Clear Rivers stumbled through the wreckage of the abandoned hospital, heart racing. Another premonition had brought her here—another deadly accident narrowly avoided—but the feeling she couldn’t shake this time was different. The air shimmered strangely, and the shadows didn’t behave normally.

A flicker of movement caught her eye. Two figures stepped out from the ruins, their presence confident, almost otherworldly.

“Clear Rivers,” one of them said, voice calm but firm. “We’ve been expecting you.”

She froze. “Who… who are you?”

The taller figure stepped closer—you, with eyes that seemed to hold the weight of countless lives survived. “Name’s [Your Name],” you said. “And this is Iris Campbell. We’ve been through what you’re going through. And survived.”

Clear’s breath caught. “Survived… what? How? You can’t just—Death doesn’t…”

Iris smiled faintly, exhaustion and relief mingling in her expression. “It does, Clear. And sometimes people cheat it. But only if they understand the rules. Only if they know how to fight.”

You stepped forward, studying her carefully. “We’ve been pulled from timelines where we shouldn’t have lived. Every decision, every accident, we’ve seen Death’s patterns—and we’ve lived to warn others. Just like you’re trying to do now.”

Clear’s eyes widened. “Other timelines?”

“Yes,” you said, voice soft but intense. “In some, I didn’t survive. In others, I cheated Death—but not without consequences. That’s why we’re here now. You’re caught in a loop, Clear. And you need guidance if you want to break it.”

She swallowed hard. “I’ve seen so many die… people I care about. I… I can’t keep doing this alone.”

Iris stepped closer, placing a hand on Clear’s shoulder. “You’re not alone. That’s why we’re here. We can teach you. But you need to trust us—and trust yourself.”

You reached out, offering your hand. “There’s a pattern to Death. It’s never random. Once you see it, you can manipulate it. But only if you act decisively—and sometimes, sacrificially.”

Clear hesitated, glancing between you and Iris. “Sacrifices… I’ve already lost so much. I don’t know if I can do more.”

You shook your head gently. “It’s not about losing, Clear. It’s about surviving smart. About knowing what you can prevent and when to step aside. We’re here to help you learn that. You’re stronger than you realize.”

For a long moment, she just stared at both of you, trying to absorb everything—the knowledge, the presence, the hope. Finally, she nodded, determination flickering in her eyes.

“Okay,” she whispered. “Teach me. I… I’m ready.”

You exchanged a look with Iris, silently acknowledging the weight of the task. “Good,” you said. “Because Death isn’t waiting. And neither can we.”