Novel & Cerita Ten Minutes Till Dawn

** A New Beginning** The dim light of dawn began creeping over the horizon as the group hurriedly packed their things, the urgency in their movements palpable. There was no time to rest—not when Derrick’s forces were already regrouping. The quiet peace of the forest surrounding the cabin felt like a fragile bubble, one that could pop at any moment. Lillian’s heart raced as she folded the few clothes she had into her bag, her mind spinning with thoughts of what was coming.

After twilight comes dawn. After dawn comes dusk, then twilight. Cycle repeats.. Some humans try to live through the day, while some just try to survive it. But alex won't have none of that. He would always live in the moment till he breathes his last breathe. Some may say he was reckless and lacks proper ambition but no shit, he did. But did he give a fuck? Hell no!

A cheering applause was made; it was said that I was beautiful by the men, which made me feel high of myself sometimes. The disco lights popped on, and dazzling music started. Everyone cheered. In my silk gown, hair perfectly styled, and makeup flawless, I twisted my body around the pole, giving the crowd my most enchanting look. Biting my lips seductively, I lifted my weight like a gymnast, twisting around the pole, my fingers trailing my curves straight to my chest. The men's eyes were all over me, filled with lust. My gaze suddenly locked with someone in the crowd ,a man with intense blue eyes. His aura made me feel both uneasy and intrigued.

On it, someone had written with a childish scrawl: "Reconciliation Ticket." "You promised me, Shana, that no matter what I did wrong, you'd give me a chance when I showed this to you," he begged. "We've been by each other's side for 15 years, in love for eight years. Is everything so worthless to you that you can forget about it so easily?"

GRACE’S POV By the time we stepped out, the night had already settled into its usual rhythm. There was something about weekends that made the world feel louder and wilder, especially the nights. It was like everyone had been holding their breath all week, enduring and finally decided to exhale at once, letting go of all the pressure of the week. Music spilled from open doors, laughter echoed down the street, cars zoomed back and forth. It was just as beautiful as it was chaotic.

"You're up early. Did the cough keep you awake?" "No," Evelyn said, her voice thin but clear. She didn't look at the mug. "The house was just too quiet. When it's this quiet, every tick of the hallway clock sounds like someone tapping on the door." Arthur sat down on the matching wicker chair opposite her. He looked tired. The dark circles under his eyes had deepened over the last forty-eight hours, and he hadn't shaved. "Julian’s deadline is in four hours. The courier leaves his office at eleven-thirty."

A large mirror appeared in front of me. I was pinned in a hidden corner behind it. The sounds started quickly. Two figures tumbled onto the bed. Serena tore open Ethan's white shirt. "Come on, let me see if you still have those abs. I've been dying for this." Ethan glanced at me through the mirror, then turned back to Serena. "You know I'm not Caleb. You never give me much time. Two days from now you won't be mine anymore. So tonight, can we pretend this is our wedding night?"

And everyone I loved. The darkness swallowed me. And somewhere ahead, X was waiting. With twelve hours left until dawn. Twelve hours until the truth emerged. Twelve hours until everything ended. One way or another.

Ninth day, 23:30: “Beep, hello 001. It is now 23:50, the counting system will close in nine minutes, please complete the count from 1 to 120 if you want to continue” Still out of time, as usual. I didn't think much, immediately counted to 120. Day ten, 21:05: Beep. 1.2..3..120. Eleventh day, 00:00, what's up, the day is over, why haven't exited yet? The eleventh day, 12:00, it's already been half a day, why in the end? Beep. What's the matter, why haven't I exited yet?

"Seven tomorrow morning." Dom looked at the clock. 4:17 PM. "Fourteen hours and forty-three minutes," he said. "Yes." He was quiet for a moment — running it, the same calculation she'd watched him run all day, the board he never stopped turning. Then he looked at Ash. "Move the drop window. I want everything staged and ready by eleven. We release at midnight." "That's six hours to finalize the package," Ash said. "Then we work fast," Dom said.