an: everyone who voted and commented, thank you so much. It is because of your encouragement that I have somehow wrote this update.💗💛💫 thank you for helping me keep up my writing streak to some extent despite the Chaos of life💖💗 I hope you all like the chapter.

Seyon finds his way to the amusement park, his car parked outside the gates. The exact coordinates of the link Aran sent leads him to a pyramidal structure. Sunshine shines off it. The weather is sunny. Unlike other battered structures around, this one is sturdy, made of fibreglass.

The faded text next to the entrance reads, Hall of Mirrors.

The entrance, despite the electronic lock, remains unlocked. One slight push, the door swings open. The lock is probably disabled. Seyon knows what to expect once he goes inside. He touches the electronic lock wearing his gloves. Its display remains blank.

The lock is slightly warm to touch, with no visible handprints. He pockets his gloves with a sigh. Did he arrive at the right location? The electronic lock means a yes. It also means trouble.

Despite sensing danger, he bravely moves forward.

He closes the door behind him after taking a step in. He's left it slightly ajar but the gap closes by itself and an audible beep resounds in the air. The electronic lock enabled?

He pushes the door with gloved hands but it doesn't budge. It's firmly locked and it's a metallic door! If this is a trap, whoever has intended to trap him, achieved it. Natural human instinct, the slightest bit of worry enters him but he overcomes it in the blink of an eye and trudges forward.

There's ample natural light reflecting off of triangular mirrors attached to the walls. This being summer season is a boon. The light won't fade soon. He sees his reflections everywhere in the mirrors — split reflections of himself — the top, bottom, sometimes just his face and the serious expression etched in his eyes really close to see.

The ceiling is low, almost about 10 feet. No lights, no electrical circuits in sight. The source of sunlight entering should be somewhere though. That will be his opening to escape. Or not? If it's at the apex of the pyramid. He cannot jump off of it to escape.

Encouraging pessimistic thoughts isn't him. He takes a deep breath and moves forward. Is it Aran who summoned him there or someone else? What if Aran isn't inside? If he's inside, a fragment of his reflection should appear in a mirror. But so far nothing.

Seyon's jaw tenses as he proceeds with caution. The pathway is clear. Between the mirrored walls there's nothing on the floor except for worn-out dusty carpet that stretches long. At its end, Seyon finds a staircase. He ascends to the first and then the second floor. On the third, he finds Aran.

"Hello, inspector Aran says. A strange place for a rendezvous, don't you think?"

Seyon gives a half smile, dropping his defensive stance, which he involuntarily held as he moved. Hells, he only realises it now, but he has drawn out his pistol at some point. He pockets it now. Not that he finds it safe to be around Aran, but hey, he can pull it out if needed.

"It's so different from our previous date spots, isn't it?" Aran says provocatively.

Seyon grins, leans against the cool surface of the mirrors and folds his arms, mirroring Aran's posture. His thoughts go like this. If Sherry Maran were to narrate this scene, she would describe two men inside an empty mirror room, both reckless and fearless, smiling at each other in a dangerously precarious situation. Now that is accurate. Seyon is just as much of a threat as Aran, if not more. Aran's gaze tells Seyon he understands this.

"Date spots?" Seyon replies to Aran's earlier remarks, "funny, I didn't know you were using the same vocabulary inside your head all this while."

Aran chuckles. Then silence fills the room. None moves. Seyon breaks the ice, "why did you call me here?"

Seyon doesn't look at Aran, no matter how hard Aran stares.

"I thought..." Aran pauses for a long time, moving around the space. Seyon follows him.

They climb yet another set of stairs, Seyon oblivious to the countless levels above him. Judging by the size of the diminishing ceiling, probably a couple more.

Aran is on edge as he hops up the stairs. Seyon notices the scar running across the front of his left foot while jogging after him. Nothing escapes a detective's eye, even when it's in motion. Perhaps it's the sunny weather. Aran wears crocs, not the sneakers he usually prefers. His injury resembles so much to the one Thiya left in the slasher's foot. It's a proof, but not tangible.

Echoes of two pairs of feet bouncing on the staircase reach Seyon, though they arrive on level ground. He turns to Aran, who's catching his breath, not knowing what to expect.

"Ha..." Seyon's own breath is slightly uneven from running. But soon stabilises. He looks around and spots a glass pane different from others. A large triangular glass pane that sure opens to be a window.

He can look out the window and signal his team if they arrive. But alas, in the glaring sunlight and the outer reflecting surfaces of the mirrors, he doubts if anyone can notice him, especially when he is so high up.

