The Snake [3]

Her enthusiasm was so sincere, so infectious, it softened the usually poker-faced steward, who let out a small, warm giggle. "I'll be sure to let Chef Élise Moreau know just how much her creations were appreciated, Lady Drakos. I've heard Greeks are especially passionate about food—and even more so about good food. It's lovely to find that's true."

Thalia giggled, that radiant smile deepening with the reveal of her dimples. "Our reputation precedes us."

Mr. Vogel smiled warmly in return. "You're welcome to meet her here anytime you wish. And the kitchen is open if any of you desire to cook for yourselves. Chef Moreau is very passionate about those who truly enjoy her food."

"We'll certainly keep that in mind, Mr. Vogel. Thank you for your hospitality," Thalia said graciously.

Ren, who had been quietly observing, leaned closer to her, a shy curiosity in his voice. "What were those two Greek words you said?"

Thalia turned back toward the table, a small smile playing on her lips as she repeated softly, "'Efharistó polí'?" Several nodded along with Ren, their interest piqued. "It means 'thank you very much' in my Greek." She then shifted her gaze back to the steward. "Mr. Vogel, now that dinner is over, do you think the suites are ready for us?"

The question hung in the air, heavy with anticipation. It was the unspoken curiosity everyone shared but couldn't quite voice. All eyes locked onto Mr. Vogel, a silent chorus of eagerness rippling through the group, waiting for the answer.

The steward gave a curt nod, his eyes scanning the room with a hint of formality beneath a faint smile. "It is as you say, Lady Drakos. I came specifically to confirm that for you. All the suites are located on the third floor of the castle. You'll find signs posted throughout the corridors — simple symbols and letters that will guide you to your respective wings. It won't be difficult to find your way."

Thalia rose slowly from her chair, the soft rustle of her dress drawing the attention of every contestant around the table. All eyes followed her lithe, confident movements, silently taking in the perfect grace and poise she naturally exuded. She lifted her chin slightly, locking eyes with the steward. "Wing L for the Lions, SE for the Serpents, E for the Eagles, B for the Bears, and SH for the Sharks," she recited smoothly, as if the knowledge had been ingrained from the start. "Am I correct?"

The steward inclined his head, pleased with her memory. "Exactly, Lady Drakos. You have a good recollection. That will make it easier for everyone to settle in quickly."

He gave a final bow and turned to leave. "I'll leave you to it now. Enjoy your evening. Breakfast will be served promptly at eight in the morning." His footsteps echoed down the hall as he disappeared from sight, leaving the group alone in the quiet, dimly lit room.

Thalia's gaze shifted to the assembled contestants, a lump rising in her throat. The silence settled thickly over the table, everyone rising to their feet almost simultaneously. The weight of what lay ahead pressed down on them like a tangible force.

Elijah broke the silence, his voice tight with tension and excitement. "So… that means one of us is the millionaire already. And at midnight, one of us will receive the clue about who it is."

The room froze. Hearts beat a little faster, breaths held in anxious anticipation.

"Being the millionaire right now? That's the worst fate imaginable," Thalia muttered, her voice low and edged with frustration. "Honestly, I'm hoping I just get the chance to hunt them down instead."

"Fuck, same here," Klara from the Serpents muttered bitterly, crossing her arms. "Being the prey is a nightmare I'd rather avoid."

Rafael leaned forward eagerly. "I want the clue. I'd take the clue over the cursed money any day."

Thalia's eyes gleamed with a mixture of hope and pragmatism. "That clue will be gold at this early stage. I'm praying it falls to me. But the randomness… it could be anyone. Let's just hope the person with the clue isn't on the millionaire's own team."

Elijah's voice rose, urgency sharpening every word. "We need to figure out who the millionaire is fast. Otherwise, like the billionaire warned us, if we get the voting wrong, someone from each team faces punishment."

Ren shuddered, his face paling. "Don't remind me. That punishment—it's horrific. Torture, most likely. And I don't trust that billionaire one bit. I'm not sure the punishments will even be handed out fairly."

A sudden realization struck Thalia, and she gasped. Every eye turned toward her, the room hanging on her words. "He said the millionaire would have real power. What if we get it wrong? The millionaire stays… and whoever they are, they get to choose who suffers the punishments?"

Mateo's jaw tightened, a grimace shadowing his features. "That's pure cruelty. Exactly the sort of sick game that sadistic billionaire would devise. We can't afford to get this wrong—not even once. We all have to be smart. Avoid those punishments at all costs. This isn't just about one team—it's about every single one of us."

Levi, the grizzled Bear, nodded in agreement, his voice low and gravelly. "I'm with you. We can't let someone corner all the money and make fools out of the rest of us."

Mei-Mei of the Eagles raised her hand tentatively. "Then... should we share the clue? Whoever receives it?"

"We have to," Eko of the Sharks insisted. "Sure, we're rivals in the games, but the clues? They're our only hope. Sharing them means all of us stay alert. Because if we don't, and punishments come down, it'll be all of us burning."

Anastasia's face grew serious, sharp and determined. "Exactly. We need to avoid those punishments. Whoever the millionaire is, they can't get comfortable. We find them, vote them out, then the money resets, and the hunt begins again."

Samira smiled faintly at Thalia. "Good call, Snow White. If we do this right, we can keep ourselves safe."

Thalia exhaled slowly, looking around at the tired, tense faces surrounding her. "Should we head out, then? Rest up tonight, and meet again for breakfast to share any clues? We'll need our strength."

Alessandro adjusted his cloak, voice darkening with grim warning. "Yes. Meet tomorrow morning, and share the clue only when everyone is present. Don't confide in anyone alone. The millionaire might be fooling you. Otherwise, you're just handing them the advantage."

He grimaced at the memory. "Unless you're all eager for punishments that will make the pre-entry tests look like child's play."

Thalia cringed at the thought, the mood heavy with dread. "Absolutely not. Let's get this maddening mystery over with. Rest well tonight. And whoever is the millionaire—just know, you'll be hunted."

Without another word, the contestants began to split off into their teams, moving steadily toward the staircase that led up to the third floor.

Ren clapped Thalia on the shoulder as they reached wing L with Camden, Anastasia, and Mateo. "Good luck, everyone. I pray none of us is the millionaire."

Thalia groaned in response. "Let fate decide. All I want is to find them—and bring them down."

"Same here," Camden, Anastasia, and Mateo echoed in unison.

"Good night," they said quietly to one another, lingering in the corridor for a brief moment.

Then, with one last glance around the enormous suites—each vast and spaced far apart to ensure privacy—they each slipped away to their rooms, the heavy doors closing softly behind them.