For what seemed like an eternity, Alicia had been running, her pulse beating in her ears like the distant beat of war drums, and her breaths strained.
The palace's winding hallways gave the impression of twisting and turning, entangling her deeper in a confusing maze.
She had no idea how much time had gone; the only thing that remained constant was her own worries' persistent pursuit of her.
While she was running desperately down the lonely halls, a menacing voice started to reverberate. It was subtle and unavoidable.
'Ah~ Just listen to that little thing,' it crooned.
Alicia immediately covered her ears in an attempt to drown out the unsettling sound, but the voice continued, tumbling through the corners of her consciousness like a persistent tune.
It kept playing like an old radio play.
'So rhythmically.'