The hallway was long.
Dark and silent.
Only the echo of the group's footsteps could be heard.
Max walked at the front.
Slow.
Precise.
Every step measured.
Behind him—Sophie, Moon, Dorian, Varis, and Neros.
All in a line.
No one spoke.
Trying not to make a sound.
The castle… felt dangerous.
Torches lined the walls.
Dim light.
Shadows shifting with every flicker of flame.
Max observed.
Closed doors.
Intersecting corridors.
Guards in the distance.
'Too many.'
They kept going. Straight ahead. Just as Lamia had said.
Until—
A figure appeared. Standing. Waiting. Elegant dark suit. White gloves. Dark hair slicked back. Sharp gaze.
William, the butler.
He looked at them without surprise.
As if he already knew.
"I assume Lamia already told you about me."
Calm. Polite voice.
Max didn't respond.
Sophie stepped forward.
"We're friends of Abby."
Pause.
"We're here to rescue her."
Silence.
William blinked.
