Page 68 of Our Final Game

We’ve reached the last floor of the tower, both clearing out the tougher monsters together. Rohan waits by the door to the roof while I use shadows to take out the last few on the map to make sure we’re completely safe. He’s looking down at the ground, biting his lip after I’m done.

“You okay? You’re not hurt, right?”

“No, I’m okay. Just … I feel weird. This feels too easy, I don’t know.”

“Yeah, I’ve been thinking the same thing. But don’t worry, I’m here, we’re here. Whatever is going on, we’ll figure it out together.”

“Right, let’s hurry and get it over with.”

I reach out, pressing my palm to his cheek, his eyes so vivid against the dark backdrop of our surroundings. Like a star in the night’s sky. Rohan leans into my touch, rubbing his cheek against my hand.

“You know how cute you are when you like a guy?”

“Ugh, don’t, Ty!”

“I’m just saying, but yeah, I’ll tease you later.” I chuckle, walking ahead of him. I want him safely behind in case there really is something odd going on up there. We take the last flight of steps, and I open the door to the roof, the wind whipping at my hair when I step out into the open air.

I hold my arm out to stop Rohan from coming any further before I can fully scan the area. There are no monsters. But there’s a black lump on the ground at the very end of the map.

“What is that?” Rohan tilts his head.

“I have no idea. Maybe it’s the drop.”

“Without a fight?”

Rohan and I approach the heap closer.

“It’s a hooded … cloak?” He says, pinching his brows together.

“I feel like I’ve seen this before…”

“The cloak?”

“Yeah, I just can’t…” I start, and before I can get the rest of my words out, I push Rohan back roughly, surrounding him with my shadows as protection. The cloak rises from the ground, and a figure forms right before our eyes.

“Tyson!” Rohan screams.

“Stay there!”

“Hey, kiddos,” Leon says, greeting us with a small wave.

“What the fuck are you doing here?”

“Ah, you boys made it. I knew you’d make it through everything.”

“What do you mean?” I say, wary enough to keep distance between Leon and me. Something doesn’t feel right about this entire thing. I think we were onto something.

I clench my blade tight in my hand.

“Well, you see,” Leon says, pulling his hood back, revealing his face. My eyes go wide. “You boys finally accepted your fate. Happy for you!”

“Noel? What the fuck is going on?!” I say, my voice shaking. With anger or nerves, I’m not sure.

“Tyson, what’s happening? You know him?” Rohan asks from behind me.

“I do.”

“Ah, yes! Hello, Rohan!”