The word hangs in the air.
Seventh.
Aria steps back.
Slow.
Like the floor suddenly feels unsafe.
"…seven?"
No one answers.
The clocks tick louder.
Aria looks at Kael.
Her voice smaller now.
"So I'm just… another attempt?"
Kael shakes his head immediately.
"No."
Aria laughs.
But it sounds broken.
"That's exactly what it sounds like."
Jonas mutters.
"Yeah this story just got messy."
Lena stays quiet.
Watching.
Aria's eyes burn.
"How many times did I die?"
Kael finally speaks.
"…six."
The number hits harder than a punch.
Aria whispers.
"Six times."
Her chest tightens.
"You watched me die six times."
Kael's voice cracks.
"I tried to stop it."
"You didn't tell me."
"I was afraid."
"Afraid of what?"
His eyes finally meet hers.
"Of losing you again."
Silence.
Heavy.
The creature watches them.
Its voice calm.
"Emotion causes instability."
Jonas throws his hands up.
"Oh great now the clock monster is a therapist."
The creature continues.
"You must return to the natural order."
Aria wipes her eyes.
"No."
The creature tilts its head.
"You refuse?"
Aria steps beside Kael.
"Yes."
Her voice steadier now.
"I'm tired of dying for rules I didn't make."
The creature studies her.
Long.
Then whispers.
"Interesting."
Kael looks at her.
"…Aria."
She squeezes his hand.
"Seven times."
She breathes slowly.
"Let's make the eighth one different."