That night, we returned to Blackwell, fueled by anger and a desire for revenge against Nathan. Chloe was especially fired up, saying, "I hope Nathan enjoys his last party," her voice dripping with rage.

I suggested we could go to the police since we had evidence, but Chloe shot that down, insisting we handle it ourselves. "I'm going to break his neck with my bare hands when I see him again. You're with us, right Max?" I asked, glancing at her.

Max reassured us, saying, "I'm with you guys to the end. You know I love you," which helped me feel a bit calmer. I replied, "Love you too, Max. Now, let's go get this fucker," as we climbed out of the truck together.

As we approached the party entrance, we overheard two drunk people talking about two full moons in the sky. I looked up and saw them—two moons shining brightly. It felt like the world was really coming to an end.

X*

(Max's POV)

Chloe and Aiden moved ahead of me, and soon I lost sight of them. I made my way to the entrance, but Warren blocked my path. He was obviously drunk, holding a cup in his hand.

"Welcome to the end of the world! I'm glad you decided to escort me," Warren slurred. "Hey, Warren. Are you alright?" I asked, hoping to help. "Much better," he replied, still slurring.

I wanted to change the subject, so I asked, "Did you see Aiden pass by?" "Him? Why do you care?" he snapped back, clearly annoyed.

"I gotta talk to him," I answered him. "So are you two a thing now? I don't see you anymore because of him," he said, sounding jealous. "It's complicated, okay?" I told him. "Yeah, sure," he said with an eye roll.

"Have you been drinking?" I asked him. "Well, if you consider half a beer drinking. I know this is a bad time, but can I get a picture? If this is really the end of the world, then I want to have something for prosperity," he said, taking my camera and he held it up in front of us, snapping a picture of us.

I stepped into the party, the loud music hitting me right away. I asked Stella at the entrance if she had seen Aiden and Chloe. She mentioned, "If you find them, tell Aiden he's the hottest guy in Blackwell."

I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy over her comment, even if it was true. I scanned the room, warning anyone I could about Nathan, even Victoria, but she brushed me off. What did I expect?

Mr. Jefferson had just announced her as the Everyday Heroes contest winner, which was no shocker considering her blackmail tactics. Turning around, I spotted Aiden and Chloe coming out of another door and rushed over.

"Did you find anything? Nathan isn't here," I said. Aiden asked if I warned Victoria, and I replied that she didn't believe me. "No surprise there. Let's get the hell out of here," he said.

X

(Aiden's POV)

We headed out of the school towards the dorms, but my phone buzzed just as we left, making my heart sink.

"Oh fuck Nathan just texted me. He says there's not going to be anything left after he's done," I said, panicking. "Shit, we have to go to the junkyard right now!" Max shouted, and we all sprinted to my truck, speeding off towards the junkyard again.

X*

We rushed to the junkyard as fast as we could, using our phones to light the way. My heart raced as we ventured deeper, worried Nathan might jump out at us.

Max and I were hesitant to use our rewind powers unless absolutely necessary. Finally, we reached the place where Rachel was buried. "Oh god, guys look. She's still here," Chloe said, sighing in relief. "Don't look, you guys…" Max said, backing up a bit.

I stood up, feeling that familiar wave of nausea. Suddenly, a sharp pain hit my neck, and I felt dizzy and heavy, unable to stay upright. I heard Max's voice faintly as she tried to rewind, but I was too disoriented to do the same.

"Chloe, watch out!" I managed to say, my chest tightening. Chloe pulled out her gun, but before I could react, I saw her get shot in the head. It felt like time slowed down as she fell.

"Chloe, no…" I groaned, feeling sick as I realized she was gone.

My vision blurred, and just before I lost consciousness, I saw Mark Jefferson's face looming over me and Max. It turned out Nathan wasn't the threat after all.