134

I was jolted awake by the knock at my door, sitting up abruptly and trying to shake off my grogginess. My eyes darted to the clock. It was 12:40 a.m.

"I was asleep for only 40 minutes," I muttered.

But something felt... off. My body wasn't aching anymore, which was strange after the brutal day I'd had. I should've been sore and barely able to move.

Curious, I got up and opened the door. Standing there was a man dressed in Victorian-style attire: a double-breasted vest, a finely tailored coat, and polished boots that gleamed in the dim hallway light. His hair was slicked back, and he held a gold pocket watch in one hand, exuding an air of elegance and authority.

"Mr. Lukas, is that right?" he asked, his voice smooth and polite.

"Yes," I replied cautiously.

"May I ask you a few questions?"

"Of course," I said instinctively.