Florian's heart hammered relentlessly against his ribs as he rushed through the dimly lit halls, each step echoing loudly in the oppressive silence. His breaths were sharp and uneven, like the air itself had turned against him.
The sound of his heartbeat filled his ears, a relentless drumbeat drowning out the faint clatter of servants and distant footfalls.
'What was he even thinking?!' The thought screamed in his mind, now that he was alone. His teeth clenched as anger surged through him, burning alongside his worry. 'Stupid, Heinz. Stupid test. Stupid!'
He pushed himself to move faster, his legs straining as his stride turned into a half-run. The tension in his chest felt unbearable, like an iron fist squeezing the air from his lungs.
