Alan's mind raced as he followed Shone and Emily through the shadowy halls of the prison. The rumors that prisoners 58 and 77 had shared about them gnawed at him, leaving him skeptical and wary. Even as Shone remained his friendly self, Alan couldn't shake the suspicion that something darker lurked beneath the surface. Emily's concerned expressions and Shone's nonchalant attitude did little to ease his growing paranoia.
As they navigated the massive, labyrinthine corridors under the watchful eyes of the guards, Shone turned to Alan with a grin. "So, how's the grand tour, Alan? Surprised by our little kingdom? Though this is a prison, some call it their paradise!"
Alan forced a smile, trying to keep his tone neutral. "It's... different. I didn't expect a place like this to have so much... history."
"History? Well, you could say that," Shone replied, chuckling. "Though some places are best left forgotten."
They passed by various sections of the domain—an overgrown training ground where prisoners occasionally sparred, a crumbling library filled with books on ancient magic and forbidden lore, and the cafeteria that Alan was already familiar with. Yet, none of these places piqued his interest as much as the mysterious cave he had seen earlier.
"Hey, Shone," Alan said, pointing toward a dark, gaping hole in the ground that resembled a crater more than a cave. "What's that place?"
Shone's face remained impassive, but Alan noticed a flicker of something—nervousness, perhaps—cross his eyes. "Oh, that? It's just an old mine. Nobody goes down there anymore. It's dangerous and has been off-limits for years."
"Really? Then why are there guards and an elevator? I haven't seen an elevator anywhere else in this place."
Shone chuckled, but it lacked his usual warmth. "It's just some relic of the past. You know how it is—people like to protect useless things. It doesn't matter."
Alan frowned, sensing the lie. Emily, walking slightly behind them, avoided eye contact, confirming his suspicions. Whatever was down there, it wasn't something they wanted to discuss.
When they finally returned to their cell, Alan couldn't shake the unease that had settled in his chest. Hours passed, filled with the monotony of prison life, yet the unanswered questions gnawed at him relentlessly. As they settled in for the night, Alan knew he had to confront them.
"Shone," Alan began, trying to sound casual. "About those rumors... you know, the ones 58 and 77 mentioned. I am sure you overheard them."
Shone's smile didn't waver, but Alan could see the glint of something more predatory in his eyes. "Ah, the rumors. So you've heard them, huh? Well, it was about time."
Emily shifted uncomfortably, her gaze focused on the ground.
"Yeah, I heard them. I just want to know...? If they were true, would I still be here talking to you?"
Shone laughed softly, the sound eerie in the quiet cell. "If you believed them, then I suppose you wouldn't be talking to me so normally, would you? But tell me, Alan—do you trust them ?"
Alan hesitated, unsure how to respond. "Well… I don't believe everything I hear if that's what you're asking."
"Good, as I thought you were not a stupid person," Shone said, his tone dropping slightly. "But tell me, Alan. Do you trust your crush?"
Alan's heart skipped a beat. "W-what?"
Emily shot Shone a warning look, but he simply waved her off. "Come on, it's not a secret. You like that girl—what was her codename again? Ah, right, 58. She's a pretty girl—who wouldn't?"
"Shone," Emily interjected, her voice tinged with frustration.
Shone sighed. "Alright, alright. No need to get all worked up. Look, Alan, I get it—you're confused. But I promise you, I'll tell you everything in due time. All the secrets of this place, and why those rumors even exist. Some things aren't as they seem, and you can decide by your judgment. You just have to trust me for a bit, okay?"
Alan stared at Shone, trying to decipher the truth in his eyes. After a long pause, he nodded. "Alright."
"Good. Now, get some sleep. You'll need it," Shone said, lying down on his cot.
The cell fell into an uneasy silence, and soon, the steady rhythm of Emily's and Shone's breathing indicated they had fallen asleep. But Alan couldn't rest. His mind was too active, replaying everything that had happened.
Sometime in the middle of the night, the sound of shuffling feet startled Alan from his half-sleep. He opened his eyes just in time to see a guard unlocking the cell door. Shone and Emily were quietly escorted out, their expressions unreadable in the dim light.
Curiosity and suspicion warred within him, but Alan couldn't just sit back and do nothing. Determined to uncover the truth, he quietly slipped out of his cot and followed them, keeping a safe distance to avoid being noticed.
The corridors were eerily silent, amplifying every creak and whisper. Alan's heart pounded in his chest as he trailed after Shone and Emily, his mind racing with possibilities. Where were they going? What secrets were they hiding? And more importantly, were the rumors true?
He followed them down the familiar path of the prison, but soon they turned toward the direction of the mysterious cave he had noticed earlier. The guards near the cave seemed to recognize Shone and Emily, letting them pass without question. Alan noticed as Shone was ferm with his gaze and gave a serious look emily look that the guard with disgust.
Alan's breath caught in his throat just as they disappeared from sight. Whatever was down there, he was about to find out. And something told him it wasn't going to be anything good.
With a deep breath, Alan steeled himself and prepared to follow them into the unknown, determined to uncover the truth—no matter the cost.