If one fails, both fail.
“That’s it?” Remy asks.
“Yes,” Decider answers, then waves over the room. “Thirteen players, thirteen dares.”
I glance around. “Math isn’t my strong subject, but six teams of two is twelve players. Is Casper joining the game too?”
Luca shifts closer to me, muttering under his breath, “Keep your mouth shut.”
“What? I can’t play the game if I don’t understand what the hell is going on. And counting should be the simple part, right?”
The dude hesitates with his answer for the first time. I can feel a harsh stare on me before he answers, “The thirteenth player is the Deceiver. It could be someone in this room. Or someone hidden in the shadows.”
“The Deceiver.” I shake my head. Who the fuck comes up with this shit, and how the hell did I get wrapped up in it? This has to be a hallucination. I did have a few sips of whiskey before I fell asleep. Maybe it was spiked or something.
“What does the Deceiver do?” Garrett asks.
“They decide many things including how the game plays out,” Decider states.
“Shouldn’t that be up to the Decider?” I ask, earning another shut-the-fuck-up gape from Luca and a chuckle from Micah. At least he gets how absurd this is.
“Throughout Mercy, the invitee’s partner will prove to be the invitee’s most important decision, because that ally will make or break the game for them. Winning is not just about the wealth and privilege that comes with the prize, but the lifetime of knowledge and access to boundless influence. Good luck to you all,” Decider says, yet I don’t think he’s wishing me the best of luck.
“Now, it’s time for you to complete the dare—whisper. This will be the easiest task you’ll face. Get to know your partner. Ask anything. Answer everything. And get to know each other. Because you will be each other’s lifeline.”
Just fucking fabulous. “Can we switch teammates?”
“No. Teams were formed during the last round.”
“I didn’t know I was actually tethering myself to him for reallast round.” I didn’t even know I was actually playing a freaking game.
“Yeah, I’ll switch. I’d rather whisper to Ivy than Garrett,” Remy proclaims.
It’s not appealing but better than the bonehead beside me. “Can youdecideto change the rule so we can swap?”
Decider doesn’t respond, merely dismisses us with a wave of his hand. Dickhead.
Two hooded figures appear and guide each pair to a tomb with nothing but two chairs facing each other in the middle. Once Luca and I take a seat, a blindfold is handed to each of us as we’re instructed, “Put them on.”
“Well, this is a fucking fabulous way to spend my night.”
“Stop complaining. Everyone knows this is an easy one.”
“That’s because they’re not locked in here with you.”
I hear his easy laugh and find myself wanting to see the expression on his face. I’ve yet to see him with a genuine smile that wasn’t in place when he was tormenting me. He’s all brooding and serious. Micah is the easygoing one. But somehow, even though they’re twins, the same expression on his brother will look much different.
I sigh, trying to not think of the moron across from me that I have to get to know. “Fine, I’ll go first. Why are you such a miserable human being and feel the need to torment others?”
“I’m not miserable. Just bored.”
It’s my turn to laugh. “So, tormenting me is nothing but a hobby. Got it. This is so stupid. I’ll never get to know you. And I’ll never trust you for sure, Mr. Lifeline.”
There’s a little shuffling noise, and I sense him getting closer. Sure enough, I feel what I assume are his legs brush against the outsides of mine. “What do you want to know?”
