The rope slipped into the well, breaking the silence with a soft splash.
Victor, being the closest, immediately heard the sound. He turned his head, just in time to see Ethan pulling a grappling hook from his bag, about to toss it down.
Victor opened his mouth to speak, but Ethan gave him a quick shake of the head.
Victor hesitated but said nothing. He turned away as if nothing had happened.
Ethan hesitated for a moment. The grappling hook was made of metal—dropping it would make too much noise.
Before he could rethink, Victor caught his gaze and gave him a slight nod.
Ethan understood. Victor was covering for him. Without hesitation, he tossed the hook into the well.
"Ryan, help me strap this on!" Victor suddenly shouted at the exact moment the hook hit the water.
His timing was perfect. The loud shout completely drowned out the splash, blending so naturally it felt rehearsed.
