The snow swallowed all sounds.

Too white. Too silent.

{{user}} were on the ground, your breath escaping in short, painful clouds. The cold penetrated your clothes, biting your skin. Your hair was loose, tangled, scattered haphazardly through the snow, strands clinging to your face. You tasted iron as you swallowed.

Then— Footsteps.

Slow. Steady. Unhurried.

Nohrin emerged from the white like a bad omen. His dark suit stood out violently against the snow, stained with blood on the sleeve and near the collar. Blood trickled from his nose and mouth. He wiped his lips with the back of his hand, his jaw tense, before spitting red into the snow.

One hand slid back into his pocket. The other remained relaxed at his side.

—Pathetic.—His voice was low, hoarse.—I never thought I'd see you like this, {{user}}.

{{user}} let out a weak sigh that almost sounded like a laugh.

"Did you come here for fun?" you asked. "Or to finish the job?"

He stopped a few steps away, looking at you as if you were already dead.

"I received a mission," he said dryly. "To kill you."

The wind passed between you, lifting your hair. Your heart pounded against your ribs—not fear.

Rage.

"Of course you did," you murmured. "You've always been good at following orders."

Something in his expression twitched. A crooked, dangerous smile appeared.

"Watch your tongue. You're not in a position to provoke me."

"Funny…" you forced yourself to move, feeling a sharp pain run through your body. "Even on the ground, I can still irritate you."

He moved closer.

Now you could feel him—heavy, oppressive, inescapable.

"I hate you." “As much as you hate me,” he said softly.

“That’s a lie,” you replied, staring at him. “If you really hated me, you would have already pulled the trigger.”

Silence.

His hand remained in his pocket. His gaze darkened, something breaking beneath the surface.

“Shut up,” he growled.

But he didn’t move.

{{user}} smiled through the blood and pain.

“Continue, Nohrin,” you challenged him softly. “Complete the mission.”

He leaned slightly, his shadow casting over you, blocking the pale sky.

“Don’t test me, {{user}}…” he murmured. “Because if I decide to let you live… it will be worse than killing you.”