The hospital corridor smelled like disinfectant and dread. 🏥
Feriha walked beside Ravihan, matching his pace, her arms folded tightly around herself. They had barely spoken since leaving the archive. Something had shifted in the air ; heavier, sharper.
Ravihan stopped outside Room 312.
Inside was the survivor.
The only person who had lived long enough to whisper the killer's name. 😐
But just as he reached for the door, a soft tapping echoed behind them.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
High heels on tiled floor. 👠
Both of them turned.
A woman stood at the far end of the corridor — tall, graceful, wearing a long silver coat that shimmered under the harsh hospital lights. Her hair was straight, black, perfectly sleek. Her face was calm… too calm.
She held a bouquet of white lilies.
Feriha's breath hitched.
White lilies.
Funeral flowers. 🏳
"Ravihan Sen," the woman called softly, her voice smooth as poison. "You're late."
Ravihan stiffened.
For the first time since Feriha met him, she saw fear flash in his eyes.
He stepped protectively in front of her.
"Stay behind me," he murmured. 🔴
The woman smiled, slow and deliberate.
"You never learn, do you, detective? Always protecting the wrong people."
Ravihan's jaw tightened. "You shouldn't be here."
"Oh, but I should," she replied, walking closer. "I'm here to visit an old friend."
Feriha realized she meant the survivor in Room 312.
Ravihan moved fully between them now. "Take one more step, and—" 👣
"What?" She tilted her head. "You'll stop me? Like you stopped the others?"
The threat was silent, but heavy. 🔇
The woman in the silver coat slid her hand into her pocket.
Ravihan's hand moved to his waistband, reaching for a weapon he no longer officially carried.
"Ravi…" Feriha whispered.
But before anything could happen, a loud thud came from Room 312.
A nurse screamed.
All three of them turned.
Ravihan flung the door open;
And froze.
The bed was empty. 🛑
IV pole knocked over.
Window open.
Curtains swinging against the cold night air.
The survivor was gone. 🌬
The woman in the silver coat spoke behind them, her voice dripping with satisfaction:
"You're always one step too late, Detective Sen."
Ravihan spun around;
But she was already walking away, disappearing around the corner with her lilies.
Feriha felt a chill crawl down her spine.
"Ravihan… who is she?"
He didn't answer immediately. 🤔
His knuckles were white as he gripped the doorframe.
Finally, he turned to Feriha, his voice rough, almost breaking:
"She's the reason I lost everything." 🙃