(Val POV) I sat in between Eliara and that guy in the white suit at the meeting table. What was his name again? Carl? Calvin? No, wait, it was Callum. God, I’m terrible with names. Eliara must’ve noticed my hunched shoulders and downward glance because she gently put a hand on my shoulder. I flinched before immediately relaxing. At least I knew I could count on her. Not sure about everyone else. I looked around the table. So many unfamiliar faces surrounded me. But, there was a few that stuck out. Grimm, who sat next to that Madison girl and that handsome guy in the black suit, Wayne. Dread, who was seated in between two guys I didn’t recognize. Loki and Xavier, who sat with a girl I vaguely remember being named Fallon. Wayne cleared his throat. “So, we know Chanel was k1ll3d.” “It was also a st@b. I heard the kn1f3,” Grimm chimed in. Madison fidgeted nervously. “The lights went out before the k1ll, I don’t think it was a coincidence.” Loki nodded. “Agreed, nothing that odd happens before a k1ll unless it was on purpose. I’d know, as a de@th god.” Dread squinted at him suspiciously. “You are a de@th god. So, why shouldn’t we suspect you?” Loki scowled. “Because I’m the doctor. You literally saw me checking Chanel’s b0dy.” People murmured among themselves before Fallon cleared her throat. “It’s quite possible you were pretending to be a doctor, you know.” Everyone fell into an uncomfortable silence. Loki only looked more defensive, his pale face reddening. “And how would you know? You’re not a doctor, Fallon.” I watched him closely. He seemed so nervous, so flustered when he was getting accused. If he was innocent, wouldn’t he try being more calm? My gaze swept over the table. Grimm shifted uncomfortably in his chair. Wayne glanced between Fallon, Dread and Loki, looking like he was weighing his options. Madison stared at her hands. Fallon was watching Loki with a cold stare and a raised eyebrow. Eliara finally spoke tentatively. “I don’t think we have enough evidence to vote him. I think we should skip.” Grimm immediately chimed in. “I agree! Let’s skip the meeting.” Fallon nor Dread objected. Dread looked bored as he leaned back in his chair. “Fine, if you guys insist. But, I’m telling you he’s a liar.” Fallon’s mouth was pressed in a hard line. She glanced away and sighed. As the votes were casted, I watched the numbers tally up. Loki only received 3 votes. Everyone else skipped. The meeting concluded with no one getting voted out, and tensions only being higher. Looks like it’s time for the next night.
