The sound of Luca's boots striking the stone floor echoed sharply through the corridor. His heart hammered against his ribs like a heavy mallet—not out of fear, but because of the unsolved puzzle running right beside him.
Luca stole a quick glance back, but there was nothing but darkness. The guard, his body, and those bone-chilling screams had vanished in an instant. It was as if they had never existed at all.
As they reached the heavy iron door of the dungeon, Luca suddenly let go of Lane's hand. He spun around and pinned Lane against the wall. In a cold, sharp voice, Luca demanded, "Lane, stop! Enough is enough. Tell me the truth... what exactly happened back there?"
Lane's eyes began to blink rapidly, that deep innocence flooding back into them. "What happened, Luca? Why were we running? I was just following behind you. I told you this before—why are you asking me again?"
Luca's gaze searched Lane's eyes, trying to dig out the truth. "The guard back there... how did he turn to ash?" Lane lowered his head and reached out, clutching the corner of Luca's shirt. His voice began to tremble again.
"Luca, I don't know what you're talking about," Lane stammered. "All I remember is that guard grabbing my leg. I was so scared. I just kicked him away as hard as I could because I was terrified. That's all I know."
Luca fell silent. He realized that either Lane was telling the truth, or he was the greatest actor in the world. In that moment, Luca shifted his perspective. A new plan took root in his mind—if Lane was a dangerous weapon, then Luca would become his Master.
A mysterious smile appeared on Luca's face. "Maybe you're right, Lane. Perhaps it was just a trick of my mind. Come on, let's get inside before a guard spots us out here."
.
As they sat down in the corner of the cell, Lane rested his head on Luca's shoulder once more. Luca provided the support, but this time, his eyes held something more than just care—there was a chilling hunger for the truth. Luca thought to himself, If you are destruction itself, Lane, then I will be the hand that dictates its direction.
Outside in the corridor, the pile of ash suddenly began to swirl in the air. A strange breeze swept through the sealed hallway, scattering the remains until they vanished completely. A deep silence settled over the space, as if nothing had ever happened.