The door creaked softly as Zane pushed it open. He winced, glancing down the dark corridor. Nothing. Silence.
He stepped out, his bare feet sinking into the cool carpet. The hallway looked both familiar and alien, like a place from a dream—one he hadn’t walked in for far too long.
"Kitchen... kitchen..." he muttered, scratching his head. "Was it left... or right?"
He started down the hall, sticking close to the wall. Halfway through, voices made him freeze.
Two maids stood near a corner, whispering as they carried folded sheets.
"I feel sorry for the prince," the first said, her voice low. "Locked up for two years... no one’s even seen his face."
The second maid scoffed. "I don’t blame him. If it were me, I’d rather die than live as a hollow. Especially being born into a noble family. Imagine the shame."
Zane’s jaw tightened, but he stayed silent.
The second maid leaned closer. "Anyway, did you hear? The Academy sent a letter. They’re recruiting new students."
Zane’s eyes widened. The Academy? They’re already selecting...? How long was I in there...?
Then, like a spark, an idea shot through his mind. His lips curled into a sly grin.
He crouched low, whispering down at his shadow. "Hey, lil’ buddy..."
His shadow rippled, peeling away from his feet until it flattened itself against the floor in its two-dimensional form.
"Yeah, you. Can you move around and find the kitchen for me? It’s been a while, and I’m starving. Oh—" Zane smirked. "One more thing. Don’t get caught."
The shadow gave a sharp salute, then darted away, gliding along the walls and floors until it vanished into the darkness.
Zane leaned back against the wall, arms crossed, whispering to himself. "Heh. Guess I’m not alone anymore.