The snick rang in his ears, startling him into holding his breath. His eyes widened, his every muscle tensing like coiled wire. Was it Mikk readying some new toy for another round of his own depraved version of playtime, or some curious (or, God help him, eager) member of his large household? Whoever it was, Edgeworth didn't expect anything good to come of their presence.

But that voice proved him wrong.

He struggled to lift his head, strained to make out a figure in the darkness. A sick hope began to smolder in his chest, choking off the name that he didn't dare voice for fear of driving this dream away.