
324Please respect copyright.PENANArQo5hur9Ns
**The Chamber of Shadows**
324Please respect copyright.PENANAcnNrMeKxhq
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.
324Please respect copyright.PENANAVVZuMq2t8X
"Welcome to my home," Death intoned, his voice a spectral whisper.
324Please respect copyright.PENANApkqIKlN3ZR
Vincent's voice trembled. "Where are we?"
324Please respect copyright.PENANANmHR33P2pY
"My headquarters," Death replied, his gaze unyielding. "This is where I confine those who defy me, who deny the inexorable truth."
324Please respect copyright.PENANA8hSc65K5mc
"People like us?" Sam ventured.
324Please respect copyright.PENANATPynq82fFw
"Yes," Death affirmed. "Those who resist, who cling to life beyond their appointed time."
324Please respect copyright.PENANAeRdJOCRcUr
"How many souls languish here?" Sam inquired.
324Please respect copyright.PENANATgLA1e61YM
"Eleven," Death mused, "though some have become our allies. For now, it's just you."
324Please respect copyright.PENANAtjfLIwFhtx
Death leaned closer, his eyes piercing. "Let us discuss your contract, Sam."
324Please respect copyright.PENANAjszylSf231
"Go on," Sam said, his resolve unwavering.
324Please respect copyright.PENANA1N0VuuBW0v
"I offer protection—for you and your kin," Death murmured. "In exchange, you become my agent. You will hunt down those who elude me."
324Please respect copyright.PENANASPshlYHsfw
"Hunt them?" Vincent's disbelief echoed.
324Please respect copyright.PENANApcEXnRLyJs
"Yes," Death's smile was chilling. "Capture them, by any means necessary."
324Please respect copyright.PENANAwVybv51GQi
"Why?" Sam pressed.
324Please respect copyright.PENANABssDCG5PTJ
"Because," Death's gaze bore into Sam's soul, "failure would cost you your life."
324Please respect copyright.PENANABe90SOpY2D
"And our team?" Vincent asked.
324Please respect copyright.PENANAm5OKO1wRi3
"They will obey," Death assured. "Or face my wrath."
324Please respect copyright.PENANA2ThjS2DPwu
Sam hesitated. "What's the price?"
324Please respect copyright.PENANAs3reAMFySg
"Three years of service," Death intoned. "For which I'll pay you one million dollars annually. Afterward, double that for life."
324Please respect copyright.PENANAAXCioNe7hq
Sam's brow furrowed. "Seems steep."
324Please respect copyright.PENANAJO1sbVFaOe
"But consider," Death countered, "the weight of your duty."
324Please respect copyright.PENANABumrhwc3lK
The mirror rippled, and a new figure emerged—a warrior clad in black robes, a sword at his side, and a pink-skulled mask.
324Please respect copyright.PENANAzRzbdGNHe1
"Meet Trisk," Death gestured. "Your first agent."
324Please respect copyright.PENANAUNdvvrDK8y
Trisk's eyes bore into Sam's. "Skullet Quattro, reporting."
324Please respect copyright.PENANAK7fRRD4ws0
Death resumed. "My code: Skullet Uno. Obey my orders, never lie, and attend our private meetings. But the price—"
324Please respect copyright.PENANAjKdEkCo3a7
"—is adherence to your rules," Sam finished.
324Please respect copyright.PENANAJVZcCUteah
"Indeed," Death said. "No killing non adult and non combatants, . Spare those with living parents, friends, and allies. And only your innate power."
324Please respect copyright.PENANArgrm4UP8dI
Sam nodded. "Understood."
324Please respect copyright.PENANAvrhWFMNV37
Death leaned closer. "Remember, knowledge is life's true currency. And change allegiances when necessary."
324Please respect copyright.PENANANafzeEGTsV
"Is that all?" Sam asked.
324Please respect copyright.PENANAN372MYbgVD
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."
324Please respect copyright.PENANAMVtwX6fth5
Death vanished, leaving Sam, Molly, and Peter. Sam kissed Molly goodnight, then checked on Vincent. Peter's concern lingered, but Sam reassured him.
324Please respect copyright.PENANAZybaVKXrdu
As they closed the door, Peter sighed. "Daddy, what if Vincent—"
324Please respect copyright.PENANAnpFGnxgvkU
"—is fine," Sam said. " he's fine. I'll check on him tomorrow ok?" Sam said "Now, let's rest."
324Please respect copyright.PENANAr9uFz8XbJK
324Please respect copyright.PENANAA800VE9mJD