The system is simple: people die when their time is up, whether it’s a peaceful passing, a freak accident, or a tragic but inevitable end. The only exception? Cold-blooded murder—the kind that steps outside of fate’s design.
This? This wasn’t murder.
This girl was meant to die. The clock struck zero, the curtain closed, and yet… these idiots pried it back open.
Even I don’t know what happens next. And that is not a good sign.
“You’re safe,” Nathaniel says smoothly, sounding like a completely different person than the one I’ve come to know. “Try not to move too much. An ambulance is on the way.”
The girl blinks rapidly, her chest heaving, fingers twitching like she’s trying to make sure she’s still attached to reality.
“I… I was…”
“Drowning,” Cassian supplies.
A shudder runs through her, and she turns her head, looking at the pool like it's something from a nightmare.
Talon, still crouched beside her, lifts a brow. “You remember how you ended up in there?”
She hesitates. I can see the way her mind races, struggling to piece the events together.
And then her entire body stiffens.
Her breath hitches.
Her pupils dilate with something raw and terrified.
“I came for a swim late…” She swallows thickly. “The staff didn't know I was in there. They put the cover over the pool while I was still inside.”
Talon and Nathaniel exchange a glance.
“Are you saying this was an accident?” the latter asks.
“I… think so.” She breathes rapidly. “I was doing breath exercises. I didn't move much and didn't look up…”
I exhale sharply, stepping back.
An accident.
No murder. No intent. No foul play.
Just pure, unfiltered dumbassery.
Other words?Fate.
Nathaniel runs a steadying hand over the girl’s shoulder, murmuring quiet reassurances as she slowly catches her breath. Talon flashes her a grin—something meant to be soothing, but only makes me feel more nauseated. Cassian remains still, watching her with a detached intensity, water still dripping from his clothes.
The sirens wail in the distance.
I take another step back. The space between me and them suddenly feels too damn small, like I might suffocate in it.
Nathaniel looks up, his eyes locking onto mine.
He knows.
He sees it—the panic, the disbelief, the raw horror on my face.
And then, just as I'm about to start backing away real fast, the girl slowly turns her head away from them.
