Seth found himself caught in a dilemma, his heart pounding as he watched the old man's serious expression deepen. The man was now heading for Raela's position, his intentions unclear but undeniably concerning. The dimly lit cave seemed to close in on Seth, adding to his unease as he tried to decipher the enigmatic figure before him.
The old man had previously warned Seth that a lie could endanger Raela, and after witnessing the consequences twice, Seth knew he wasn't joking. The weight of that truth pressed upon him, making his decision all the more difficult. He couldn't afford to risk Raela's safety, but he also couldn't reveal everything he knew to this mysterious and potentially dangerous stranger.
The previous questions he lied about had been easier ones and as such had brought lighter punishments. Each instance of deceit had been like the tugging of a thread, unraveling a little more of Seth's composure.
