Chapter 2

I woke up in the hospital and confirmed with the system that, if I died here, I could finally go home. Once I had my answer, I made my way toward the window.

My room was on a high floor, high enough to make the jump fatal.

I opened the window and threw myself forward.

As the wind roared past my ears, stinging against my skin, I felt no fear – only an intense, bittersweet relief. Just a little further, and I’d be back home, back to a place where I was truly loved. I closed my eyes, calm and ready.

But a moment later, the sensation of falling stopped.

My arm was yanked sharply, the force ripping through my muscles, pain radiating from my shoulder into my chest.

I opened my eyes, feeling as if my arm had nearly broken. The one holding me was Ethan Carrington, Adrian’s half-brother.

I looked up at the sweaty, panicked boy and spoke calmly,

“Let go.”

Ethan gritted his teeth and pulled harder, putting every ounce of strength into hoisting me up.

“Seriously? All because my brother didn’t choose you, you’re doing something this stupid? What’s going on in that head of yours?”

With effort, I began prying his fingers off, one by one.

“Ethan, my death would suit you perfectly, so just let go.”