Chaos

The next morning in the infirmary...

Jason's eyes fluttered open. Everything last night seemed to be a blur. Jason grunted as he sat up and he looked around. Grace and Jasmine were resting against the wall. Steven and Flint were no where to be seen. And Maya...where was Maya?

Maya: *enters the infirmary* "Good morning!"

Jason: *blinks* "What... What happened?"

Maya set down a tray of fresh bandages and a bowl of water, her face pale but her voice as cheerful as she could muster. 

Maya: *gently* "You've been out all night. We thought... well, we thought we might lose you. But you're tougher than you look." 

Jason frowned, the memories trickling back in bits and pieces. The blood, the bodies, Flint cradling Linda...

Jason: *hoarsely* "Where's Steven? And Flint?" 

Maya's cheerful facade faltered for a split second, but she quickly busied herself with organizing supplies to avoid his gaze. 

Maya: *quietly* "Flint... he went to check the castle for supplies. As for Steven, he... he hasn't come back yet." 

Jason tried to sit up straighter, wincing at the pain that lanced through his side. Grace stirred, rubbing her eyes, while Jasmine slowly woke. Grace jumped up and ran into Jason. She hugged him, tears forming in her eyes.

Grace: "You're okay!"

Jason winced at the sudden contact but couldn't help the faint smile that tugged at his lips. He gently patted Grace's back, his voice low and raspy. 

Jason: "I told you... I'm not that easy to get rid of." 

Jasmine: *walks over with a relieved expression* "You had us all worried." *puts her hand on Jason's shoulder* "Don't scare us like that again, you idiot!" 

Jason: *forces a weak grin* "I'll try not to... but no promises." 

Maya: *steps closer with a faint smile* "It's good to see you awake. You gave us a run for our money." 

Jason: *looking around* "But... Steven? Why hasn't he come back?" 

The room fell into an uneasy silence. Grace released Jason and stepped back, her eyes darting toward Maya, who avoided the question by fiddling with the bandages. 

Jasmine: *nervously* "We haven't seen him since last night. Flint said he was probably searching the castle, but..." 

Jason: "Something's wrong. Steven wouldn't just disappear like that." 

Maya: *places a hand on Jason's arm* "You need to rest. We'll figure it out." 

Jason: *firmly* "No. Steven's my best friend. I need to find him." 

Maya: *gently pushes Jason back down* "You can't even stand, Jason. Let us handle this." 

Jason reluctantly laid back, frustration etched on his face. 

Jason: "If something's happened to him... I swear, whoever's behind this will pay." 

Jasmine: *glances at the doorway nervously* "We'll find him, Jason. I promise. Maya, come with me. That flute of yours may come in handy if we get attacked. Grace, stay here with Jason."

Grace: "Why?"

Jasmine: "You're not powerful enough. I'm sorry Grace. But I would never forgive myself if something happened to you."

Grace: "Oh..."

Jasmine: "Keep the door locked. Don't open it for anyone. Not even for me."

Maya glanced at Jasmine, her fingers brushing over the polished surface of her flute. Though she didn't speak, her expression was resolute, a quiet determination forming in her eyes. 

Maya: *nodding* "Let's go. We won't be long." 

Grace hesitated, her eyes darting between Jasmine and Jason. She wanted to argue, to insist that she could help, but Jasmine's stern tone and protective gaze made it clear there was no room for debate. 

Grace: *softly* "Be careful." 

Jasmine: *firmly* "We will. Just do as I say and keep Jason safe." 

As Jasmine and Maya exited the infirmary, the heavy door closed with a resounding thud. Grace hurried to lock it, her hands trembling slightly as she slid the latch into place. 

Grace: "They'll be okay... right?" 

Jason: "Jasmine's strong. Maya's resourceful. They'll be fine." 

Grace nodded, though her hands remained clenched at her sides. She sat beside Jason, who was struggling to keep his eyes open, exhaustion tugging at him. 

Meanwhile, Jasmine led Maya through the castle's blood-stained halls, her eyes scanning every shadow for signs of danger.

Maya: *quietly* "Do you think we'll find Steven?" 

Jasmine: *after a pause* "I don't know. But we have to try." 

The two moved cautiously, Jasmine gripping the hilt of her dagger while Maya clutched her flute. They passed the ballroom, the horrifying sight of bodies still lingering in the corners of their vision. 

Suddenly, a faint noise caught Jasmine's attention. She froze, holding up a hand to stop Maya. 

Jasmine: *whispers* "Did you hear that?" 

Maya: *nods* "It's coming from... over there." 

They turned a corner, the faint sound of footsteps growing louder. Jasmine's grip tightened on her dagger as a shadow emerged from the darkness. For a heart-stopping moment, she thought it might be Steven—but the figure that stepped into the light was Flint. 

Flint: *calmly* "What are you two doing here? Aren't you supposed to be taking care of Jason?" 

Jasmine: *narrowing her eyes* "We're looking for Steven. He hasn't come back." 

Flint: *smies faintly* "Ah. Well you know it's dangerous out here." 

Maya: *steps closer, her flute raised slightly* "Then why are you here?" 

Flint's smile didn't falter, but there was a strange glint in his een eyes, something that sent a chill down Jasmine's spine. 

Jasmine: "Where is Steven?" 

Flint: *calmly* "That's what I've been trying to figure out. Let me help you." 

Jasmine didn't lower her dagger, her instincts screaming that something wasn't right. 

Maya: *whispers to Jasmine* "Something's off..." 

Jasmine: *narrows her eyes* "We don't need your help, Flint. Go back to the infirmary." 

Flint: *chuckles softly* "Oh, Jasmine. You always were stubborn." 

Before they could react, Flint lunged toward them, his movements swift and calculated. Jasmine barely managed to block his blade with her dagger, the force of the strike sending her stumbling back. 

Maya raised her flute to her lips, but before she could play a note, Flint turned around and stabbed her.

Jasmine: *screams* "Maya!

Back in the infirmary, Grace's eyes widened in panic as she heard Jasmine's screams. Her breath quickened, and her heart pounded in her chest.

Grace: "We need to—I need to help her!"

Jason: "Grace, you heard what Jasmine said."

Grace: *whimpers* "But what if we're stuck in here forever?"

Jason: *sighs, wincing as he sits up* "Grace...we won't be stuck here forever. I think..."

Grace: "You think?"

Jason: "I saw one of the best Knights dead on the floor, Grace. If they didn't survive, honestly, I don't know if Jasmine will either."