Bound By Sin

"Someone Is Dead."

Nicholas pushed through the heavy oak doors, the laughter and music of the party fading behind him. He paused for a moment, catching his breath, then shouted, "Someone is dead!"

The lively chatter ceased abruptly. All eyes turned to him, confusion and disbelief etched across their faces.

"What are you talking about?" Genevieve asked, her voice trembling. She clutched her drink, her hand shaking visibly.

"I'm serious!" Nicholas insisted, urgency creeping into his tone. "I just... I saw her."

"Who? Who's dead?" Isabella pressed, worry flooding her features.

"It's Melissa," Nicholas said, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I saw her in the hallway. She... she's not moving."

Gasps rippled through the small group. The excitement that had filled the air moments before was replaced by a palpable tension.

"No way," Genevieve said, shaking her head in disbelief. "She was just here... We were all dancing!"

Nicholas swallowed hard, struggling to maintain his composure. "I know. But she's in the guest room. You have to believe me."

Ashton stepped forward, a frown creasing his forehead. "Show us, Nick. Now."

Nicholas nodded, turning toward the hallway, feeling the weight of their concern pressing down on him. He led them through the house, the vibrant energy of the party giving way to a heavy silence. The music faded into the background, replaced by the sound of their hurried footsteps.

They reached the guest room, and Nicholas hesitated before pushing the door open. "In there," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

As they entered, the sight that met them was chilling. Melissa lay sprawled on the floor, her dark hair spread around her, her body unnaturally still. Genevieve gasped, covering her mouth with her hands, her eyes brimming with tears. "No... no, this can't be happening..."

"Is she...?" Theodore's voice trailed off, his face pale as he took a step back.

Nicholas moved closer, his heart pounding. He crouched down to check for any signs of life, but the reality hit him hard. "She's... she's gone."

Panic erupted in the room. "What do we do?" Isabella shouted, looking around frantically. "Call 911!"

"Everyone, please!" Nicholas urged, trying to keep his own voice steady amidst the chaos. "We need to stay calm. The police will be here soon. Just... try to breathe."

Before they could respond, the sound of sirens pierced the night air, growing louder as they approached. Detective Blackwood and Detective Caldwell arrived moments later, their presence commanding immediate attention.

"Everyone stay back," Blackwood instructed, stepping into the room with an air of authority. Caldwell began speaking to the remaining teens, her voice soothing yet firm. "We need to get your statements. Just take a deep breath."

Genevieve clung to Isabella, both of them trembling. "We were just partying," Genevieve managed, her voice shaky. "We didn't see anything... We didn't know..."

"Just what?" Blackwood pressed, his sharp gaze sweeping over them. "Just having fun? And now someone's dead? We need to know everything."

The group exchanged fearful glances, the gravity of the situation sinking in. Nicholas stood back, feeling a knot forming in his stomach.

"Okay, everyone," Caldwell said gently, addressing the group. "You're going to need to head home for the night. It's not safe for you here anymore."

"But we can't just leave her!" Isabella protested, her voice breaking.

"We'll take care of this," Blackwood assured her. "You all did the right thing by calling us. Just go home and stay safe."

As the friends filed out of the room, the weight of the night pressed heavily on their shoulders. Nicholas and Theo lingered for a moment, watching as the detectives began their investigation, feeling the reality of the evening settle in. The vibrant party they had enjoyed was now a distant memory, replaced by a tragedy none of them would ever forget.