowered. "…You wouldn't like what you find."
Blitz's expression hardened. "…So this is it?" A step closer. "You let me escape…" A beat. "...just to bring me here?"
Zander didn't deny it. "…Yeah." That hit harder. Blitz scoffed. "…You're insane."
"Maybe."
Specter stepped in between them. "…Enough." Her eyes shifted to Kael. "…And you." A pause. "Who are you?"
Kael met her gaze. Unmoving. "…Noxis." Silence. Specter's expression didn't change.
"…Specter." A beat. Two shadows. Facing each other. Measuring. Understanding without words.
Blitz groaned loudly. "Can we NOT do this silent staring thing right now?"
She pointed at Zander. "You." A pause. "…Explain. Properly."
Zander exhaled slowly. "…Phantom wants time." A pause. "…With Vex."
Blitz's eyes widened. "…What?" Specter's voice dropped. "…Why?"
Zander didn't answer. That was answer enough. Blitz's fists clenched. "…I knew it."
A step forward. "…You're all working together." Zander's gaze softened just slightly. "…Not like that."
"Then what is it like?!" Her voice rose. "You lied to me." A beat. "You trapped us here."
Another step. "…And now you expect me to just stand still?!"
Silence. Then Zander's voice dropped. "…I expect you to stay alive."
Blitz froze. "…Don't say it like that." Her voice softened just a little. "…Like you care."
Zander didn't reply. Kael's voice cut in, calm. Cold. "…Enough talking." A pause. "Orders are clear."
Specter's eyes narrowed. "…And if we don't follow?"
Kael stepped forward slightly. "…Then we make you." Silence.
Blitz cracked her knuckles. "…Finally." A small grin. "…Now this feels like a mission."
Specter exhaled slowly. "…Don't overdo it," Blitz smirked. "No promises."
Glass walls. Reflections. Four figures, standing in the same space. But not on the same side. Because this time, there was no pretending anymore.
The tension was thick. One wrong move and everything would explode.
Then Blitz broke it. "…Do you have any food?" Silence. Everyone turned to her.
Blitz shrugged. "I'm starving, okay?" A beat. "You know that."
Zander stared at her, then let out a quiet laugh. "…Yeah." A small smirk appeared. "I knew you'd ask that." He turned. "Come with me." A pause. "I'll take you to the kitchen."
Blitz's eyes lit up immediately. "…Finally." She stepped forward, but suddenly her hand was grabbed. Firm. Specter.
"You're not allowed to ask her that," Specter said coldly, staring at Zander. A pause. "Not after you trapped her before."
Her grip on Blitz tightened slightly. "I'm going with you."
Blitz blinked. "…You're acting like I'm going to get kidnapped again." A beat.
"…Actually, fair." She nodded. "Okay, you can come."
Then she turned back to Zander. "Let's go." A pause. "What are you waiting for?"
Zander just smiled. Watching her. "…Still the same." He turned and started walking.
Blitz followed immediately. Specter didn't let go of her hand. Not even for a second.
Behind them, Kael moved as well. Silent. Steps steady. Eyes observing everything.
Blitz leaned slightly toward Specter. "…You don't have to hold my hand this tight."
Specter didn't look at her. "…Just in case."
Blitz smirked. "…You care about me that much?"
A pause. "…Obviously."
Blitz blinked. "…Wow." A beat. "That was direct."
Specter finally glanced at her. "…Don't make it weird."
"Too late."
Ahead, Zander slowed his steps slightly. "…You two done?"
Blitz rolled her eyes. "No." A pause. "We'll never be done."
Zander chuckled softly. "…Good."
Kael, from behind, spoke calmly, "…You talk too much."
Blitz turned immediately. "…Excuse me?" She pointed at him. "I don't even know you, and you're already annoying."
A beat. "…What was your name again?" Kael didn't react. "…Noxis."
Blitz squinted. "…That sounds fake." A pause. "…I'm calling you Kael."
Zander laughed under his breath. "…Good luck with that."
Kael didn't argue. But his eyes shifted briefly toward Specter. Just for a second.
Specter noticed. But said nothing.
[KITCHEN]
The door opened. Warm light. The smell of food instantly filled the air.
Blitz froze. "…Okay." A pause. "…I forgive all of you." She walked in immediately. "…This smells amazing."
Zander leaned against the counter. "…Told you."
Blitz grabbed something without hesitation. "…Don't talk to me." A bite. "…I'm busy."
Specter stayed near the entrance. Still alert. Still watching.
Kael stood beside her. Silent. Then, "…You don't trust us," he said calmly.
Specter didn't look at him. "…Should I?" A pause. "…No."
Kael nodded slightly. "…Good." Silence. "…But you stayed," he added.
Specter's eyes shifted slightly. "…For her." A beat. "…Not for you."
Kael's gaze lingered on her, just a second longer. "…Noted."
Blitz sat at the table, eating as if nothing had happened. Zander is watching her. Specter is watching everything. Kael is watching Specter.
And somewhere far away, Vex was still unaware that everything around her was already moving.
Blitz leaned back in her chair. "…Okay." A pause. "I'm full." She patted her stomach proudly. "...That was good."
Specter, still standing, crossed her arms. "…I'm bored." A beat. "How long are we supposed to wait for Vex anyway?"
Blitz nodded immediately. "Yeah, same." She stretched slightly. "Can we just go inside that mansion now?" Silence. Kael answered. Calm. "…No." A pause. "…Not today."
Blitz blinked. "…What?" Specter frowned. "…What do you mean, not today?" Kael didn't move. "…Maybe tomorrow." Silence dropped.
"…What??" Specter's voice rose slightly. "Then what are we supposed to do now?"
A step forward. "And what is Vex even doing in that mansion for so long?" A pause. "…This doesn't make sense." Blitz tilted her head. "…Yeah." A beat. "…Something feels off."
Zander suddenly clapped his hands once. Breaking the tension. "Alright." A smirk appeared. "Let's play a game." Blitz blinked. "…A game?" Zander nodded. "To kill the boredom."
A pause. Then, he pointed. "You team up with me, Xara." Blitz squinted. "…Why me?" A smirk. "Because you're fun." Blitz rolled her eyes. "…That sounds suspicious."
Zander ignored it. Then, I looked at the others. "Kael with Specter." A pause. "Okay?"
Specter immediately crossed her arms tighter. "…I didn't agree to this." Kael replied calmly, "…You didn't refuse either." Silence.
Blitz burst out laughing. "…Oh, I like him." A beat. "He's annoying." Specter shot her a look. "...You're one to talk." Blitz stood up immediately. "Fine." A smirk formed. "…Let's play."
She pointed at Zander. "But if I win..." A pause. "You answer one of my questions." Zander's eyes narrowed slightly. Amused. "…Deal."
Specter stepped forward. "…What kind of game?"
Zander turned and walked slowly toward the deeper part of the greenhouse. "…Something simple." A pause. "…A hunting game."
Blitz's grin widened. "…Now that sounds interesting."
The lights dimmed slightly. Shadows grew longer. The glass walls reflected their movements like multiple versions watching.
And somewhere, hidden within the greenhouse. Something had already begun because this game was never meant to be fair.
.
----------------------------
The deeper they went, the quieter it became. No more warm lights. No more open space. Just a narrow path, hidden behind rows of tall plants.
Blitz frowned slightly. "…Okay." A pause. "…Why does this feel like a horror movie now?"
Zander chuckled softly. "You watch too much."
They stopped. Blitz blinked. "…Huh?" In front of them, a long, narrow range. Targets lined up at the far end. Bows are carefully placed on a rack. Arrows neatly arranged.
Blitz tilted her head. "…What is this?" A beat. "…What are we playing?"
Zander stepped forward. Picked up a bow casually. "…This is an archery range." He turned slightly, glancing at her. "…Simple game."
Blitz raised an eyebrow. "…You dragged me all the way here…" A pause. "…to play archery?"
Zander smirked. "Problem?" Blitz crossed her arms. "…No." A beat. "…I'm just better than you."
Zander chuckled."…Confident." Blitz grabbed a bow, spinning it once in her hand. "…Always."
Specter stood still. Watching. Kael is beside her. Silent. "…You planned this," Specter said. A pause. "…Not just a game."
Kael didn't deny it. "…You're observant."
Specter didn't react. "…Answer the question." Kael's gaze shifted forward. "…Watch."
Blitz positioned herself. "…Alright. A pause. "What are the rules?"
Zander leaned casually against the side. "…Hit the target." A beat. "…Or miss."
Blitz narrowed her eyes. "…That's it?"
"Simple." Silence.
Blitz pulled the arrow. Placed it. Drew the string back, her posture shifted. Focused. Sharp. Not joking anymore. "…Don't blink."
Release, THWACK. The arrow hit, near the center.
Blitz smirked immediately, "…See?" A beat. "Told you." Zander clapped slowly. "..Impressive." A pause. "But you missed."
Blitz froze. "…Excuse me?" Zander stepped closer. Pointing. "…That's not the real target."
Blitz frowned. "…What do you mean?" Then, she saw it. Behind the first target, another one. Smaller. Hidden. Her expression shifted. "…Oh."
Zander smiled faintly. "…This game isn't about what you see first." A pause. "…It's about what's hidden."
Blitz slowly lowered her bow. Her eyes sharpened. "…You're testing me." Zander didn't answer. Because she was right.
Across the range, Specter was already watching differently. And beside her, Kael's gaze never left her. Because this game was never just a game.
