Page 78 of Knot Your Fated M.U.S.E.

Good.

Let them search for escape while Riot keeps the monster occupied.

Let them live while we dance our fatal waltz.

I’m the monster brewing in these watery depths, and the clock is ticking down.

Tick Toc…

The shadows fall silent as the last of my control fades, their mournful song replaced by the rapid beating of my heart. They know what comes next — have seen it play out countless times in countless trials.

But never with someone I cared about.

Never with a friend.

Riot's eyes never leave mine as the change takes hold.

Even underwater, I can read her expression perfectly:

Do what you have to do.

Just give them time to escape.

Make it count.

The monster that lives in my skin - the one born of pain and survival - stirs fully awake. It recognizes Riot as prey, as a threat to be eliminated, just as she intended.

One last act of protection.

One final sacrifice.

I want to fight it, want to maintain control, want to find another way. But this is what they made me for — what six years of torture and experimentation created.

A weapon that can't be stopped once activated.

A monster that can't be controlled once freed.

A perfect M.U.S.E.

The last thing I see through my own eyes is Riot's face — fierce and determined even in what she knows might be her final moments. No fear, no regret, just absolute conviction that her choice is right.

Then everything goes dark as the other part of me takes control.

The part that's survived every trial.

The side that's never known defeat.

The entity that kills without mercy or hesitation.

I'm so sorry, Riot.

The darkness claims me completely, and the monster wakes to hunt.

My last conscious thought is a prayer — not for myself, but for the others:

Let them find escape while Riot keeps the beast occupied.

Allow them to live while we embrace the darkness.

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