Aarav made a decision.
Not to die.
Not to sacrifice himself.
But to refuse the role.
"I won't carry what isn't mine."
The words echoed like a crack through stone.
The shadows around the well began falling.
Returning.
Rushing upward like smoke finding its owners.
The faceless boy flickered violently.
"You're breaking the balance!"
"No," Aarav said quietly.
"I'm ending the illusion."
The well split with a sound like glass shattering.
Darkness surged upward.
Then silence.