Fractured Nerves

Chapter 3: Fractured Nerves

The survivors filed out of the game room in uneasy silence, their faces pale and drawn. The opulence of the hallway, with its marble floors and golden sconces, felt suffocating now, as if mocking their fear. No one spoke, their collective silence heavier than words.

Alex found himself trailing behind the group, his mind racing. He could still hear the man's screams, the way he was dragged off like some disposable piece of trash. It felt unreal, like a bad dream he couldn't wake up from.

He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. What the hell is this place? What kind of people would do something like this?

Evelyn lit a cigarette as she walked, the flame of her lighter briefly illuminating her sharp features. She blew out a cloud of smoke, glancing back at Alex. "You look like you're about to puke."

Alex shot her a glare but said nothing. He didn't trust his voice to stay steady.

"Don't take it so personally," she continued, her tone almost mocking. "The guy lost. That's the game."

"The game?" Alex hissed, his voice low but laced with anger. "You're acting like this is normal."

"It is now," she said with a shrug, taking another drag. "You better get used to it."

Ahead of them, Marcus let out a low whistle. "Well, that was intense," he said, his tone casual despite the tension in the air. "Guess I picked the right thread to pull. Luck's still on my side."

Noah, walking beside him, glanced over with a frown. "This isn't about luck. It's about survival."

Marcus smirked. "Same thing, isn't it?"

Noah didn't answer, his gaze fixed ahead.

The hallway led them to a spacious lounge, its rich leather chairs and ornate chandeliers doing little to ease the oppressive atmosphere. A bar stood at one end, stocked with every drink imaginable, while soft classical music played in the background. It was a stark contrast to the horror they'd just witnessed.

Evelyn made a beeline for the bar, pouring herself a glass of whiskey. "Well, if we're all stuck here, might as well enjoy the amenities."

Alex couldn't believe her nonchalance. "Are you serious? Someone just died, and you're acting like this is some kind of vacation."

She turned to him, raising an eyebrow. "Listen, rookie, you need to calm down. Freaking out won't change anything. We're here. The only thing that matters now is staying alive."

"Easy for you to say," Alex shot back. "You don't seem to care about anyone but yourself."

"Bingo," she said with a smirk, raising her glass in a mock toast. "That's why I'll win."

Alex shook his head, turning away. He couldn't stomach her arrogance, not after what had just happened.

Sofia, sitting quietly in a corner, spoke up for the first time. "She's not wrong."

Alex looked at her, surprised. "What?"

"She's not wrong," Sofia repeated, her voice calm but firm. "If you let yourself get too emotional, you'll lose focus. And if you lose focus, you'll lose the game."

"You're a nurse, right?" Alex asked, his tone incredulous. "How can you be so cold about this?"

"I'm not cold," Sofia said evenly. "I'm realistic. I've seen what happens when people panic in life-or-death situations. It never ends well."

Alex opened his mouth to argue but stopped. There was something in her tone—an edge of experience—that made him hesitate.

Marcus chuckled, flopping into one of the lounge chairs. "Man, this group is a buzzkill. Lighten up, people. We're all still alive, aren't we?"

Noah glanced at him sharply. "For now."

The room fell into an uneasy silence.

Kaito sat at the edge of the room, his posture relaxed but his gaze sharp. He hadn't spoken a word since leaving the game room, but his eyes never stopped moving, quietly taking in every detail. The way Evelyn's confidence masked a flicker of fear. The way Alex's anger teetered on the edge of panic. The way Sofia's calm demeanor betrayed a subtle tension in her hands, her fingers fidgeting ever so slightly.

He leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable.

The Dealer's voice crackled through hidden speakers, shattering the silence. "Congratulations, survivors. You have completed the first round. Rest while you can. The next game begins tomorrow at 8 PM sharp."

The announcement sent a ripple of unease through the group. Alex felt a knot tighten in his stomach. Another game?

Evelyn finished her drink, setting the glass down with a clink. "Well, that's our cue to settle in. I don't know about you, but I'm getting some sleep."

She walked toward the doors leading to the private quarters they'd been assigned earlier, her heels clicking against the marble floor.

Marcus stood, stretching. "Good idea. Gotta keep the mind sharp for tomorrow's fun."

Noah lingered, his gaze thoughtful. "This isn't just a game," he said quietly, more to himself than anyone else. "It's something else. Something bigger."

Alex glanced at him. "What do you mean?"

"I don't know yet," Noah admitted, his brow furrowed. "But the way this is all set up… the stakes, the rules, even the atmosphere… it's like it's designed to break us down."

Alex didn't have a response to that.

Sofia stood, smoothing her scrubs. "Get some rest," she said softly. "We'll need it."

As the others began to disperse, Alex remained seated, staring at the floor. His thoughts swirled with doubt and fear. How did I end up here? What am I supposed to do now?

He glanced across the room and noticed Kaito still sitting quietly, his gaze distant. For a moment, their eyes met. Kaito gave him a faint nod, then stood and walked away without a word.

Alex watched him go, a strange feeling gnawing at the edges of his mind. He couldn't quite place it, but something about Kaito seemed… different.

The lounge grew quiet as the last few players retired to their rooms, leaving Alex alone with his thoughts. He leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes.

Tomorrow was coming, and with it, another game.

Would he survive?

He wasn't sure.