Viktor's boots echoed against the ancient wooden stairs, each step creaking like bones settling after death.
Dust motes danced in the flickering candlelight that lined the corridor—too many candles, strategically placed, creating pools of warm amber light that guided them upward.
Behind him, the purple chain clinked softly as Kaida stumbled, her red eyes narrowing with suspicion.
"Wait," she hissed, jerking the chain taut. Viktor's wrist yanked backward, nearly making him lose his balance on the worn stairs.
"What now?" His tail swished with barely contained irritation as he turned.
Kaida's gaze swept the hallway—the candles, the pristine arrangement despite the manor's general decay, the way they led like breadcrumbs toward a specific destination. Her battle-honed instincts screamed trap.
"Doesn't you find it suspicious?" Her voice dropped lower, more cautious. "All these candles... leading us somewhere specific. And upstairs, at this hour?"
