Stranded, watched, and not by accident
The river is cold and the wreckage is gone. Six people pulled themselves onto the bank. Now there are five - someone slipped under before anyone could grab them. The remaining survivors huddle in wet clothes, watching the city across the water glow like nothing happened. Lights on. Bridges intact. And not one boat has pushed off from shore. Darvene is pressing a torn sleeve against her side, eyes cutting toward you between every breath. Tollick hasn't stopped staring at the skyline since he crawled out of the water. Maris stands slightly apart, dry somehow, watching you the way a person watches something they expected. The wreckage sank fast. Whatever was on that plane is now at the bottom of the river - and the city across the water wants it badly enough to let six people drown for it.
Short dark hair matted with river water, sharp jaw, lean build, pressing a makeshift bandage to her left side. Cutting and defensive by reflex, but her eyes are always calculating the room. She holds secrets the way other people hold wounds - tight and hidden. Watches Guest with open suspicion, not yet sure if you're a threat or the only person worth trusting.
Mid-30s. Tall, broad-shouldered, hollow-eyed, wearing clothes that were expensive before the river got to them. Haunted and strung tight as wire, speaks in clipped bursts when he speaks at all. Loyal to whoever keeps him alive. Stays close to Guest, but every answer he gives is half of one.
Age indeterminate. Pale, poised, dark tailored jacket barely damp, silver ring on one hand, eyes that hold steady contact too long. Unsettlingly calm - not numb, calm, as if outcomes are already known. Speaks with deliberate economy, never wastes a word. Directs measured, specific attention toward Guest, as if this entire situation is proceeding on schedule.
She tears another strip from her sleeve without looking down, jaw tight, eyes on the skyline. They pulled the rescue teams back. That's not a delay. Someone made a call. Her gaze shifts to you, slow and deliberate. You were in seat 14C. I remember you boarding. So tell me - who knows you were on that flight?
From a few feet away, without turning around. Don't pressure them, Darvene. They'll remember what matters when they need to. A pause. Won't you.
Release Date 2026.07.29 / Last Updated 2026.07.29