It had been an eternity since this wretched dungeon last saw a woman so breathtaking—pale as the winter snow, with eyes like a bottomless abyss. Curiously, her crimes had been struck out by the Warden's own hand, buried under ink and secrets. Yet, in this pit, time is a cruel master that spares no soul; and she, as exquisite as she may be, would be no exception..
"Ms. Hime, it's getting late. Aren't you heading home yet?"
The voice belonged to Mike —a boy four years my junior, both in age and in this grim profession. I never bothered to remember his full name. To him, I was a senior, though lately, his presence had become more suffocating than necessary. I moved through this world with the jagged edge of caution; he drifted through it with the hollow playfulness of a fool.
"It's only eleven. Still early."
"It's not good for your health, Ms. Hime."
"Drop the honorifics. I couldn't care less about pleasantries."
I caught the faint ghost of a smirk on his lips.
"You know I've always wanted us to be closer, Sister."
He was a strange one, indeed.
I narrowed my eyes at him, making no effort to mask my suspicion. He let out a teasing chuckle, his towering frame casting a shadow that loomed a full head over me.
"Hey, what are you so worried about? I was only joking..."
I didn't bother giving him an answer; I simply had no desire to waste more words on someone as bizarre as him. But suddenly, a question flickered in my mind—one I suspected he might have the answer to. I turned back, my gaze locking with Mike's. He maintained that unsettling smile, as if he'd already anticipated my move. Despite the unease, I forced the words out.
"That girl who was recently brought in... You know her, right? She's quite beautiful, isn't she?"
Mike paused for a moment, his eyes glinting with mischief.
"She has her charms, sure. But I doubt she could ever outshine you, Hime~"
"Shut it, Mike."
I cut him off bluntly, deadening any attempt at flirtation. He really was a brat. Mike fell silent for a heartbeat before speaking again.
"That's Jung Jimyung. The heiress to the downtown conglomerate. Word is, she was hauled in for a massive drug overdose."
"What? But..."
I froze. My records clearly stated she'd tested negative for any substances. Why would Mike say that? I watched as he stifled a low laugh behind his hand, a deliberate sound meant for my ears alone, before he feigned innocence once more. A cold realization washed over me: Mike knew something I didn't. Something dark.
"Are you certain? I saw no mention of substance abuse in her files."
I fixed my gaze on Mike, searching for a single crack in his nonchalant facade. He shrugged, closing the distance between us until the faint, bitter scent of tobacco drifted from him.
"Ms. Hime, do you truly believe everything written on paper? In a place like this, black ink can turn white with a mere flick of the Warden's wrist."
He leaned in, his voice dropping to a haunting whisper in my ear.
"Besides, that little heiress... it wasn't just drugs. There's something 'else' devouring her from the inside out."
A shiver ran down my spine. Mike wasn't smiling anymore. In the shadows, his eyes locked onto mine—void and deep, like two bottomless pits.
"Tch... I hate the smell of cigarettes."
I spoke irritably. Mike simply stepped back, his gaze remaining indifferent. He was tall, with a handsome face and fiery red hair, yet his black eyes were utterly soulless.
"Oh... My apologies for the inconvenience. I must have indulged in a few after my shift."
"Fine, fine..." - I said.
Mike tilted his head. I retreated slightly; being near him felt stifling. I couldn't stand the stench of tobacco, and I loathed that smug, handsome face of his.
"Btw... do you know Simon?"
"Huh... Who is Simon?"
"So, it seems you really don't know, then."
Confused, I looked at Mike with a flickering uncertainty. As if reading my very soul and curiosity, he chuckled softly again, leaning down to whisper into my ear.
"Simon is Jung Jimyung's boyfriend. And I'm certain you've met him before."
I racked my brain, trying to remember, all while Mike stared at me intently.
"Hmm, you smell wonderful, Hime~ Perhaps I should make a habit of holding you more often."
I recoiled in shock at his words.
"Are you insane, Mike? Don't cross the line."
I hissed, my skin crawling with visible disgust. But Mike didn't flinch; he simply stood there, his tall silhouette stretching under the dim corridor lights like a predator savoring its prey's confusion.
"Simon... Simon..."
I murmured the name to myself. A cold shiver traced the length of my spine. Suddenly, the image of a man with a distorted smile flickered in my memory. Could it be him?
"Hey, you're thinking of someone, aren't you?"
Mike cut through my thoughts. His voice was no longer playful; it had turned low, heavy with an underlying threat.
I shot a glance at Mike, remaining silent, not bothering to utter a single word. Mike's brow furrowed slightly; I could clearly sense the murderous intent radiating from him whenever he failed to conceal that possessive streak.
"Simon... He's the criminal who nearly killed me at the harbor."
Mike nodded, yet remained disturbingly nonchalant.
"Indeed. It seems your memory serves you well. However, don't go thinking about other men while you're talking to me."
I ignored his remark, my gaze shifting toward Jung Jimyung's cell.
"I'm a little curious..."- I muttered.
Suddenly, Mike grabbed my arm and began pulling me along.
"If you want to interrogate her, just go in."
Mike flashed a faint, peculiar smile—one that felt perversely charming to me. He had always harbored feelings for me, yet his true identity remained a complete mystery.