Fading Time

Argus sat at the kitchen table, his fork idly pushing the remains of his breakfast around his plate. His mind was preoccupied with the events of the morning and the sight of Selene's burnt fingers. He glanced at her across the table, taking note of her long-sleeved black shirt and fingerless gloves that failed to conceal the evidence of her encounter with his grimoire.

"You really should get your arms healed, Selene," he said, his voice laced with concern. "Those burns don't look like something you can just brush off."

Selene met Argus's concerned gaze with a reassuring smile, though a flicker of discomfort flashed in her eyes. "I appreciate your concern, Argus," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of resilience. "But I've had my fair share of minor burns before. I'll go to the hospital and get them healed sometime later today".

Argus furrowed his brow, unconvinced by Selene's nonchalant response. He knew she was no stranger to danger and had undoubtedly endured her fair share of injuries,

but something about this incident seemed different.

Still, he respected her independence and decided not to press the matter further.

Leaning back in his chair, Argus took a sip of his orange juice, its coldness spreading through him. The two of them continued their breakfast conversation, discussing the events of the previous day and the implications of Selene's discovery within the grimoire.

As they continued to speak, Selene revealed something that caught Argus off Guard.

"In this very city," she disclosed, her words carrying a sense of intrigue and mystery, "there exists a dear friend of mine, whose knowledge and skills might just be the key to unlocking the enigmatic powers concealed within the pages". Selene's voice, like a delicate melody, filled Argus' sullen expression with hope and uncertainty.

Argus set down his glass and leaned forward, captivated by Selene's revelation. The prospect of finding someone who could unlock the secrets hidden within the grimoire sparked a flicker of excitement within him.

"So, this friend of yours," Argus began, breaking the silence. "Why do you think they'll be able to open the grimoire when you couldn't?"

Selene paused, her gaze shifting to the tabletop as if choosing her words carefully. "Let's just say that his particular... abilities are well-suited to this kind of work," she replied cryptically, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've seen him do things that defy logic, Argus. Trust me, if anyone can open it, it's him."

Argus sighed, a mix of frustration and resignation lacing his voice. Running a hand through his hair, Argus thought to himself.

"I don't have many choices, nor do I have much time left".

His eyes, following after his thoughts that shifted the amount of time he had until his imminent death, drifted to the clock on the kitchen wall, its hands ticking away.

"Only 7 hours left", he whispered.

Feeling the weight of his impending fate pressing down on him, Argus allowed the realization of his limited time sink in. He couldn't afford to waste a moment more in indecision or doubt, and selene's revelation presented the potential lifeline that he desperately needed.

With a newfound determination, Argus looked back at Selene, his gaze meeting hers. "Lead the way," he said, his voice firm and resolute. "Take me to this friend of yours. If there's a chance, however slim, that he can unlock the grimoire and save me, then I have to pursue it."

Selene watched Argus with a mix of concern and amusement as his determination became evident. She knew he was eager to explore the potential of her friend unlocking the grimoire, but she couldn't help but find his urgency amusing.

"Slow down, Argus," Selene said playfully, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "There's no rush. We can finish our breakfast, gather our thoughts, and then head out to meet my friend. Enjoy the moment."

Argus put on a fake expression of agreement, trying to hide the urgency he felt deep inside. He nodded and forced a smile. "You're right, Selene," he replied, his voice lacking the conviction he truly felt. "No need to rush. We'll finish breakfast first."

Internally, however, Argus couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that time was slipping away.

As they continued their breakfast conversation, Argus's mind drifted, his thoughts consumed by the ticking clock in the background. He stole glances at Selene, knowing that she didn't share his awareness of his impending doom.

"I could just tell her…" Argus thought, his anxiety mounting.

"As if she would believe me. How would that one go," he thought sarcastically, playing out the scenario in his mind

"Oh hey Selene, just by the way, there's a talking voice in my head telling me to offer a sacrifice, or I will die," Argus thought sarcastically, imagining the incredulous look on Selene's face as he delivered the absurd news. He chuckled inwardly, realizing how preposterous it all sounded. After all, who would believe such a far-fetched story?

As the laughter faded, a sense of desperation settled in Argus's chest. The weight of his predicament pressed down on him, making it difficult to breathe. The voice in his head grew louder, more insistent, urging him to take action. But how could he explain it to Selene without sounding completely insane?

"Am I insane?" Argus thought, his mind opening up to the new possibility. The voice in his head felt so real, so persistent, but it defied all rational explanations.

He glanced around the room, searching for any sign that would validate or dismiss his fears. Everything appeared ordinary—the ticking clock, the sunlight streaming through the window, the clinking of cutlery as they finished their breakfast. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, except for the turmoil brewing within him.

Argus took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing thoughts. He knew he couldn't afford to let doubt cloud his judgment at a time when every second counted. He had to trust his instincts, no matter how peculiar or unsettling they seemed.

As the clattering of plates interrupted his reverie, Argus was snapped back to the present moment.

"All the dishes have been washed, shall we go?" Selene asked.

Glancing at Selene, her burnt fingers now placed on his shoulder, he replied, "Yes, let's go", his voice filled with resolve.