The hallway beyond the door was colder. Silent.
It led them into a wide chamber lit only by flickering ceiling bulbs. At the center stood a curved metal table. Six colored wires lay across it—Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, White, and Black—each one ending in a handle.
The air was heavy with something unseen, like electricity waiting to be born.
A voice—mechanical, old, female—echoed from hidden speakers:
> "Ten were chosen. Only the bold remain.
You must each pick one wire.
Two wires will end your journey.
Four will test your fear.
Four will let you pass.
Choose wisely.
You have one minute. Oldest first. Youngest last. No speaking."
Everyone froze.
🔟 The Ten Players
As Lina's eyes adjusted to the dim light, she began to take in the others:
1. Old Woman in Blue (Sameena) – 70s, pale skin, sharp cheekbones, veil draped like shadow. She held a cane but moved without needing it.
2. Iqbal – Mid-40s, stocky, oil-stained work uniform. His fists clenched constantly.
3. Saira – Late 30s, lipstick smudged, high heels removed. A former office worker, perhaps.
4. Neha – 22, tattoo on her neck, biker jacket, and alert eyes. She kept glancing toward the exit.
5. Zayan – 18, tough and restless, loose hoodie, scratched knuckles. Looked like he'd been in fights before.
6. Lina – 17, steady gaze, school shoes still dusty from her walk. She stood quiet, but ready.
7. Rami – 16, hoodie drawn up, eyes wide like he hadn't slept in days.
8. Areeba – 16, soft features, hijab slightly off-center, her hand still clutched the invitation.
9. Haider – 15, skinny, oversized clothes, looked like he wanted to disappear.
10. Boy in Red (Tariq) – 14, wiry, hair shaved close, eyes that didn't blink enough.
No one seemed to know anyone else. No greetings. No whispers. Just shared dread.
---
The voice returned:
> "Sameena. Choose."
The old woman stepped forward, not looking at anyone. Her eyes passed slowly over the six wires. She selected Green, hand trembling, and pulled it.
Nothing happened.
A green light blinked above her.
Safe.
Next came Iqbal. He didn't hesitate. He grabbed Black.
The light flickered—then pulsed red.
He gasped. Electricity surged through the wire and into his body. He dropped to the ground, twitching, then went still.
One down.
Saira screamed—but the voice barked again:
> "Silence. Saira. Choose."
She stepped forward, barely able to walk. She touched the Yellow wire.
A moment's pause… then white light.
Safe.
Neha was next. She pulled Red.
Nothing. Safe.
Zayan hesitated. He looked at every wire left. Then picked White.
Red flash.
He shouted as the current hit him. He staggered, fell, and didn't get back up.
Two down.
Lina's stomach twisted.
---
The voice continued.
One by one, the remaining players stepped forward:
Lina chose Blue.
A light blinked. Safe. She could breathe.
Rami chose Green.
Already used. A buzzer rang.
The voice called out:
> "Wrong choice. But spared—for now."
The floor beneath him opened slightly—but closed again.
Areeba chose White.
Red warning light.
But no shock.
Just the voice:
> "This one is spent. You live."
Haider picked Blue—same as Lina.
Safe.
Tariq was last. Only Red and Black remained.
He hesitated long. Too long.
> "Ten seconds."
He grabbed Red.
Nothing. Safe.
---
The voice spoke one last time:
> "Two have fallen. Eight remain.
The game continues.
The wires remember."
A low rumble shook the floor. A door opened at the far side of the room—revealing a staircase descending into shadows.
> "Next trial begins below. Bring your fear."
No one spoke.
They simply followed.
Lina stepped last.
And behind her, the door shut again—just as a new light blinked red overhead.