Nigredo gazed out into the mist, looking past the murky grey in hopes of recognition, that spark of potential. Nothing registered (nothing impressive, at least), leaving the boy to wonder if their reward was as ill-conceived as the evenings spent obtaining the very same. And knowing their captor, the chances of that scenario were quite high.

Nevertheless, his opinion fell in with Albedo. Which slid into fact when their entrance became inaccessible and vanished into thin air. Wonderful. Once again, they were doomed to a death trap. If he was younger or highly stressed, he might have cried out of frustration.

The corners of his lips pulled downward as Nigredo assessed the matter, although that quickly proved meaningless. Finally, he nodded at his brother. "I really hate this place," he added lamely.