In the dimly lit study, Professor Axford paced back and forth, deep in thought. Suddenly, he stopped, his eyes widening. With a jolt, he turned to the locked door, his heart pounding. A sudden creak echoed through the room, making him freeze in place. The dim shadows seemed to shift, becoming more defined. A figure emerged from the darkness, cloaked in black. It approached silently, a glint of steel in its hand. Quietly it whispered, "It's not what you think, my dear Professor. I only came to apologize for last night's misunderstanding. I wouldn't hurt you." Fear gripped the old man's heart, his throat constricting. "I only came to persuade you, to explain..." the voice continued, drawing closer. "S-s-spare me," Axford stammered, his mouth suddenly incredibly dry. His legs gave out, and he collapsed to the floor, his whole body trembling uncontrollably. The figure approached him and crouched down, its voice dripping with malice. "I'm afraid that's impossible." The cold steel made contact with the professor's neck. The figure bent down, whispering one last time, "Consider this our final misunderstanding." And then, all went dark, in one quick, crystalline moment🔉