112Please respect copyright.PENANATDRdznlb6A
**The Chamber of Shadows**
112Please respect copyright.PENANAt4w84d92ax
They stepped into a room ablaze with light. The walls shimmered like tongues of fire, yet the floor remained steadfast, hewn from ancient stone. At the heart of this enigmatic chamber hung an immense mirror, its surface a dark pool of secrets. And there, reflected within its depths, stood a solitary figure—cloaked in darkness, eyes like twin voids. Death himself.
112Please respect copyright.PENANAEA89MSQFi1
"Welcome to my home," Death intoned, his voice a spectral whisper.
112Please respect copyright.PENANAOMj1rXfd1E
Vincent's voice trembled. "Where are we?"
112Please respect copyright.PENANAoZBMSqD13K
"My headquarters," Death replied, his gaze unyielding. "This is where I confine those who defy me, who deny the inexorable truth."
112Please respect copyright.PENANAOmhd9x2Ke6
"People like us?" Sam ventured.
112Please respect copyright.PENANApvvq9LxP53
"Yes," Death affirmed. "Those who resist, who cling to life beyond their appointed time."
112Please respect copyright.PENANA5BeGLhKLr0
"How many souls languish here?" Sam inquired.
112Please respect copyright.PENANAj4uoOvWJux
"Eleven," Death mused, "though some have become our allies. For now, it's just you."
112Please respect copyright.PENANAwOyy9jbDcc
Death leaned closer, his eyes piercing. "Let us discuss your contract, Sam."
112Please respect copyright.PENANAO6EvVn6Oix
"Go on," Sam said, his resolve unwavering.
112Please respect copyright.PENANAiTXgiiY1bZ
"I offer protection—for you and your kin," Death murmured. "In exchange, you become my agent. You will hunt down those who elude me."
112Please respect copyright.PENANAumVngTxMyo
"Hunt them?" Vincent's disbelief echoed.
112Please respect copyright.PENANARVlZWh2xXS
"Yes," Death's smile was chilling. "Capture them, by any means necessary."
112Please respect copyright.PENANARZLcvkXXk7
"Why?" Sam pressed.
112Please respect copyright.PENANAl04gpakzh8
"Because," Death's gaze bore into Sam's soul, "failure would cost you your life."
112Please respect copyright.PENANAW9vXNAGYzd
"And our team?" Vincent asked.
112Please respect copyright.PENANAuIuBzBkVR2
"They will obey," Death assured. "Or face my wrath."
112Please respect copyright.PENANALZSy8A85om
Sam hesitated. "What's the price?"
112Please respect copyright.PENANAszkjjLDeNz
"Three years of service," Death intoned. "For which I'll pay you one million dollars annually. Afterward, double that for life."
112Please respect copyright.PENANAolyKtvD1KU
Sam's brow furrowed. "Seems steep."
112Please respect copyright.PENANAbnOa5Msb1m
"But consider," Death countered, "the weight of your duty."
112Please respect copyright.PENANAKcdFrRWaZq
The mirror rippled, and a new figure emerged—a warrior clad in black robes, a sword at his side, and a pink-skulled mask.
112Please respect copyright.PENANALZTiSzbPQM
"Meet Trisk," Death gestured. "Your first agent."
112Please respect copyright.PENANA9TDOETVW0L
Trisk's eyes bore into Sam's. "Skullet Quattro, reporting."
112Please respect copyright.PENANAt4abuzDBr3
Death resumed. "Your code: Skullet Uno. Obey my orders, never lie, and attend our private meetings. But the price—"
112Please respect copyright.PENANAZqhLecP1f3
"—is adherence to your rules," Sam finished.
112Please respect copyright.PENANA5eCuSy1Pwp
"Indeed," Death said. "No killing non adult and non combatants, . Spare those with living parents, friends, and allies. And only your innate power."
112Please respect copyright.PENANALY7xRB0RsQ
Sam nodded. "Understood."
112Please respect copyright.PENANAit2oQSY3Zb
Death leaned closer. "Remember, knowledge is life's true currency. And change allegiances when necessary."
112Please respect copyright.PENANARDnpmoYPa1
"Is that all?" Sam asked.
112Please respect copyright.PENANAX2nxXynzYk
Death handed him a flyer. "A summary. Keep our pact secret."
And my call sign is Skullet Uno, but you can still call me Death." Death said.
"Skullet Uno," Sam acknowledged. "Thank you."
112Please respect copyright.PENANAru2PFfEgMx
Death vanished, leaving Sam, Molly, and Peter. Sam kissed Molly goodnight, then checked on Vincent. Peter's concern lingered, but Sam reassured him.
112Please respect copyright.PENANAOE9QRTIpVV
As they closed the door, Peter sighed. "Daddy, what if Vincent—"
112Please respect copyright.PENANAxIOspuJz60
"—is fine," Sam said. " he's fine. I'll check on him tomorrow ok?" Sam said "Now, let's rest."
112Please respect copyright.PENANAeKgvKoCyTY
112Please respect copyright.PENANAE1m920VIac