Just then, Aran says, "I never thought you would get a warrant against me. I thought we were over the phase where you thought I was the slasher."

"Hmm." Seyon exhales and leans against the mirrored walls like before. The surface is warm this time, likely because they're on the highest floor. He crosses his arms and looks at Aran. On a casual glance, there is nothing different about Aran. He does not differ from any youngster graduating out of college. Like most guys of the season, he's dressed in a t-shirt and joggers.

The weather is sweltering. It almost tempts Seyon to take off his blazer. He finds Aran narrowing his eyes and chuckles. "Oh, was I silent for too long? Am I supposed to answer right away?"

Aran scowls at the laid-back words but soon neutralises his expression. "Take your time, inspector. I hope you're not fabricating a lie while you're thinking."

"Heh," Seyon chuckles lightly, way more comfortable with this confounding situation than he should be. If only Thiya would witness this, she'd say he looks more cool. Knowing her, she would be on her way. No chance she'll be silent after seeing his group message. Was it selfish of him to act on his own? Did he return to his old days of carrying out all tasks by himself? Absolutely not. He didn't want to interrupt their other responsibilities.

"So..." Aran clears his throat. Seyon meets his eyes and thinks Aran is such a talented guy, so sharp the sharpness can be felt in his gaze. The issue lies in his unreadable eyes. It's impossible to know what Aran is thinking, just like Thiya said.

"So, inspector, why did you suddenly get a warrant against me?"

"Hmm. A cop never takes someone off the suspect list. Not without evidence."

Seyon's cool reply agitates Aran. Aran clocks his tongue. Then the light in his eyes shifts to a shade of arrogance. Cruelty can also be the word to describe it. Seyon straightens up, all serious, one hand reaching for his gun in his pocket.

Aran cackles, a sharp laugh devoid of mirth. "Haha, inspector? Won't you ask me what you wanted to ask yesterday? I am sure you must have prepared quite the questionnaire."

"Hmm. Quite generous of you to help me out. Pity, it doesn't save me from going to the lengths of getting another warrant. This is an impromptu questioning. I still need to arrange an official one."

Aran's smile softens as he stares at Seyon for a moment. Seyon braces himself because never in his career did a criminal scrutinise him so before. Casual chatter filled their conversations until now. But now a shift is imminent.

"I always help others out. I did good..." Aran sounds broken, defeated. Seyon's brow furrows. Aran speaks then, elaborately of the tragedy that struck him as a child. His mother passing away shortly after his breath, his father dying by suicide. Being different, he was judged by everyone. There was his incurable condition... which probably spurred him further. The flames of revenge always burned bright in his heart.

Seyon fiddles with his recorder. He turns it on. His phone had no signal the last time he checked. Will the recorder work? He hopes so. Also, what's wrong with Aran? Why the change of heart? The need to confess? Is that what this is?

"You must have already had your doubts confirmed," Aran speaks slowly, head dropped without looking at Seyon. "You wouldn't have produced a warrant against me otherwise."

Before Seyon can respond, Aran narrates the gothic tale of a bereaved youngster with an odd condition, pushed to insanity by the world. The youngster was orphaned. Though he had a mentor, he wasn't immune to the cruelty of the world. The desire one day rose in him when he came of age. The desire to inflict pain upon everyone who instilled pain in him. He can't stop even if he knows it's wrong. It's out of his control. There are two parts of him, one wanting a normal everyday life. A better life, filled with love, friendship. And then the other part that yearns to rip apart everything that tore him inside. Destroy everything unrelated to his pain.

It feels like Aran is speaking in circles. But Seyon can understand the meaning behind those words. Aran himself is confessing his crimes! Several other minor and major crimes. He is the slasher! Holy, he needs to speak more clearly. He needs to tell how he killed his targets over the past five years and why he couldn't finish Kavya. Did he no longer want to continue? Did he want to change? He just admitted a part of him yearns for normal life.

Seyon pulls his gun out, intending to force Aran to confess, but his thoughts have him sidelined for a moment. Or perhaps it's the confirmation he just received that the SIT led the investigation in the right direction. In that split moment, Aran dashes for the odd-looking glass.

He's going for the window! Before Seyon can guess what's happening, and leap, Aran jumps out of the open window.

"Aran, no!"

Seyon grips his gun and runs to the window. But as if remote controlled it falls shut. Seyon strains his ears to hear Aran's scream as he falls to his death. No such thing happens.