The air shifted. Blitz stepped back. "…Alright." A grin. "Your turn."
Specter didn't respond immediately. She stepped forward, calm. Controlled. No wasted movement.
Across from her, Kael. Noxis. Already holding a bow. Silent. Watching her.
Blitz leaned toward Zander. "…Why does this feel more intense than mine?"
Zander smirked. "…Because it is."
Specter picked up a bow. Her fingers brushed lightly over the string. Testing. Feeling.
"…Same rules?" she asked. Kael nodded once. "…Same." A pause. "…Or maybe not."
Specter glanced at him. "…Meaning?" Kael didn't answer. Instead, he raised his bow. No warning.
Release THWACK. Perfect. Straight into the center. The real center. The hidden one.
Blitz's eyes widened. "…Okay." A beat. "He's good." Zander chuckled softly. "…Told you."
Specter didn't react. She stepped into position. Lifted her bow. Drew the string back, her eyes sharp. Locked. Not just on the target. But beyond it.
Kael watched her. Not blinking. "…You hesitate," he said calmly. Specter didn't move. "…No." A pause. "I observe."
Release THWACK. The arrow cut through the air, clean. Precise. And hit. Dead center. The hidden target.
Silence. Blitz blinked. "…Oh." A pause. "…OH." She turned to Zander. "…Okay, I take it back." A pause. "They're both scary."
Kael lowered his bow slowly. His gaze stayed on Specter. "…Not bad."
Specter relaxed her stance slightly. "…You talk too much." A beat. "…For someone silent earlier."
Kael's expression didn't change. "…Only when necessary."
Specter tilted her head slightly. "…Then stay silent." A pause. "…You're better that way."
Blitz covered her mouth. "…OHHHH." Zander laughed quietly. "…She's sharp."
Kael stepped closer. Not aggressive. But not distant either.
Two arrows, perfectly placed. Side by side. Unmoving. Like the two of them. Different. But equally dangerous.
Blitz stretched her arms. "…Okay, that was boringly impressive." A pause. "…Now what?"
Zander's smile returned. Slightly sharper this time. "…Now…" A beat. "…we make it interesting."
Zander clapped once. "…Alright." A smirk formed. "Let's level it up."
Blitz's eyes lit up immediately. "…Finally." A beat. "…Now we're talking."
Zander gestured toward the range. The targets moved. Slowly at first. Then faster. Sliding left. Right. Up. Down. Unpredictable.
Blitz blinked. "…Okay." A pause. "…That's annoying."
Specter stepped forward. "…Good." Kael lifted his bow. Already focused.
Blitz shot first. Release THWACK. Miss. "…Eh..." Another arrow, miss again. "…Wait, why is it moving like that??"
Zander chuckled behind her. "…That's the point." Blitz turned. "…I don't like this game anymore."
On the other side, Specter didn't rush. She watched. Calculated. Tracked the pattern.
Kael did the same. Silent. Still. Two minds, reading the movement.
Kael moved first. Release THWACK. Hit. Clean. Specter followed, releasing THWACK. Another hit. Perfect.
Blitz stared. "…No." A beat. "…No, no, no."
Final round. Targets sped up, faster. Harder.
Kael. Release. Hit. Specter, Release. Hit. Dead center. Again. Silence.
Then, Specter lowered her bow. "…I won again."
Blitz froze. "…Not again…" She turned dramatically and walked straight toward the wall. "…I refuse this reality."
She leaned forward, about to hit her forehead, but a hand appeared. Pressed against the wall, right before her head. Blocking the impact.
Blitz stopped. "…Huh?" She blinked. Then stepped back slightly. "…Weird." She didn't notice.
Zander slowly pulled his hand away. Like nothing happened. "…Careful."
Blitz waved him off. "I'm fine." A beat. "…Mentally? No."
Specter crossed her arms. "…Please don't be romantic in front of me."
Blitz blinked. "…What??" Zander smirked. "…Jealous?"
Specter rolled her eyes. "…Disgusted." Kael finally spoke, "…Yeah." A pause. "I'm about to vomit."
Blitz gasped. "…HEY." She pointed at both of them. "You two are the problem, not me."
A beat. "…Winning too much is illegal."
Zander chuckled. "…You're just bad." Blitz turned instantly. "…EXCUSE ME?"
Specter sighed softly. "…You missed three times."
"…I was adjusting!"
"…You missed five."
"…STOP COUNTING."
Kael glanced at Specter briefly. "…She's loud." Specter replied calmly, "…You finally noticed?"
Blitz groaned loudly. "I hate all of you. A pause. "…Except me."
The tension is lighter now. Laughter. Teasing. Almost normal. But beneath it, Nothing had changed. Zander is still watching Blitz. Kael is still observing Specter.
And somewhere else, Vex was still trapped. Because this "game" was only just beginning...
TBC