'Run!'

A slow, deliberate clap echoed through the clearing.

The sound was almost mocking. It carried through the still air, each impact reverberating like a taunt.

"Well, well, well… what do we have here?"

Florian's blood ran cold.

His breath stilled, his heart stopped—just for a second.

'How did he get here?'

Dread curled around Florian's spine like ice, slithering into his veins and locking his limbs in place. Slowly—like any sudden movement might shatter him—he turned his head.

And there he was.

Arthur.

He stood just a few feet away, arms crossed, the ever-present smirk on his lips twisted into something darker. Amused. Cruel. His golden eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he surveyed the scene: Levi bleeding, pinned to the earth, and Florian frozen in place, panic carved into every line of his face.