The masked figure's delight was palpable in the stillness of the room. A low, resonant laugh echoed off the walls.
"Oh? Hahaha..."
The sound was chilling, a stark contrast to the silence that had preceded Sophia's agreement.
Sophia watched the figure with a frown etched deeply on her face. The laugh, though mirthful, did nothing to ease the knot of anxiety in her stomach.
It was a reminder of the pact she had just made. And the consequences of that deal were as hidden from her as the figure's true face behind the smiling mask.
The figure seemed to revel in the moment. Sophia stood her ground, her decision made, but her heart was heavy.
'I already agreed anyway. There is no going back from this!'
She has no choice but to move on.
The figure's laughter subsided into a chilling silence as it regarded Sophia with its unblinking, painted-on smile.