The appearance of a portal inside a lake raised numerous questions. If it had manifested due to a prolonged dream, it would have disappeared by now. But the fact that it was still there hinted at something far more problematic.
Xander pulled out his Chronica and held it at eye level. Just as expected, the hands of the watch stopped momentarily, and then after a while, the second hand started moving again, much faster than before.
"It's a Death Dream. Someone must have died nearby," Xander reflected, shoving his pocket watch back inside his jacket.
The Water Nymph looked squarely at Xander and spoke in a breaking voice. "I have never killed a human. I just found this portal and crossed over to this world."
"I'm not accusing you," Xander replied, scanning the lake. "The portal would have opened after their death. You're completely blameless as far as I'm concerned."
