But just as suddenly, the rope snapped taut. Dr. Everett's descent halted mere inches above the boiling water.
He gasped, relief and fear washed over him. The vapor danced across his skin, a painful reminder of his dangerous position.
Alex's laughter echoed through the dungeon, a cold, mirthless sound. "You should have answered correctly, Doctor."
Dr. Everett's gaze locked onto Alex, a mix of anger and desperation. "What do you want from me?" he spat.
Alex's smile returned. "Two strikes down. One remaining."
"T– t– two?" how was it two? He said there were three changes and he'd answered wrongly once, remaining two attempts! What kind of math is this?! His mind reeled.
"Yeah, that was two strikes," Alex said, his voice dripping with satisfaction, echoing off the damp dungeon walls.
Dr. Everett's eyes narrowed, his mind racing. "You're toying with me, you lied!" he accused, his voice laced with venom, the words hanging in the heavy air.
