Chapter 9: Opening
I stirred from my thoughts as a knock resounded through the room, pulling me from the realm of contemplation and back into the present. With a determined effort, I pushed myself to my feet and moved towards the door, my curiosity piqued by the unexpected visitor.
My mind is drifting towards the master. Beckette's actions always managed to intrigue me; he was a master of surprises, navigating a landscape of unpredictability that often left me pondering the depths of his intentions.
As the door swung open, revealing Ezra on the other side, I greeted him with a questioning glance. His words cut through the air like a whisper of intrigue, instructing me to join them in the living room in five minutes. A wave of anticipation washed over me, and I nodded in acknowledgment. An interesting evening indeed, I mused, wondering what new twists awaited us.
I swiftly changed into comfortable attire, a testament to the swift passage of time since the dance. In those moments of solitude, I allowed my thoughts to drift back to the enchanting moment, the dance that had transported us to a realm of magic and wonder. It was a secret I held close, a memory I cherished, and I was determined to keep it hidden for now.
Stepping into the living room, I couldn't help but be taken aback by its grandeur. The flickering flames of the fireplace cast a warm glow across the room, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and intimacy. My teammates were seated before the fire, their faces illuminated by its gentle light. Without hesitation, I settled between Demea and Ezra, a strategic choice to avoid the prying questions I suspected might come from Eli and Kyson.
Puzzlement danced in the eyes of Eli and Kyson, but I met their gazes with a subtle smile, hoping to convey that all was well. We formed a circle, the atmosphere tinged with an air of anticipation. The guys brought me up to speed – today's agenda was an open book: a game of truth or dare.
"Let's start with the question, why are you so hot, Eli?" Atifa purred, her tone laced with desire as she sensually bit her lower lip. An unamused expression settled onto Eli's face, and I had to stifle a chuckle at his response.
"Can we please stay focused, Atifa?" Kyson chimed in, his face contorted with a mixture of annoyance and disgust. Atifa seemed to revel in the opportunity, a mischievous grin playing on her lips.
"Aw, is my baby Ky jealous?" she cooed in a baby voice, causing Kyson to roll his eyes in mock exasperation.
"Alright, let's just get started," I interjected, giving the bottle a spin. It landed on Kyson, and Atifa eagerly jumped in with a question.
"Who do you think is the prettiest here?" she inquired, prompting collective eye rolls from the rest of us.
"Really? That's your question? You didn't even ask me truth or dare" Kyson retorted, his skepticism mirrored in the expressions of everyone else.
"Fine, fine. Truth or dare? Oh truth? What was your life like before, you know, this game?" Atifa proposed, this time receiving approving nods from the group but some chuckled at the face of Kyson as he rolled his eyes. I could sense Kyson's tension – there was an intensity in his demeanor, a telltale sign of someone uncomfortable. He cleared his throat, regaining his composure.
"Probably on vacation in Hawaii or something. Look at his attire," Ezra yawned, rolling his eyes. Kyson chuckled in response, playing along with the light-hearted banter.
"Yeah, I was basking in the Hawaiian sun, sipping wine with a bevy of admirers around me," Kyson quipped, flashing a playful glance in my direction. The group fell into a momentary silence, the exchange lingering in the air like an unspoken secret. Yvette finally broke the quietude by giving the bottle a spin, shifting our attention to the next revelation awaiting us.
The evening continued to unfold with a mixture of laughter, camaraderie, and a surprising vulnerability. The weight of the case that had been pressing on me earlier seemed to lift, if only temporarily. As each spin of the bottle brought us closer together, revealing hidden facets of ourselves, I couldn't ignore the subtle undertone – a sense of closure, a deeper understanding that seemed to blossom alongside the lightheartedness of the game.
As the final round of the game drew to a close, we rose from our spots, bidding each other goodnight. Amidst the dispersing group, Yvette approached me with a request to talk. I led her to my room, where she settled beside me on the bed.
"The first game, I need to tell you the truth," she began, her gaze steady on mine. I nodded, encouraging her to continue.
