Whispers of the forgotten

Morpheus stood in Germain's office, the hum of the city outside faint and distant. Germain leaned against his desk, his face grave as he slid a folder across the table toward Morpheus.

"This is everything we know about the killer," Germain began, his tone sharp and deliberate. "He's dangerous and cunning. An expert in illusion magic, mind control, and vanishing without a trace. This is no ordinary criminal."

Morpheus opened the folder, his sharp eyes scanning the notes and gruesome images documenting the killer's victims.

"He's responsible for five murders so far," Germain continued, his voice hardening. "All the victims were nobles. His latest was Lady Amalia, a figure infamous for her insatiable greed."

Morpheus raised an eyebrow. "Greed? Is he targeting them based on the Seven Deadly Sins?"

Germain nodded. "That seems to be the case. Lady Amalia was the embodiment of avarice. Her lust for wealth left hundreds dead from starvation, countless families destitute. He may have a twisted sense of morality, but he's still a murderer who must be stopped."

Closing the folder, Morpheus glanced at Germain. "What's the next step?"

Germain exhaled deeply. "To ensure no mistakes, I'm assigning you a partner. His name is Inver."

Morpheus blinked in surprise. "A partner? I haven't worked with anyone in a long time."

"I know," Germain said, his voice firm. "But this isn't an ordinary case. Inver is skilled, but I should warn you—he's an elitist who harbors disdain for the common folk. Don't take his insults personally if he directs them at you."

Morpheus's lips twitched into a faint smirk. "I'll manage."

---

An hour later, after thoroughly reviewing the case files and compiling the information available on the killer, Morpheus sat at his desk, piecing together the connections between the murders. He was interrupted by a sharp knock at the door.

The door opened, and Inver stepped in. He was tall, with neatly combed blond hair and a sharply tailored outfit that screamed nobility. His blue eyes scanned the room before settling on Morpheus with thinly veiled contempt.

"So, you're Morpheus," Inver said coolly, a condescending smirk playing on his lips.

Morpheus glanced up calmly. "And you must be Inver."

Inver nodded, his gaze raking over Morpheus as if appraising him. "How quaint. I had hoped for someone a little more... distinguished. But if I must work with a commoner, so be it."

Morpheus set down the file and regarded Inver evenly. "If your skills match your arrogance, this mission might actually be straightforward."

Inver's smirk faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered. "Let me be clear. I expect little from you, so try not to disappoint me further."

Rising from his seat, Morpheus donned his coat with deliberate calm, refusing to rise to Inver's bait. "Let's focus on the task. The killer is still at large, and every moment we waste gives him another chance to strike."

---

The two men left Germain's office together, their strides reflecting their contrasting personalities—Inver walking with the air of someone who owned the world, and Morpheus moving with quiet determination.

Despite the tension between them, their goal was the same: to hunt down the Seven Sins Killer before he claimed his next victim.