Lovesick

Trí: Chaos with Sacrifices ♡

DAY 2

A room floated in a vast black abyss, the wall to the doorway completely gone leaving only fragments of what once was a house. Despite the eerie surroundings, the room was unmistakably familiar- it was Damian's. Everything was almost exactly as Cian remembered it, but with subtle differences. Now, it existed as a solitary, floating space, surrounded by the remnants of his former home.

It was a dream of sorts- perhaps a memory of the past, a clue to the present, or even a warning of the uncertain future.

Cian started searching around, looking for anything that might catch his interest. There had to be a reason he was here- something had called him to this place. It felt like a revelation of sorts, with chaos hinted at in every corner. He began with the obvious spots: the drawers, the closet, under the bed. But nothing stood out nothing caught his attention- until he reached the air vent. Twisting the screws one by one he finally freed the cover. Inside, he found three letters: two from him and one unsent from Damian.

He tore open the letter, desperation driving him to uncover its contents. The words inside struck him hard: "Cia, I'm sorry we can't see each other anymore. I don't understand why this has happened I wish you would tell me I wanted us to stay together, to be friends forever. But now, I may never see you again, and I can't express how much that hurts. I always loved spending time with you and being your friend. Please, if you can contact me again. Damian."

"My sweet Damian, you were always such a bright and lively child, even that energy could lighten the likes of me..." Cian's voice softened as he held the letter tightly, a smile briefly touching his lips. But the smile soon faded, replaced by a frown as he turned to face the empty void behind him. "But that's not the main reason I'm here..."

Cian stood up releasing the letter as it drifted gently to the ground. He walked toward the edge, noticing strange abnormalities- the void was stirring. The clock on the wall began to spin its hands wildly, faster and faster, before something ominous emerged from the abyss: missiles.

As the missiles emerged, the clock's hands spun wildly, landing briefly on one before continuing their frantic movement, finally stopping at 6:42. "Orisya won't fall in a week," Cian muttered, fear creeping into his voice. "It will fall in a day at 6:42... AM? PM?" Panic gripped him as the realization set in. How could he convince Damian to leave with him in less than a day? How?

Cian's eyes snapped open.

He found himself slumped in a chair, panic coursing through him. In front of him Damian was tied to a chair, blindfolded, with tape over his mouth. Cian's mind raced, unsure of what to do next.

He quickly stood, hesitating for only a moment before glancing at his watch. "I've got just twenty-nine hours to get us out of Orisya," he muttered, mind racing through every possible escape plan. "But I'm not sure if both of us can make it out in time...". Not wanting to waste another second, he quickly unzipped his backpack, pulled out his laptop, and began typing furiously.

The rapid clacking of the keys stirred Damian awake, slowly at first. Then, he jerked upright panic surging through him as he realized his eyes were covered and tape sealed his mouth. His muffled muttering gave him away to Cian. Determined, Damian worked his tongue under the tape, pushing it off as he moved his jaw, struggling to free himself. Finally, he succeeded, shouting, "What the hell is this? Who are you?!"

"Oh darling, I'm so sorry for this!" Cian said, his voice carrying a familiar tone that instantly triggered something inside Damian. He froze uncertain if what he'd heard was real. He remained still as Cian approached, tearing off the tape hanging from his cheek and removing the blindfold. When Damian's eyes adjusted, they widened in disbelief- it really was who he thought. "Cia... no, it can't be..." he muttered, shock rendering him speechless.