Standing in the silence of the room, Lucian dialed the number, the blood from his face dripping steadily onto the floor, creating a rhythm of soft taps. Rose couldn't look away. She sat trembling in the corner, arms wrapped tightly around herself as her wide, frightened eyes fixed on him. Her brother covered in blood, his eyes unreadable had suddenly become an enigma, someone almost unrecognizable to her.
Finally, the other end picked up, and a strong, authoritative voice answered, cautious. "Hello?"
Lucian took a steady breath, his tone calm, yet carrying an unmistakable authority. "General, it's me Noir calling from another number."
For a few seconds, there was silence on the other end, and then the general's voice returned, his tone wary. "Prove it. If this is truly you, give me verification." There was a slight hint of doubt in his voice, as though he could scarcely believe that someone so young could sound so commanding.
