This wasn't the first time Jake had faced death like this. But every time, his parents would inevitably pull him out of it.
Unfortunately, this time, they were facing an enemy that was far too strong… an enemy that could treat the puzzles they risked their lives against like it was nothing more than a joke.
There was no one who could save him but himself.
The thought was odd to him. Despite how often he threw himself into danger, this was the first time he had experienced this thought. His parents had always been there to catch him, always there to care for him, always there to wipe sweat from his brow and give him a pinch on the cheek.
Tears pooled in Jake's eyes.