Chapter 4: Falling Away

Hunter stares, stunned—like a kicked dog realizing it’ll never be petted again. His face twists in confusion, then he snorts, turning away with a muttered, "Faker."

"Is this your new attention grab? Sure, this dungeon’s full of toxic fog, but everyone else is fine—only you’re dying? Give me a break. We just left you behind by accident. You going to throw a tantrum every time you’re not Sam Logan, Jason Reed?"

He scoffs, rolling his eyes so hard it’s a miracle they don’t get stuck. Then he storms over, sour-faced, ready to drag me back. My hands twitch at my sides, half wanting to defend myself, half wanting to just disappear. But I step back, legs shaking, resolve ironclad.

"I said, I’m not going back."

Hunter’s face darkens. "Fine, you want to die? Go ahead. But go tell the captain yourself—wherever you croak, it’s not on us—"

Before he can finish, I let myself fall.

A rush of air, Hunter’s face shrinking to a dot, his shout echoing off the stone. I close my eyes, the wind screaming around me, and feel a wild thrill.

Finally—darkness, total and sweet.