บท 119: The Smiling God & The Black Cube

Arthur sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the spot where the black cube sat, its surface dull and unassuming. It seemed small, insignificant—just a black stone, no bigger than a fist, lying there on the table. But he could feel it. The weight of its presence filled the room, like a shadow looming over them, unseen but heavy.

Lily had fallen asleep again after their talk, exhaustion pulling her under despite everything going on. Arthur could hear her breathing, slow and steady, her face scrunched up in that way she always did when she was too tired to care about how she looked. He couldn't help but smile, but it faded quickly as his eyes returned to the cube.

The door creaked open, and Arthur didn't need to look up to know it was Momo. Her footsteps were light, barely more than a whisper against the wooden floor, but there was a tension in the air—something darker, heavier. He could feel it before she even spoke.