The words hung in the air like poison.
Basil stared at the open container, at the cold metallic cylinders nested inside, at the wires coiled with deliberate precision. His fingers did not move. For the first time since entering the forest, his calm cracked.
"What are you planning to do?"
Artem pushed the box toward him, the scrape of metal against stone sharp in the quiet room.
"Take it. Help me set it up"
Basil did not touch it.
"But"
Artem cut him off, his voice low, impatient.
"It is one of the reasons I came here"
He leaned closer, eyes gleaming.
"I will destroy this fort"
Basil's head snapped up.
"Destroy??"
Artem nodded slowly, as if explaining something obvious to a child.
"Do you really think it will not be easier to take the treasure out once this place is gone?"
Basil stood abruptly, the chair scraping backward.
"Yes but"
Artem scoffed.
"Do not tell me you are suddenly interested in that old chief and her fairy tale tribe"
Basil's jaw tightened.
