*Runze's POV*
My breath catches.
For several long seconds, the words on the screen refuse to make sense.
*Wuchen Ming Found Dead In Prison Cell. Authorities Rule Death a Suicide.*
I read the headline once. Then again. Then a third time, my eyes tracing the dark, bold letters until they blur. I blink hard, forcing the text to sharpen, but the words do not change.
"...Dead?"
The word leaves my mouth before I even realize I have spoken. It sounds tiny, almost lost in the vast quiet of the sitting room.
Bael doesn't answer. He simply watches me, his hand remaining steady on my waist, keeping me grounded against him.
With an unsteady thumb, I scroll down the page, my eyes scanning the brief paragraphs.
**Was It Really Suicide? Questions Off the Record.**
**Authorities confirm inmate Wuchen Ming was discovered unresponsive shortly before midnight. Medical staff attempted resuscitation, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.**
Shortly before midnight.
