Death: The Fall of Endsville

Chapter Eight: Ramon's Secret

The afternoon sun streamed through the high windows of the castle's bathing chamber, casting warm light across the marble floors. Richard and Arthur sat in separate basins, the water up to their shoulders. Steam curled in the air, mingling with the scent of lavender and herbs. The room was quiet, save for the occasional drip of water echoing off the walls.

Arthur leaned back, closing his eyes for a moment, his shoulders relaxing as he sank deeper into the warmth. "I have to admit," he said, his voice breaking the silence, "Color and Note pushed us harder than usual today."

Richard nodded, his fingers absently tracing the edge of the basin. "Yeah, I noticed. They seem... different lately. Like there's something more urgent they're preparing us for."

Arthur opened one eye and glanced at his brother. "You think it has to do with the Ice War?" he asked. "I mean, they talked about it today—more than they ever have before."

Richard's gaze was distant, thoughtful. "Maybe. It's strange, though. They never really tell us the whole story. Just bits and pieces."

"Probably trying to protect us," Arthur shrugged. "Or maybe they don't think we're ready for the truth."

A silence settled between them, the only sound the gentle lap of water against the marble. Richard seemed lost in thought, his eyes focused on a point beyond the steam. After a moment, he sighed, his expression growing more serious.

"I've been thinking, Arthur," Richard began, his voice dropping slightly. "About the house."

Arthur stiffened, the lightness fading from his face. "The house?" he repeated, as if trying to make sure he'd heard right.

Richard nodded. "The one where we found the girl and the boy."

Arthur's face tightened, and he turned his head away, staring at the mosaic tiles on the wall. "I thought we agreed to leave that alone," he said quietly.

"I know, but I can't stop thinking about it," Richard admitted. "There's something about that place that doesn't sit right with me. It's like there's more to it—like we missed something."

Arthur's hands gripped the sides of his basin, his knuckles whitening. "Why do you want to go back there, Richard? We barely got out last time, and it's not like we have any idea what we're dealing with."

Richard's eyes flashed with determination. "I don't know why, but I feel like it's important. We were meant to find that place, Arthur. And that girl—her brother was killed, and her sister was taken. If we don't do something, who will?"

Arthur's shoulders slumped, and he let out a long, frustrated breath. "I want to be there for you, Richard, I really do. But that place—it's dangerous. There's something wrong about it."

"I get it," Richard said, his voice softening. "I know it's not safe, but we can't ignore it. It's barely within the forest, right on the edge of the kingdom. We have to find out what's going on."

Arthur's expression was torn, a mixture of fear and loyalty flickering in his eyes. "I can't, Richard. I just—" He paused, the words catching in his throat. "I'm sorry, but I can't go back there. Not after what we saw."

Richard looked down, disappointment flickering across his face, but he gave a small nod. "I understand," he said, though the reluctance was clear in his voice. "But I have to go. I need to know."

Arthur watched his brother with a pained expression, then finally looked away. "Just... be careful, alright? And if anything happens, get back here."

Richard offered a reassuring smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I will," he promised. "I'll be back before you know it."