CH 23
The underground chamber seemed to shrink with every heartbeat. Aria’s chest pressed against Ethan’s, his bloodied hand clutching hers like the only lifeline in a collapsing world.
Her sister’s frightened eyes darted between shadows and figures lurking in the corners. Lucas’s laughter lingered, smooth and cruel, echoing like a sinister lullaby.
But tonight, there was more than Lucas. Something darker.
A whisper of a name, spoken only once by those who feared it: The VIP Game.
Ethan’s gaze darkened.
“They’re here,” he muttered, his jaw tight, blood streaking his bruised face.
“Aria… stay close. Whatever comes, stay close.”
---
The torches flickered violently, shadows dancing across the walls.
From the darkness emerged a figure in black, masked, silent.
Aria’s breath caught.
