The floorboards creaked beneath their weight, each step answering them with a tired groan. Dust hung thick in the air, stale and dry. Cobwebs clung to the corners like brittle lace, brushing against Elena's skin.
"Are you sure someone lives here?" Elena asked, her nose wrinkling as she wiped a web from her cheek. It left a faint, gritty residue on her fingers.
"Of course," Leo replied easily. "Even if I haven't been around for a while, I still know this village like the palm of my hand."
"Sure you do…" Elena muttered, rolling her eyes. "That explains why you led us into this abandoned building—"
Her words broke apart as a series of sharp sneezes tore out of her, her chest burning with each one.
"Sorry," Leo said, handing her a piece of cloth. "Cover your nose."
Elena tied it quickly, the fabric already smelling faintly of old soap and leather. "You better be right about this, Leo."
"Wait."
Leo's sudden tone made her freeze. He stretched out his arm, palm open.
Her pulse kicked up. "What now?"
"We're here."
"…Here?" She looked around, unimpressed. The walls were bare, the silence heavy enough to press against her ears.
"Relax," Leo said, kneeling. He knocked on the floor—three slow, deliberate taps.
The sound echoed unnaturally, hollow.
Footsteps answered.
Elena's breath caught. "Leo," she whispered, skin prickling, "this house doesn't even have another floor. Where is that sound coming from?"
Leo smirked. "It doesn't always have to be upstairs."
Her stomach dropped. "Down—"
The floor burst open with a sharp clatter. Dust exploded into the air, scratching her throat as she coughed. A hatch swung wide, and a man's head emerged from the darkness below.
"Leo! Old friend," the man said warmly—until his eyes slid to Elena. His expression hardened instantly.
"Great," he snapped. "You brought someone." He started descending again. "I told you—no strangers."
"Wait, Lancelot!" Leo rushed. "She's not a stranger. She's my—"
He faltered. "…My girlfriend."
Elena stiffened. Her mouth opened on instinct, but Leo's grip tightened around her hand—firm, warning.
She swallowed. "Hello, Lancelot," she said, forcing a smile that felt brittle on her face.
"I've never seen you around," Lancelot said, eyes sharp and assessing.
"That's because I hate people," he added flatly.
"…Okay."
"Can we come in?" Leo asked quickly.
Lancelot studied them, jaw tense, then sighed. "Fine. Come down."
The underground room was surprisingly clean. The air was cooler here, damp stone breathing against Elena's skin. Lantern light flickered across neatly arranged shelves, casting long shadows that twitched with every movement.
Something about this place made her spine itch.
"So," Lancelot said, voice rough, "what do you need?"
Leo dropped a bag onto the table. The thud echoed. He tipped it over.
A dead bird spilled out.
It's feather ruffled.
"You dragged me into this for a dead bird?" Lancelot snapped.
"It's cursed," Elena said, her voice steadier than she felt. "It was sent to spy on me."
Lancelot's glare shot to Leo. "You didn't tell me that."
"I couldn't over distance," Leo muttered.
"I'm not helping," Lancelot said sharply. "You don't hide underground unless you're already running."
"Please," Elena said, stepping forward despite the tightness in her chest. "My friend is missing."
Lancelot hesitated. Then, reluctantly, he picked up the bird.
He sliced into it with practiced precision. Blood spilled, warm and dark. He smeared it across his palm, murmuring words that made Elena's ears buzz.
His eyes flared—bright, unnatural.
The room seemed to shrink.
Elena's skin went cold. "What's happening?"
"Shh," Leo whispered, his breath warm against her ear. "Let him work."
When the glow faded, Lancelot staggered slightly.
"What did you see?" Elena asked, heart pounding.
"Trees," he said slowly. "Endless trees. And a man."
Her breath stuttered.
"I couldn't see his face," Lancelot continued, voice low, disturbed. "But I felt his blades. Sharp. Heavy. Like they were cutting through me."
He looked straight at her.
"You're not chasing a victim," he said. "You're chasing a storm."
***
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