I can't be mistaken, I've read everything regarding that case, and a day from now, he will die inside it.
Tomorrow, he would die inside it!
My breath hitched as the realization crashed into me all over again.
Is this for real? Did time really go back?
The knowledge struck me so hard my knees nearly buckled. Ezekiel Solace was still breathing somewhere in this world, His fate had not yet been sealed.
I still had a chance.
I shot up from my seat and ran.
"Miss Viola, where are you going?!"
One of the event organizers shouted after me, his voice sharp with panic , but I did not stop. I did not even turn around.
"I'm really sorry!"
I yelled back, my voice cracking as I sprinted toward the exit.
"There's an emergency!"
I burst through the doors and into the buzzing street outside. The noise swallowed me instantly, car horns blared, people shouted, and neon signs flickered above my head.
My lungs burned. My heart pounded so violently it hurt.
"Hey, wait for me!"
A small shadow zipped past my shoulder. The little dragon flapped frantically to keep up, her wings beating the air with an uneven rhythm.
I gasped as I ran, weaving through pedestrians like a madwoman. My vision started to blur, my thoughts scattered. I did not know where I was going, only that my body remembered the path better than my mind did.
Then my heel caught on the uneven pavement.
I cried out as I fell hard onto the concrete, pain exploding through my palms and knees.
"Damn it."
I struggled to stand, my legs shook beneath me, but frustration burned hotter than the pain. Without thinking, I bent down and tore off my shoes, tossing them aside.
Barefoot, I ran again.
To where he was.
My feet blistered quickly, bruises blooming across my skin. Every step sent sharp pain shooting up my legs, but it did not matter. The ache in my heart was far worse than anything my body could feel.
Hours passed in a haze of breathless running and silent prayers.
When I finally arrived, the looming structure ahead stole the air from my lungs.
The dungeon gate.
Two civil servants stood guard at the entrance, their expressions stern as they held their weapons.
What should I do?
They would never let me in, I was just a civilian, unawakened and useless.
I crouched behind a nearby structure, peeking out to spy on the guards.
I had to hurry, I didn't have enough time for this.
"Hey you, human."
I flinched.
The little dragon hovered in front of my face, her tiny arms crossed.
"Are you seriously trying to enter that dungeon without preparation?"
she snapped.
"Do you even know what kind of place that is? That's an A+++ dungeon."
"I know,"
I whispered desperately.
"I know it's dangerous, and I know I'm being reckless, but… but…"
My voice broke.
"If I don't do something, he's going to die."
The dragon stared at me for a long moment. Then she sighed loudly, rubbing her face with one claw.
"I can't believe you're doing all of this for a man you only met once,"
she muttered, thick with sarcasm.
I clenched my fists, refusing to look away.
"Alright,"
she said at last.
"I'll help you just this once. I still have some power left, but this is the last time I help you for free."
My eyes widened.
"Really?! Thank you so much, oh almighty cute lizard!"
"Hey!"
she snapped.
"Watch it, I'm not a lizard and for your information, I'm only sticking with you until my powers fully return. After that, I think it'll be fun to watch what your death looks like."
I stared at her adorable face, completely at odds with her cruel words.
How could she say something like that with such a cute appearance?
I swallowed and nodded anyway.
"I'll erase your presence,"
she continued.
"Seven hours. You'll be unnoticeable to humans and monsters alike. It'll also protect you from most creatures while you search for your precious prince charming."
My jaw dropped.
"Invisible?"
I whispered.
"Oh my gosh, How cool is that?"
She rolled her eyes and began chanting softly. A warm sensation washed over my body, followed by a strange lightness, as if the world had slightly loosened its grip on me.
"Done,"
she said.
I did not waste another second.
I ran straight toward the gate.
The guards did not react, their eyes slid right past me as if I were nothing more than air. I passed through the surveillance zone.
Then I crossed the gate.
The world changed instantly.
Cold slammed into me like a wall.
I stood inside an enormous ice cave, its walls made of pure crystal ice that reflected light in endless pattern, I could see my own reflection stretching and warping across the frozen surfaces and the air sparkled faintly while every breath turning into mist.
What kind of creature lived here for this to be an A+++ dungeon?
"I'm kind of sleepy, so…"
The dragon's voice trailed off.
"Hey, wait, what do you mean by that?"
She suddenly dropped out of the air.
"Watch out!"
I lunged forward and caught her just in time, she was warm in my hands, surprisingly light. I checked her frantically, but she was already snoring, two tiny bubbles forming at her nose.
Seriously?
She fell asleep.
I sighed helplessly and placed her gently on my shoulder, adjusting her so she could sleep comfortably.
"Unbelievable,"
I muttered.
I continued walking deeper into the cave, searching for Ezekiel and his party.
The cold gnawed at my skin, my bare feet numbed against the ice floor, but I forced myself forward. Along the way, I saw monsters lurking in the shadows. Massive creatures resembling polar bears, but far larger, their bodies twisted and monstrous, their mouths gaped wide with rows of jagged fangs and their claws scraped against the ice with a chilling sound.
Fear crawled up my spine.
I moved carefully, stepping as lightly as possible. If it weren't for the dragon's magic, I didn't know what kind of horror I would have already faced.
Just imagining it sent shivers through my bones.
Hours passed.
Still no sign of Ezekiel.
Panic tightened around my chest.
What should I do? I was running out of time. Only two hours remained before my presence would return. I had no idea what was happening on Ezekiel's side.
What if I found him too late?
What if Clyde and his party had already reached him?
No. I could not let that happen.
I forced my exhausted legs to move again while another hour passed in agonizing silence.
My hands clenched against my chest as frustration overwhelmed me. Anger burned hot and sharp, directed entirely at myself.
I was useless.
I hated this feeling more than anything.
"Arrghhh!" I screamed.
"Can't the future be changed?"
"Am I doomed to go through that agony again? To let him die again?"
My strength gave out, I collapsed to the ground and slammed my fist against the ice wall in front of me.
Then I froze.
Something was on the other side.
My breath caught as I pressed my hand against the ice, peering through the crystal surface.
Wait.
Wasn't that…
My heart stopped.
There, beyond the frozen wall, I saw him.
It was Ezekiel!!