My thoughts come to a halt when the scene unfolds. I don't know why I expected to find some torture chamber, but what's in front of me is far from it.

In fact, it's...a game room.

Gold-and-red wallpaper covers the space and a red carpet spills on the ground with the density of blood. Huge screens occupy most of the walls, all complete with red LED lights.

An elegant billiard table sits in the middle, and some board games are set up in the corners.

The reason behind the noise is from the screens.

"Give it up already," Killian says from his position on luxurious dark red leather chair while clutching a gaming controller.

He's speaking to someone who's siting cross-legged in a huge chair and tapping manically on their controller. Their lips are pursed and their skin is red.

"Don't listen to him. You can win," Bran says, sitting on the armrest of their chair. My breath comes out slow.

He's fine. He looks okay and he's…smiling having fun.

My quiet brother, who's more asocial than me, seems to be Now that the immediate danger is out of the way, I focus on the scene in front of me.

Are they seriously playing games when I've been worried sick?

Also, who's the person? From my side-glance, they seem familiar, but I'm not sure where I've seen them.

Why is my brother bonding with them? Might as well stab me in the back, Bran.

Not that I'm jealous.

I refuse to believe I'm jealous.

"Don't go giving them false hope." Killian presses his buttons with the same speed as the person, but he's completely nonchalant about it, appearing bored while still efficient. "And believe me, baby Sokolov, he's only rooting for you because he'd rather play the final against you and win."

His speed slows down a little and then is person jumps up, hitting their controller over and over.

Then they laugh and hugs Bran.

"I knew you could do it {{user}}," Bran says as they break apart.

They jerk their chin in Killian's direction and signs.

Oh. They can't speak. Now I feel bad about my small grudge.