Into the Depths: Investigating the Shimmering Shore Tunnels (Group 2)

Ludovic watched Nimue, his mismatched gaze narrowed in quiet amusement as she ignored him and Deluge, focusing entirely on Mortis. The urge to offer a cutting remark flickered through him, but he restrained himself, opting instead for a smirk as she leaned into her crude bravado. She reminded him a bit of his mother, though his mother would’ve been more focused on escaping than indulging in distractions. This—mother drilled into his skull well.

His gaze shifted to Deluge as she stepped protectively in front of him, her antlers lowered in readiness. For a heartbeat, he was taken aback—she barely knew him, yet she had positioned herself between him and the unknown threat. It was… unexpected. His parents had taught him to expect the worst from others, yet here she was, shielding him. He was at a loss for words, so he simply went for a response to her comment. “If you say so, Miss,” he muttered, lacing his words with a hint of sarcasm, though his eyes held a faint glimmer of guarded gratitude. What else could he do in this situation? He wasn’t a master manipulator, he couldn’t use his words well enough at this stage in life. He could only hope he was lucky, or smart enough to navigate this utter bastard of a situation. Still… he moved closer to the woman’s side, unwilling to let her face whatever was coming alone in his stead.

His gaze sharpened on the unnatural shadows slithering from cracks in the earth, the sight making his fur prickle. "What the-?" he muttered, voice tense as he felt the air thicken, as if something unseen lurked, ready to strike. Then, Mortis stumbled, and Ludovic’s attention snapped back to the winged man who had offered reassurance as the man remained silent, moving on three paws as though unfazed by the injury. Hadn’t that hurt?

Instinctively, he edged closer to the adults, deciding to trust, for now, that he was safer with them than alone. That numbers were better. His steps were light, senses on alert, though he could only make out faint, muffled sounds around him in the dark. When Mortis called out to stay close, he swallowed his usual defiance, nodding once. “Got it,” he replied, his voice low but steady. He slipped fully between Mortis and Deluge, close enough to feel their warmth—eyes wide as they moved. It was following them, whatever it was below their feet. He could barely control his breathing, for no amount of training could have prepared him for something so unnatural? But the boy was trying to be brave, just like he was always taught to be.

"Ludovic Praetor-Inferos"