Reborn In a Murderer’s Embrace



"15..."

That eerie voice kept counting down, mechanical yet inexplicably terrifying.

All of a sudden, Zoe lost it. Staring down the hallway, she called out in fear. "Carter..."

She broke free from Annora's grip, sprinting towards the end of the corridor as if possessed.

Bran paused, stunned, then, without a thought, chased after her.

"Colin..." Everyone seemed to have their survival instincts kick in, racing towards what they hoped was an exit at the end of the hallway.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

Colin glanced back, trying to grab my wrist, but the crowd surged forward, tearing us apart.

In that moment of separation, the lights in the windowless corridor flickered out, plunging us into darkness.

At the same time, the mechanical countdown continued. "10, 9..."

I stood frozen, my feet glued to the floor. "Colin..."

I called out for Colin in panic, but my voice was lost amidst the chaos of fleeing figures.

Then, out of the inky blackness, a firm hand clasped my wrist, pulling me to a secluded spot.

Leaning against the wall, breathing heavily, I managed to ask, "Colin?"

The grip on my hand tightened, his anger palpable. "Are you out of your mind?"

His voice was a low growl, pulling me close for protection.

My body stiffened; it was Dexter...

"De..."

I barely started to speak when he covered my mouth.

Holding me from behind, Dexter whispered, "Quiet...listen, there's something off about Melody, and Caleb too. Everyone around you could be a threat...except me."

He wanted me to understand that everyone was putting on an act, lying, performing.

He was the only one who was real.

He wouldn't harm me.

I bit him, and he finally released me. "You could be the killer..."

I hissed back at him, voice filled with venom.

With no light, I couldn't tell where we were, but the countdown pressed on.

Frantically, I wanted to find Colin. "Colin..."

As death seemed to inch closer, all I could think about was finding Colin.

Even I was taken aback by my own thoughts.

Dexter was furious, his jealousy tangible as he enveloped me in his arms, whispering fiercely, "We're in an air vent room. I've checked; this floor has no windows, only these vents for air circulation. This is the safest place. If you go out there now...you're dead."

"5, 4, 3..."

The countdown neared its end, the corridor filled with the sounds of stumbling, crying, and banging.

"1... Carbon monoxide release in progress."

The hiss of gas release filled the air, along with the cries of many.

I struggled fiercely, trying to push Dexter away. "Let me go! Colin's still out there."

Bran, Colin, Zoe...they were all still in danger.

"There are plenty of vents throughout the building; he won't die..." Dexter's hold was unyielding, his voice hoarse. "Phoebe Caldwell, what do I have to do to make you trust me? Only I...really care about you Everyone else is using you, putting on an act. Caleb won't die; he's behind this game."

With his voice raspy and the gas seeping in, Dexter held me tight, offering me the only vent, giving me fresh air...

Essentially, giving me his life.

Here we

We, safe by a vent, yet I wondering what kind of hell wel

still felt dizzy and nauseous,

unfolding on the other side,