The night air was thick. Shadows stretched across the streets like fingers reaching for them.
Saphira's heart pounded as she walked beside Summer. Their argument had not ended. Old words, old grudges, the fight over Summer's teasing, and now the game had forced them here. Alone.
"Summer, stop," Saphira hissed, voice trembling. "This isn't just some game. We shouldn't be out here."
Summer's lips pressed into a thin line. "I'm not scared. You think I can't handle this? I can."
Saphira grabbed her arm, desperation flaring. "I'm not letting you get yourself hurt. I don't care if you're stubborn."
Summer yanked free. "Get off me. Stop acting like you're the hero."
Saphira's stomach dropped as they rounded a corner. Figures emerged from the shadows, voices low, laughter cutting through the night.
Her eyes widened. "Summer, back up. Now."
But Summer was too far ahead, pride and defiance pushing her forward. Saphira ran after her, shouting her name.
A sudden movement from the group in front. Panic. Saphira lunged to pull Summer out of the way. Her feet slipped.
There was a scream. A shout. Confusion.
Saphira hit the ground.
Summer froze, turning back. "Saph! No! Jason!"
Jason, who had been following at a distance, sprinted forward, heart in his throat. By the time he reached her, it was too late.
Saphira's eyes fluttered briefly. Her hand grazed his arm. "Jason…"
He sank to the ground beside her, gripping her hand, shaking. "No. No, no, no. Saphira, stay with me. Please. Please."
Summer collapsed beside him, tears streaming. "It's my fault. I—I should've stopped her."
Kaida's phone buzzed violently on the pavement. The screen lit up.
ROUND NINE
CONSEQUENCE CONFIRMED
THE SHADOW GAME DOES NOT FORGIVE
Kyra clutched her hoodie, shivering. "It wasn't her fault," she whispered. "It's the game…"
Prince, Lyrelle, Thorian, and the others all stared, hearts hammering. Fear and guilt pressed down on them like a physical weight.
Jason buried his face in Saphira's hoodie, sobbing. "You weren't supposed to go… you weren't supposed to…"
The group was frozen. Helpless. The Shadow Game had orchestrated this, forced her into a situation no one could prevent.
Summer couldn't stop crying. "I should've listened. I should've—"
Lyrelle's voice cracked. "Stop blaming yourself. We were all trapped."
But the truth stung harder than words. Saphira was gone. And the Shadow Game had made them watch, helpless, while it happened.
Kaida's phone vibrated again. The screen glowed ominously.
No one moved. No one breathed.
The Shadow Game had claimed its consequence.
And everyone knew… nothing would ever be the same.