Morning comes too fast.
Sunlight fills the living room, but no one's in a weekend mood.
Phones buzz almost at the same time.
Kaida's lights up.
ROUND FOUR
MODE: DARE
Everyone groans.
Summer squints at the screen.
"Please don't let this be…"
The message changes.
SUMMER
DARE:
Choose the boy your body wants most.
You have five minutes alone.
What happens….or doesn't….stays in the room.
Silence.
Saphira lets out a short, disbelieving laugh.
"You've got to be kidding me."
Lyrelle folds her arms, disappointed.
Kaida doesn't look at Summer at all.
Summer's voice comes out small.
"I didn't ask for this."
Jason swallows.
"So I don't get a say?"
SELECTION REQUIRED.
Summer hesitates… then whispers a name.
Jason.
Saphira's face falls instantly.
"Wow," she mutters.
Jason looks torn, glancing at Saphira.
"I swear, I don't want to…."
The phone vibrates sharply.
TIME RUNNING.
Zyren mutters under his breath,
"This game is sick."
Ryan exhales slowly.
"Just… get it over with."
Jason and Summer walk toward the room together.
The door closes.
And that's it.
No sound.
No screaming.
No proof.
Just silence.
Minutes pass like hours.
Saphira stares at the door, her chest tight.
In her head, the worst plays on repeat.
Finally, the door opens.
Summer steps out first, face pale.
Jason follows, jaw clenched.
No one asks what happened.
Because the rule is clear.
What happens….or doesn't….stays in the room.
The phone buzzes one last time.
DARE COMPLETE.
The boys grab their bags almost immediately.
Ryan clears his throat.
"We… uh, we have practice."
Zyren nods.
"Yeah. We'll check in later."
Prince pulls Lyrelle close and kisses her gently.
"We'll talk, okay?"
Thorian squeezes Kaida's hand.
"Text me."
Jake pauses in front of Kyra, presses a soft kiss to her forehead.
"You good?"
She nods, barely.
Jason hesitates in front of Saphira.
"Saph, I need to explain…"
She stands up fast.
"Don't."
Her voice cracks.
"Just… get out. Please."
Jason freezes.
"Please," she repeats.
He backs away.
The door slams shut in his face.
The room feels heavy.
Saphira turns to the girls, eyes glossy.
"I need some time alone."
Kaida steps forward immediately.
"You know we can't. We have to stay together."
Saphira shakes her head.
"No. I can."
Her voice breaks.
"Please… just leave."
Lyrelle sighs softly, understanding.
"Come on."
She pulls the girls toward the other room, then turns back.
Before leaving, she hugs Saphira tight.
"We're right here," she whispers.
The door closes.
Saphira sinks onto the bed, alone.
And somewhere, unseen, the Shadow Game waits.