12 O’Clock Marionette

The woman wearing stolen church robes kept her hands buried in the pockets of her priestly garb.

'What’s she hiding in there?'

Julian wanted to get closer and check, but the white flowers blooming across the floor were the perfect counter to his abilities.

He stomped down on his fleeting curiosity.

'This isn't something I should get involved in.'

Julian made his decision swiftly.

He was only here because there was something to gain—there was no reason to throw his life away.

Without hesitation, he opened a gate.

And just as he was about to leap inside—

'Her eyes…'

Their gazes met.

The woman was clearly wearing a mask, and the shadows made it difficult to discern the color of her eyes.

And yet, strangely, her stare was crystal clear.

It was as if he had become prey under a predator’s glare. His limbs froze in place.

His heartbeat pounded in his ears, filling every inch of his consciousness.@@novelbin@@

Unconsciously, Julian swallowed dryly, his body stiff as stone.

The gate was open right beside him, but he couldn’t even twitch a finger.

What freed him, in the end, was her gaze shifting away.

'Is she letting me go? How arrogant.'

Julian clenched his teeth at the wound to his pride, but he knew full well what the wisest choice was.

Without hesitation, he dove into the gate.

Moments later, the door connecting one space to another swallowed only Julian before dissolving completely.

Watching the spot where he had fled, I licked my lips.

'You better think I let you go because I didn’t have the energy to deal with you.'