Beginning of the end
I murmured as silently as possible.
Salvatore continues to count, the playful tone in his voice making it clear that this is more than just a simple game. "...........Eight, nine, ten!" he announces with a chuckle, deliberately drawing out the moment. The mansion seems to hold its breath in anticipation.
The game officially begins, and Salvatore, pretending to be clueless, searches in the wrong places intentionally.