The cold hit first. Water rushed into my lungs as the river dragged me deeper. My body screamed for air, but my mind welcomed the darkness creeping in from the edges. This was my choice. My escape.
Fragments of memories flashed behind my eyes—Violet's laughter as we skipped stones across this very river, her tiny hand in mine, the light fading from her eyes as she took her final breath alone.
The current pulled me, tumbling my body against rocks. I felt no pain, only a strange detachment as my consciousness began to slip away. My fingers still clutched Violet's pendant, my final anchor to a world I was leaving behind.
*I'm coming, baby. Just wait for me.*
My lungs burned, desperate for air, but I refused to fight. The water pressed against me from all sides, a cold embrace welcoming me to oblivion. As the darkness consumed me, I felt an almost peaceful surrender.
And then there was nothing.
---
**Tristan's POV**
