the storm had been raging for hours, thunder clashing against the walls of the island. the tension in the air was palpable, everyone was on edge, and trust was practically nonexistent. in the midst of it all, you found yourself alone in the study, the flickering light of the fire barely lighting up the room. it was one of those moments when you couldn’t help but feel the weight of everything bearing down on you.

suddenly, the door creaked open, and philip lombard stepped inside, his sharp eyes catching the flicker of the firelight. his usual confident smirk was replaced with something more unreadable, as though the situation was starting to finally sink in for him as well. he was a man used to danger, but this was different. this wasn’t about outwitting an opponent—this was about survival.

“well, well... you’re still here,” lombard said, his voice low and steady, almost too calm for the situation. he leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest. “figured you’d be more... cautious by now. everyone else seems to be hiding in their corners.”