"Not a suicide then! Gods, Aran is crazy! Did he come prepared with a parachute?"

Seyon mutters to himself and runs downstairs. To his horror, he finds he's trapped. Shucks, he already knows he will be trapped. The very door he passed through to enter the third floor is now locked. The other doors, equipped with electronic locks, would have been locked as well. Such an elaborate ploy, Aran is something.

The heck! I need a way out. Should I also break that window and jump out? Seyon runs his hands through his hair. Such a phenomenal confession from a suspect. For sure, Aran stands out from other suspects. If only there was a way to help him like Mira wanted. Alas, her psychoanalysis went in vain. Wait, did he say something to Mira? Is that why danger befell her?

Seyon looks around and runs back up to the upstairs window. The same one Aran jumped out of. It doesn't budge. He checks for another secret escape route like the fire-escape... but again nope. The location link in the group should be out of here. His friends will rescue him despite the hurdles on the way.

To be rescued is the worst-case scenario. As a cop, he's prepared to keep himself safe. He should be able to protect himself, no matter what. While not a Superman, he persists in trying. He has always given his best and will do so now.

Determination shines bright in Seyon's heart. There is no denying. He doesn't want to throw away his life. Not when he has a lot to do, especially with Thiya returning to him. That, and life is precious, regardless.

***

"How the heck did Aran fix these locks?" Thiya mutters, crouching down in front of a door that has yet another shiny silver-grey electronic lock. The number pad lights at the touch of her gloved fingers. In her mind, she longs for code to materialise effortlessly, with no cracking or hacking.

She's hacked two doors in the same hallway. They are separated by quite a distance. At least Aran didn't seem to have installed them. They are part of the construction.

"The authorities should have increased their vigil around here. Seyon and I have informed the local police, yet they take no action." Soham mutters through gritted teeth. Thiya acknowledges him with a soft yes.

There's no doubt in her mind Seyon is trapped. It's a strange place to be trapped in. All around her there are mirrors; mirrors that expose any naked truth within the vicinity. The reflected natural sunlight provides enough illumination, but the air is dank, the atmosphere sultry. What if the oxygen supply isn't enough further inside? Stupid thought. So stupid. There's no way a construction on earth will suffocate its occupants. This was once a public amusement park.

Still... Is Seyon... Is he safe... what if it's too late???

This latest thought sends Thiya into panic. She uses that adrenaline to work faster. Her pace and sweat pouring down her body have Soham concerned. He fully understands her feelings. Half an hour has passed.

This lock has been taking a toll on her. For over fifteen minutes, she's been trying to unlock it.

"Thiya," he gently places his hand on her shoulder so as not to startle her. She talks before he can,

"Soham! Seyon is inside! What if... Ugh, this is—"

"Thiya, calm down. It's hard to be calm now so listen to me. You and Seyon are alike."

Thiya pauses her hands, the frantic typing on her tab that's connected to the electronic lock. She glances at Soham over her shoulder, tilting her head up.

"Soham?"

Soham shows her a small smile, hoping his smile can do the charm again. His friends have always said he was their Sun. Now is his turn to shine for them. "You're alike. He was beside himself with worry when you were trapped in this amusement park before."

"Oh?" Thiya blinks. A myriad of emotions pass through her soulful eyes, reflecting the unexplainable, innumerable emotions coursing through her heart. Soham can understand her feelings again somehow, though he can't describe what they are. If he were to use one word to summarise it all, the word would be... Love.

"He got you out, didn't he? In the nick of time. So, you got this Thiya. You can do this. Just be calm and do your work. Let's ensure your efficiency isn't hindered by panic."

Thiya nods and smiles, taking in a deep breath. "Thanks, Soham."

She turns to her task again, composed. It's unlike her to panic. But who can stay calm when their dearest is involved? She was also swept away with worry. Thankfully, Soham showed her the anchor before she could drift away from the current. Like Seyon said, there's no harm done to an officer's pride when relying on comrades.

Soham's steady, encouraging presence keeps her anchored further throughout the hurdles. Just as she's unlocking what she supposes is the last lock — she hears a gunshot.

Her heart skips a beat, then thuds violently in her chest. She looks at Soham, eyes widened, mouth slightly ajar. Soham is equally worried as her, the crease between his brows just as deep.

That gunshot... followed by another. After that, silence. No screams. Is it a blind shot? Who killed who?

***

❣tbc❣

💫💛up next: Seyon's narrow escape! a long awaited confession... then Aran returns? what's the end?💫💛

💛stay tuned.💛 vote and comment