CHAPTER 3:Shuttered Bonds

The soft clink of plates and quiet hum of conversation filled the small dining room. The flicker of candlelight cast dancing shadows across the table, tracing worn faces and trembling hands that still held onto fragile hope.

Stone and Ben sat across from each other, a modest meal between them—simple but enough. The scent of cinnamon and roast lingered, a delicate reminder of something warm, something human.

"Man," Ben said, leaning back with a grin, "that last round was insane. I swear, my heart nearly jumped outta my chest when Crimson Viper tried to flank us."

Stone chuckled, reaching for a piece of bread. "Yeah, and you missed every shot trying to catch him."

Ben shot him a playful glare. "Hey, I was distracting them. You know, teamwork."

Stone smirked. "Sure, sure. 'Teamwork.'"

Their laughter filled the room—easy, familiar, like it always had been.

But then Ben shifted in his seat, rubbing the back of his neck. "Uh, hey, I gotta hit the bathroom. Give me a sec."

Stone nodded, eyes still bright from the adrenaline of the match.

Ben stood and slipped out, the door closing softly behind him.

Stone's mother sat quietly, her gaze narrowing just a fraction as she watched the empty doorway.

"Stone," she said, voice low, almost a whisper, "there's something wrong with Ben."

Stone waved a hand dismissively. "Mom, you worry too much. Ben's my best friend. He's got my back, always."

She sighed, reaching across the table, fingers brushing his hand. "Trust is one thing. But something's off. I can feel it."

Stone pulled his hand away gently, frustration simmering beneath his calm exterior. "You don't know him like I do. You don't get to judge."

Her eyes sharpened. "And you don't get to be blind."

The tension thickened, hanging heavy like storm clouds ready to burst.

Stone stood abruptly, the chair scraping sharply against the floor. "I'm going to my room."

The sound of the door closing echoed through the apartment.

Minutes passed.

Then—a faint sound.

A strangled gasp, harsh and unnatural.

Stone's heart slammed against his ribs.

He bolted from his room, every muscle coiled, senses sharpened to a razor's edge.

The dining room came into view, and Stone froze.

There, sprawled on the floor, was his mother.

Blood pooled beneath her like a dark stain spreading over fragile hope.

Her breathing was shallow, ragged.

Stone dropped to his knees, trembling hands catching her fragile form.

"Mom!" His voice cracked, raw and desperate.

She opened her eyes, green fading to a pale flicker.

"Stone…" she whispered, struggling to smile through pain. "Run…"

Stone's gaze snapped up.

Ben stood just beyond, tall and cold.

In his hand—a sword, its blade slick and dripping with blood.

Stone's breath hitched.

"What have you done?" His voice shattered, eyes flaring with wrath, glowing ghostly green like a storm unleashed.

He lunged forward, fury driving him—but his legs buckled.

The world spun.

Darkness crept in.

Ben's voice cut through the haze, cruel and calm.

"Poison," he said smoothly. "I slipped it into the food. Even your mother didn't have the strength to fight."

Stone's vision blurred.

He sank to the floor, rage burning wild even as poison clawed at his veins.

Ben knelt beside him, whispering coldly.

"Welcome to the end of your world, Stone."

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