He cursed under his breath and picked a direction, boots slipping slightly on the smooth floor. The mechanical hum followed him, steady, uncaring.
The guilt stayed louder.
How many minutes had he wasted already?
How many more would he bleed out chasing ghosts through dead halls?
The timer hovered again at the edge of his vision, ticking down like a noose tightening.
[3:42]
Elias gritted his teeth, the taste of blood sharp in his mouth. His shoulder throbbed with every stride — Vira's strike, a dull reminder that even the people you trusted could tear you open when it mattered most.
Not that he had any right to feel betrayed.
Not after what he'd done.
Not after who he'd left behind.
His shard pulsed harder against his chest, the blue glow leaking out faster, uncontrolled.
Dot's presence flickered nearby — silent, steady — but he couldn't even bring himself to look at her yet.
One more turn.
One more empty hallway.
One more chance to screw it all up.
