The Game

Chapter 7: Chosen One

As the echoes of Gary's survival reverberated through the chamber, Mr. Beaufort's voice cut through the tension once more, his tone laced with anticipation.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it seems Garold has proven himself quite the survivor in our little game, But fear not, for there are more challenges awaiting us that will be quite rewarding rather you succeed or fail." Mr. Beaufort announced, a hint of excitement in his voice.

Gary, still recovering from his ordeal, couldn't help but speak out against the madness unfolding before him "This isn't a game" he declared, his voice laced with anger and frustration. "You can't just make people play god like that, where do you get off to this."

Mr. Beaufort's smile remained unfazed by Gary's outburst as he continued to address the group. "Ah, but my dear Garold, that's exactly what this is not only is it a game, it's The Game, it's all in the name, we're playing for the ultimate stakes any game could have we're playing the battle of life and death, of morality and sacrifice, of paying for your sins" he replied, his words dripping with a sinister charm "And what's a game without players willing to participate? I won't have any of you quitting on me."

The other contestants exchanged nervous glances, the weight of Mr. Beaufort's words sinking in as they further realized the true extent of the danger they were in.

"But fear not, for the next game will offer a chance at a grand prize for one lucky contestant as I said" Mr. Beaufort continued, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I shall go and prepare the game for my hand picked contestant that'll go next."

Rachel spoke up her gaze fixed on Mr. Beaufort "What kind of prize are we talking about here? And what do we have to do to win it?"

Mr. Beaufort chuckled softly, his demeanor as enigmatic as ever. "Ah Rachel, all will be revealed in due time" he replied cryptically "But rest assured, the prize is well worth the risk, As for the challenge itself well, let's just say it will test my contestant in ways you would never imagine."

Joe then spoke up next
"Why do you get to force who goes next? I thought we had the day in it?"

With a dismissive wave of his hand, Mr. Beaufort turned and strode out of the room, leaving the contestants to grapple with the unsettling reality of their predicament.

The stage was about to be set for another deadly game, and the contestants knew if they were the hand picked contestant then they would have a lot to worry about.

As they waited for Mr. Beaufort's return, the atmosphere in the room grew tense with anticipation. The eight contestants huddled together in a tight circle, their faces etched with worry and uncertainty.

Rachel, her demeanor showing sarcasm kicked off the conversation with a sharp remark "So, who do you think Beaufort's gonna pick next to be his little pawn in this sick game of his, Any bets?"

Lexa, growing accustomed to Rachel's biting remarks, rolled her eyes but said nothing in response, a hint of annoyance flickering across her features.

Dimitri, fueled by alcohol and anger, chimed in with a gruff tone. "I don't give a damn who he picks, this game is rigged and I'm not optimistic, but if he picks me, I'll show him what happens when you mess with the wrong guy."

Brian, his cocky swagger on full display, nodded in agreement "Yeah, man, same here, If Beaufort thinks he can make me lose, he's got another thing coming. I ain't losing anything, I'm the goat at everything I do, you best believe."

Joe, trying to be the voice of reason interjected softly. "Guys, let's not get ahead of ourselves here, We don't even know what the next game is gonna be, We should focus on staying calm and working together, Gary just helped us, and he survived, if we work together we could go further amd defeat him and win this game."

Kelsey, always quick to support Joe, nodded in agreement "Joe's right, We need to stick together and look out for each other, we should share any knowledge we have that could help."

Rachel scoffed at their optimism. "Please, like that's gonna make a difference, We're all just pawns in Beaufort's twisted game, and there's no way out, life isn't all butterflies and rainbows, knowledge won't do anything when he rigs the game against you, we just saw gary have to murded people to survive, so get over yourselves."

As some of the group debated their strategies and speculated about the nature of the next game, the looming presence of Mr. Beaufort hung over them like a dark cloud, a constant reminder of the danger they were all in.

Mr. Beaufort returned, his presence commanding attention as he addressed them once more.

"The next stage is set, and it promises to be particularly beneficial for a lucky contestant" he announced, his voice dripping with intrigue.

Lexa couldn't help but roll her eyes at his choice of words. "Lucky? I'm starting to doubt that after seeing the last two 'games'" she remarked, her skepticism evident.

Mr. Beaufort's smile remained unyielding, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Ah, but we've only just begun Lexa" he replied smoothly, his tone laced with mystery "And fear not, you're not my chosen contestant this time."

Dimitri decided to chime in with his own thoughts. "If you're picking someone, it better be" his words barely coherent.

But Mr. Beaufort swiftly cut him off before he could finish. "It's not you either, Dimitri" he interjected, his voice firm and decisive.

Turning his attention to a person who had largely remained in the background since their arrival, Mr. Beaufort's gaze settled on Shawna, his smile widening ever so slightly.

"No, my next choice is somebody who has been quite silent since arriving," he continued, his eyes locking onto Shawna with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. "And I must say, I'm not particularly fond of those who try to blend into the background, Shawna, you're up next."

Shawna's heart skipped a beat as all eyes turned to her, her stomach churning with a mixture of fear and uncertainty, She had hoped to go unnoticed, to avoid attracting Mr. Beaufort's attention, but it seemed fate had other plans for her, As she struggled to find her voice, she realized that her worst nightmares were about to become a reality.