The footsteps stopped right outside the dungeon door.
Kyan held his breath.
Nico didn't move.
Then—
The door creaked. Just a little.
A shadow passed under it.
Kyan's heart was pounding so loud, it filled his ears.
A knock. Two taps. Soft.
Then a voice—gruff, tired. A guard.
"Patrol check."
Nico's eyes widened. He mouthed, Shit.
He stood up slowly, careful not to make a sound.
Kyan stayed on the floor, wiping his eyes fast, trying to make it look like he'd been alone the whole time.
The guard started turning the key in the lock.
Nico didn't have time to hide.
He pressed himself flat behind the door, breath shallow, every muscle stiff.
The guard stepped in.
Looked at Kyan.
"Huh. Still crying?"
Kyan didn't respond. Just kept his head low.
The guard chuckled. "Won't last long in here."
He stepped further inside—but not enough to see behind the door.
After a few seconds, he turned around and stepped back out, muttering something about wanting food.
The door shut.
