The words sank into Eli's bones like ice.
His breath shattered in his throat. "You're… joking. Please tell me you're joking."
Before thought could catch him, his body reacted. His hands shoved hard against Kairo's shoulder, forcing himself free.
The world tilted.
He dropped fast, crashing into the freezing black water with a violent splash that echoed through the cavern.
The cold bit into his skin instantly, like knives slicing across his flesh. His boots scraped against slick stone as he staggered upright, the shock rattling through every nerve.
"Mio!" Eli's voice cracked, too high, too raw, carrying more panic than strength. "Please—tell me—tell me you're joking—!"
But Mio wasn't answering.
Instead—
There was a sound.
Not his voice, but bodies. Zaira and Mel sliding limp from his grip, splashing down gracelessly into the water like discarded dolls.
The sound was merciless, sharp against the cave walls, brutal in its finality.
