Alex stood amidst the aftermath, his gloved hand stroking his chin as his mind churned through a web of possibilities. His brow furrowed, lips pressed into a firm line. "Hmm… hmmm…" he murmured, tilting his head slightly, lost in the labyrinth of his thoughts.
Gariel, who had been keeping a watchful eye on him, finally turned fully toward Alex, folding his arms. "What's going on with you? You look like you're trying to decipher some ancient riddle. Are you alright?" His tone carried equal parts curiosity and concern.
Alex didn't respond right away. Instead, he rubbed his temples as though massaging his fragmented thoughts into place. "Hmm… the key… two Liebbes… two genders… the key… hmm…" he muttered, pacing back and forth with growing intensity, his voice a whisper only he seemed to hear.