"Back when Atifa and I were alone during the master's conversation, I followed her to the bathroom. I never intended for it to go this far, but I hit her on the head. I just wanted some payback for a prank she played on me before you arrived. She had even flirted with Ezra—" Her words hung in the air, a moment of vulnerability exposing more than just a simple confession.
"Do you have feelings for him?" I asked gently, the surprise evident in my tone. Yvette nodded, her voice quivering as she fought back tears.
"I felt alone, always the popular, genius, and beloved girl that everyone admired. I held the power over people's lives by having their trust, and I cherished that influence. But when you entered the picture, something shifted. I began to look up to you, and you changed me," she revealed, her emotions pouring out as I offered a comforting hand on her back. She continued to share her inner thoughts until her exhaustion was palpable.
With a sense of gratitude and relief, Yvette thanked me and retreated to her own room, leaving me to contemplate the depth of our conversation. I closed the door behind her, the soft click resonating in the room. The cool breeze seeping in through the open window brushed against my skin, a reminder of the world outside that had become distant and obscured. I couldn't recall the last time I had seen the sun, a realization that seemed to explain the pallor that had settled over Beckette, lending her an almost ghostly appearance.
I directed my gaze beyond the window, my eyes fixed on the night sky that stretched above like a vast canvas. But there were no stars, just an expanse of darkness that seemed to mirror the uncertainties that enveloped us. A heavy sigh escaped my lips, and I allowed my thoughts to wander, contemplating the resilience of the village below that managed to shine amidst the unforgiving night.
With a resigned exhale, I turned away from the window and made my way to my bed. I laid down, my gaze now fixed on the ceiling as I traced back the events that had unfolded since our arrival. Game after game, each one bringing unexpected twists and revelations. The pace was dizzying, and I found myself questioning which game we were currently embroiled in – was it the second or the third? It was evident to how quickly the days had blurred into one another.
As fatigue washed over me, I found myself slipping into a deep slumber, my mind finally granted a momentary respite from the relentless challenges we faced. The darkness of sleep enveloped me, cradling me in its embrace and offering a brief sanctuary from the enigmatic game.
The next morning arrived with a soft knock on my door, gently ushering in the start of a new day. The maid's voice resonated in my room, informing me that breakfast was ready. As I yawned and stretched, the prospect of a refreshing bath beckoned, luring me away from the embrace of my bed. The cascading water washed away the remnants of the previous night's rest, rejuvenating my senses and preparing me for the day ahead. Wrapped in a towel, I stepped out of the shower, my attention caught by a letter that had slipped beneath the door.
Curiosity piqued, I picked up the letter and opened it, revealing a message from Beckette:
'Hi darling, wear something comfortable for the day, you need it. Best of luck ,Cinderella."
A mixture of amusement and exasperation welled up within me. Beckette's cryptic messages and mischievous antics had become a trademark of sorts, always managing to surprise me in unexpected ways. With a resigned sigh, I selected a comfortable outfit for the day – cargo pants, a black crop top, sneakers – and fashioned my hair into a messy sock bun. A light touch of makeup completed the look, and I left my room to join the team for breakfast.
The meal was surprisingly pleasant, lacking the awkwardness that sometimes lingered between us. Demea's newfound closeness with the princess was a surprise, their closure was evident as they engaged in their own private conversations. My own interaction with Atifa revealed a different side of her, one that extended beyond the walls she had erected. She was cool and kind-hearted beneath the veneer of her tough exterior. Observing Kyson and Eli setting aside their differences to engage in genuine conversation was a heartening sight, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment as we all connected in a way that transcended our roles in the game.
Despite the talks, a subtle undercurrent of anxiety tugged at the edges of my thoughts. This newfound ease and enjoyment seemed almost too perfect, a respite that was uncharacteristic of the challenges we had faced thus far. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to come, a lingering unease that whispered of impending revelations.
Soon enough, the king summoned us to the throne room, his presence commanding our attention. As we gathered before him, he began to speak, his voice carrying a weight of anticipation.
"Game 3-"