MORBID ANOMALIES INQUISITION DEPARTMENT

Lucian stands frozen, his heart racing as he stares at Ezekiel. The words echo in his mind, and he struggles to process their meaning. 'Wait, you've known it all along?' Lucian asks, his voice trembling. Ezekiel's expression remains impassive, but Lucian can see the flicker of emotion in his eyes. 'Yes,' he replies. 'But I couldn't tell you. Not yet.' Lucian feels a mix of anger and confusion welling up inside him. How can Ezekiel keep this from him? And what else is he hiding? 'Why?' Lucian demands. 'Why didn't you tell me? Are we not a team?' Ezekiel hesitates for a moment before speaking. 'Because I didn't want to put you in danger,' he says, a sliver of concern can now be discerned from his tone. 'Because...' His voice trails off, and he steps closer to Lucian, his gaze intense. Lucian feels his breath catch in his throat as Ezekiel reaches up to brush a stray lock of hair from his face. 'Because I couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to you,' Ezekiel whispers. For a moment, they stand in silence, the air filled with an unfathomable tension. Then, Ezekiel pulls away, his expression once again unreadable. 'But now,' he continues, as if nothing has happened, 'you need to know the truth.'