The Lottery of Fate
“I’m sorry…”
Adrian’s voice was raw, scraped thin, his eyes blood‑shot.
“Irene, please… I’m begging you. Give me one more chance.”
His words tumbled out fast, frantic.
“If you want to punish me, fine. Do it. You can even let fate decide—draw lots, flip a coin, take my life for yours. I’ll take whatever you give me.”
I froze. Before I could speak, Julian stepped in front of me, his voice like ice: