Felicity frowned. "I wanna catch them myself. Take that cheating pair down. But you're right—if one of us gets hurt, it's not worth it. So... we're heading home first?"

She actually listened. I finally exhaled. "Yeah. Let's go home."

On the way back, we hit up a PI to tail them and collect proof.

He took the cash and promised full audio and video.

The second we stepped inside, it felt like a weight lifted.

We were away from that cursed hotel. Nothing could go wrong now... right?

I grabbed two giant coffees on the way back and chugged both. Still wasn't enough.

I remembered something about oxygen helping with fatigue, so I ordered two canisters online.

As soon as they showed up, I took a few hits.

Instant clarity.

Felicity was off to the side, glued to her phone. No ranting about Jake or the side chick this time.

I walked over just as she snapped. "The photos came in. That jerk did all this behind my back. I actually felt bad for him—kept sending him money. Turns out he was using it to fund some other chick!"

I peeked at the screen. Just their backs.

I leaned in. "No face shots?"

Felicity tucked her phone away and wiped her eyes. "PI said the angle sucked while tailing them. But once I figure out who she is, she's done."

I frowned. Something still felt... off.

Time had dragged me back here again. Same night. Same beats.

No logic to it.

But I wasn't freaking out this time. The shock had worn off.

"Can you stop talking about killing people?" I muttered. "You're young. They're not worth it."

"You're right," she said. "But that doesn't mean they're getting off easy."

***

Night hit.

I hadn't slept in nearly two days. My brain was on the edge.

Still didn't dare close my eyes. I had to survive the night.

I pinched my thigh, hard.

Felicity scooted over, eyes lit up. "Lydia! The PI just sent more pics! They went into Room 009! Let's go!"

We'd made it this far—maybe this time, nothing would blow up.

And I needed to see who that girl was.

"Let's go."

I followed her out.

Cold wind hit me like a slap as we jumped into the app-booked ride.

Felicity kept replaying the PI's video, looping it nonstop.

The girl's silhouette... weirdly familiar. I leaned in.

Felicity whispered, "Lydia... that back kinda looks like you."

I stared. Yeah, it kinda did. But with how wild she got last time, I wasn't about to feed that fire.

"You're overthinking it. I'm literally right here. No way I'm in two places at once. We'll see who it is when we get there."

I kept her calm, even called the cops—just in case.

Then the driver froze.

The car jerked violently.

Felicity and I slammed forward, seatbelts yanking us back.

The driver had rear ended someone.

He jumped out, already screaming. The other guy shouted back. Full-blown yelling match. No chance to get a word in.

Felicity huffed, clearly ready to snap. But with both cars blocking the lane, we weren't going anywhere.

"So annoying. I swear, how'd this guy even get a license?" she muttered.

The driver, sharp-eared even mid-fight, spun around and stormed over. "What's that supposed to mean? I can't drive?

"Watch your mouth. If you hadn't booked the budget speed ride, I wouldn't be in this mess.

"You two are partly responsible. You're not leaving till you pay."

Already snapping, Felicity fired back, sleeves up. "You crashed, not us. Don't blame your crappy driving on the passengers."

He slammed the doors and locked us in.

Felicity smacked the window. He just yelled something about waiting for the cops—and coughing up cash before we left.

My head spun again. That same crushing dizziness hit like a wave.

I fumbled for my phone, but my fingers wouldn't cooperate. When I finally got it, Felicity yanked it away. "Lydia, you okay? You look wiped. Just rest. I'll handle it."

I pinched my thigh, stretched out my hand. "Give... it back... my phone..."

She ignored me, slipped it into her pocket like she didn't hear a thing. "Unreal. Locking us in like this. Cops'll deal with her."

Then she lowered my head onto her lap, patting my back. "Don't worry, I got you. You've been through hell. When this is done, I'm—"

Darkness crashed in before I caught the rest.

My body felt pinned, like something was pressing down on me.

I bit the inside of my cheek and forced myself up.

The second I could move, I bolted upright.

Sunlight.

That cold, sick feeling slammed into me.

Jake was beside me. Again.

I shot out of bed and sprinted for the door.

The second I yanked the door open, I ran straight into Felicity's furious face.

Her eyes blew wide—like she was hitting the same line in a script she'd recited for lifetimes.

"Lydia Lloyd! Seriously? You're my best friend, and you sneak around with my boyfriend? No wonder you kept telling me to chill—you're the side piece!"

She didn't even pause. She whipped out the knife and drove it straight for my chest.

In that flash of white hot clarity, everything clicked. And just like always, I dropped into a pool of blood.

When I opened my eyes, I was back in that same hallway. Felicity's voice kicked off its same tired line.

This time, I laughed.