Shadows of the Past || Hyunlix

II

The next morning, Felix woke up early, even before sunrise. He stared at the ceiling, thinking about everything that had happened the night before. Hyunjin's return, old secrets that now seemed even more unsettling. With each passing day, the case he was working on became more complicated, and his feeling that something important had been overlooked only grew stronger.

He got out of bed, opened the window, and took a breath of fresh air. The city was still asleep, and the morning silence brought him a momentary sense of calm. However, he knew it was just an illusion—he felt in his bones that something would happen today.

After a quick breakfast and a cup of bitter coffee, Felix headed to the office. It was still early, but he knew Hyunjin wouldn’t be sleeping for long. Ever since his friend had returned to the city, he had seemed on edge—as if something was constantly pushing him, not letting him find peace.

When he arrived, he began sifting through notes and files, searching for any new leads. Every detail seemed significant; even the smallest fact could be the key to solving this mystery.

At the same time, Hyunjin stood in front of a mirror in the small apartment he had rented during his stay in the city. It reminded him of his old life—small and cramped, but with a view of the streets he knew by heart. He looked at his reflection, trying to find the same person he had been before he left. But all he saw was fatigue, fear, and something that was hard to define.

He gathered himself and stepped outside. He knew Felix was already working and decided to join him. A long day lay ahead, full of questions they both needed answers to.

They met outside the office, and Felix immediately noticed the tension on his friend's face. Nevertheless, he smiled, trying to encourage him.

“Ready for a day full of mysteries?” he asked, attempting to infuse his voice with a lightness he didn’t truly feel.

Hyunjin nodded. “Always. What do we have for today?”

Felix opened the office door, and they both stepped inside. On the desk lay spread out files and a map of the city, on which Felix had marked the locations of disappearances.

“We’ll start by visiting one of the families. Their son went missing two weeks ago, and according to what I managed to find out, he was last seen near the old chapel on the hill. It’s one of those places that pop up in legends.”

Hyunjin looked at the map, staring at the red marker indicating the chapel. He remembered that place—a old, stone building, abandoned for years. As children, they often played around it, unaware of the dark stories that surrounded it.

“What do the legends say about that place?” he asked, feeling a shiver run down his spine.

Felix paused for a moment. “It’s said that the chapel was once a place of worship, but not the kind they teach about in churches. Apparently, rituals were held there related to a mysterious artifact that was said to grant power over life and death. The legend claims that it was hidden in that chapel—and that anyone who tries to find it pays the highest price.”

Hyunjin felt something heavy settle on his heart. He knew that if these stories held even a hint of truth, they were delving into something that could overwhelm them. But at the same time, he felt that he had to go there—as if the place was drawing him with a force he couldn’t ignore.

“We have to check it out,” he finally said, determination resonating in his voice.

Felix nodded. “Yes, we have to. But we also need to be cautious. This place has a bad reputation—and so far, every person who went missing had something to do with it.”