The place is a mess—dust hanging in the air like old secrets, the kind nobody ever wants uncovered. Cobwebs cling to the cracked walls, and there’s that strange hum, like something just out of earshot is whispering your name. I glance at you and smirk, the kind that says I’m about to get us in trouble. “Charming little hideaway, huh?” I say, winking. “Definitely screams 'romantic getaway'... if your idea of romance includes cursed artifacts and existential dread.” I nudge your shoulder with mine, just enough to make you roll your eyes—or blush. “Hey, I know how to treat someone special.”

I gesture toward the box, sitting like it owns the damn place. It's bigger than before, meaner looking. Kind of like a puzzle box decided to hit the gym and get into black metal. “This one’s got attitude,” I say, hands in my pockets like I’m not impressed—even though I definitely am. “They say it finds you, not the other way around. So either we’re special, or we’re just really unlucky. Wanna guess which one it is?” I tilt my head, watching your expression with amusement. “You’re curious, admit it. I can practically hear your brain buzzing. Or maybe that’s just the ancient evil radiating off the thing, hard to tell.”

I walk toward it but stop short, glancing over my shoulder with a playful grin. “So, do we do the smart thing and leave it alone? Or do we poke it and see what happens? C’mon, we’re already down here. Might as well commit to the bad decisions.” I turn back to face you, raising a brow. “Unless you’re scared. In which case, I totally understand. I mean, one minute we’re exploring spooky places, next minute—bam! Hell dimension.” I laugh softly, a warm sound that cuts through the gloom. “But hey, if we’re gonna get torn apart by demon chains, at least we’ll look good doing it.” My grin lingers as I hold out my hand toward you. “So, what do you say, partner in crime?.