1. Is this how it ends?

"Damn, I am late," I muttered, glancing at my watch with growing panic.

The interview I'd been stressing over for weeks was in ten minutes, and here I was, sprinting down the sidewalk, my breath coming in ragged gasps. 

'Why did it have to be today of all days that my alarm decided to betray me? And, as if that wasn't enough, the bus had to break down just when I needed it most.' I cursed within my mind as my leg was moving at light speed.

As if it was not enough, the sudden sound of the thunder forced me to look at the sky that was all shining a moment ago.

'Why is everything going wrong today?' I looked up at the sky, now darkened by ominous clouds.

I tightened my grip on the comic book that was I holding in my hand, then stopped for a moment to slip it into my backpack. 

This comic, named 'The Protector of the Crown', made me feel like I am not the only oddball.

I'd picked up this gem from an old bookstore at a discount, but who knew the story would be so interesting, and so vivid it almost felt real?

As I continued running, my thoughts drifted back to the only thing keeping me calm these days.

The tragic second male lead, Killian Leon Vernova, had captured my heart. He was a man who sacrificed everything for love, becoming the villain in the eyes of the world to protect the one he cherished. And yet, his reward was a lonely death...

'If only someone had cared for him, someone who truly understood him…'

I knew how he felt. Labeled a heartless monster, yet filled with emotions that couldn't be expressed—Killian was like a mirror of my struggles.

As I rounded the corner, I spotted an elderly woman standing by the road. She looked frail, her back hunched as she clutched a cane, her eyes darting nervously between the passing cars. I slowed down, something tugging at my conscience. I really didn't have time for this, but…

"Excuse me," I called out, jogging over to her. "Do you need help crossing the road?"

She looked up at me, her eyes clouded yet somehow piercing. "Would you? These old legs aren't what they used to be."

"Of course," I replied, offering her my arm. She took it, her grip unexpectedly firm. Together, we began to cross the street.

"You're a kind girl," she murmured as we reached the other side. Then, her voice dropped to a whisper, "But, little one, you don't belong here."

I blinked, confusion flickering through me. "I'm sorry, what?"

"You're out of place," she continued, her tone suddenly heavy with an eerie authority. "The clock is ticking. This time, you must do it right."

A cold shiver ran down my spine, but I forced a smile. "I think you've got the wrong person."

Before I could step away, her hand shot out and gripped my wrist. Her cloudy eyes seemed to clear, focusing on me with an intensity that left me breathless.

"I see it," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the hum of the city. "The Shadow of Death walks with you, child. But you—yes, you—are entwined with both light and darkness. You must protect the one forsaken by destiny—the bearer of the twin flames, for only together can you shatter the chains of fate."

A deep unease settled in my gut. "What… what are you saying?" My voice wavered despite my efforts to stay calm.

"You will understand soon enough," she said cryptically. "Beware those who wear false smiles, and trust the bond that transcends time. Remember, the clock is ticking."

My mind spun, struggling to make sense of her words. Is it an oracle? Shadow of death? The bearer of the twin flames? None of it made any sense, yet… there was a part of me that felt an inexplicable connection to her words…that I can't pinpoint right now.

Before I could ask more, the woman released my wrist and turned away, vanishing into the crowd as if she had never been there. I stood frozen, her words echoing in my mind. But I couldn't afford to waste time to think—not now. The only thing that makes sense for now is my clock is ticking faster.

I took off again, my legs pumping furiously as I was scolding myself for the delay. The office was only a few blocks away. If I hurried, I might still—

"Move away…" A panicked unknown voice sounded from back.

Before, I could figure it out, a bolt of pain struck like lightning unexpectedly, exploding in my skull. I stumbled, my vision blurring as something warm and sticky trickled down my forehead. I barely looked at the red droplets flowing like a waterfall before my legs gave out from under me.

'What… what's happening?'

The world twisted and darkened, the last sensation I felt was the cold, hard concrete. Everything faded to darkness, and my final thought was a fleeting whisper in the void:

'Is this how it ends?'