**Resumption and Subsequent Destruction — The Cycle of the Same Events.**
You open your eyes — and it's like déjà vu all over again. Familiar faces, familiar sounds, familiar shadows. Everything repeats. As if you've seen it all before.
And you have. I opened my eyes.
Around me, faces divided into groups. Everyone was busy with their own conversations, arguments, silence. And yet, one girl sat across from me, her gaze fixed on me without wavering.
Wait… is she staring at *me*?
I didn't waste a second.
— Why are you staring at me like that? — I asked.
She abruptly looked away, as if hoping I hadn't noticed.
But ever since I became a vampire, all human sensations had sharpened — even the awareness of someone's gaze.
I noticed.
— I thought you wouldn't see. Surprised you reacted so fast. You… aren't human, are you? — she asked.
Was that a question? Or an accusation?
A strange sensation shot through my body — a chill. Why? It's just a simple question. Just words. But I felt… something else.
— Are you alright? — The firm voice of the girl across from me, Tiamut. — Your hands are shaking.
— Sorry. Don't know what came over me. Must be cold — maybe the windows are open.
She didn't answer, only shook her head slightly. Her tone was steady, confident, without hesitation. A woman who knew what she wanted.
But why that question? What did she mean by it?
I was sure — none of them knew what I'd become. Maybe she was just surprised by my attentiveness.
— So, what are they talking about?
— Who's *they*? — she shot back immediately.
Weird, as if she herself wasn't sure who I meant. But still…
— The participants.
— Don't know. Everyone's busy with their own things. Yahweh and Hov are discussing those inscriptions we still need to translate. Kamiki's talking to one of the servants.
— A servant? — I glanced over — Morgana stood near Kamiki, deep in conversation. What did he want from her?
— Why don't you go talk to Enua instead?
Wait… did she just say *Enua*? Did I hear that right?
Why? Since when did anyone care about his status?
Why did her words send a shiver down my spine?
No.
I'm just surprised. She doesn't feel disgust or hatred — just… pity.
I remembered my earlier conversation with Enua, back when we split into groups. He said he knew her. Were they acquainted long ago?
If so — why didn't she try to help when everyone accused him of murder?
No point in blaming her. Here, everyone's on their own. Maybe she was afraid of becoming a suspect herself. Or maybe I'm overthinking it.
I needed to go to Enua. If not for her, I'd have forgotten about him. Idiot. Tried to help on my own — and ended up leaving him behind.
I stood up. Headed toward the bedroom.
Yahweh and Hov, standing by the window, watched me go. Tiamut gave a faint smile and sipped her wine.
A couple of minutes later — at the door.
His face was emotionless. His soul seemed gone. A hollow shell.
My fault. I couldn't protect him. Couldn't prove his alibi. Couldn't even convince myself.
I just wanted to believe in his innocence. Wanted to hope.
One thought echoed in my head. The second night. The massacre in the library.
Was it him?
I wanted to ask — but did *he* even know the truth?
He was like a child. Needed help. Needed someone by his side to lend a hand.
But he never had that person.
People struggle to make decisions alone. Sometimes, they need advice from someone close. We're social creatures — we need support.
— If you never had anyone… I'll be that person. Let's stop the enemy together!
He lifted his gaze.
A spark. Tiny, almost imperceptible — but there.
— Why are you so desperate to help? I don't understand…
— If you stay true to your ideals and really believe in who you want to be…
— I *am* justice, — I said with certainty.
Back in the living room, nothing had changed.
Tiamut sipped her wine. Yahweh and Hov were still talking. Kamiki stood by the window, watching the rain.
— So, you want to help him? — Yahweh asked.
— Yes. I feel like the truth is on his side.
— What truth? What are you talking about? I don't get it.
— Idiot, he doesn't think any of us are the culprit. Believes it's the witch.
— How would he know? Neither he nor Enua could prove an alibi. We backed him into a corner.
— True, but the same goes for the witch. Why are we so sure *she* isn't playing the role of the killer? The rules are strange — survive until the seventh day. Why was the witch so confident we'd start killing each other?
— Things just got complicated. What's your plan? Drop the accusations on Enua and start blaming the witch?
— Enua stays a suspect. But we don't rule out the witch either. If he can't prove his innocence by tomorrow — we cut him loose.
— Fine, I'm with you. We'll see what happens.
A few minutes later, Aragi returned — not alone, but with Enua.
All eyes turned to Enua, who had been hiding until now.
Tiamut smiled faintly.
— Good. Everyone's here. Let me speak, — Aragi began.
— We'll go to the library to find the translation — but Enua comes with us. If he refuses, so do I.
Morgana cut in.
— Sheryl and I won't help either if he's left out.
She looked at Aragi. He looked back — understanding without words.
— I agree, — Tiamut was the first to support.
The others followed.
— Alright, since we're in agreement — let's head to the second floor, — Kamiki said, still by the window.
This time… I won't lose to you, Witch of Ryujima Island!