As the power came back on, the friends let out a collective sigh of relief. They had lost another friend, but they were determined to stay strong and keep fighting until they found the killer.
As they gathered in the ballroom, one of them suggested playing a game of truth or dare. The idea was met with mixed reactions, but they all knew that they needed to find some way to take their minds off the horror that had befallen them.
At one point, someone dared Maxi to reveal something that she had been keeping secret. Maxi hesitated at first, but eventually revealed that she had been seeing Aidan behind everyone's backs.
The game continued, but the mood had shifted. The group was on edge, and they knew that the killer could be among them. Every truth and dare seemed to reveal more about each other, but also about their own fears and suspicions.
The questions and dares began to get more personal and intense. The characters were no longer holding back, and they began to reveal secrets that they had been keeping hidden from each other.
One of the shocking secrets that was revealed was that Thirteen had a criminal record. He had been arrested for vandalism and theft in his hometown before the cruise, but he had never told anyone about it. The group was stunned and some of them began to question whether they could trust him.
Another secret that came out during the game was that Timeless was actually a runaway. She had left her hometown in search of adventure and had been living on the streets before she saved up enough money to buy a ticket for the cruise. The group was shocked by this revelation and some of them wondered if Timeless had run away from something or if someone was still after her.
Peace was asked to reveal his deepest, darkest secret, and after a moment of hesitation, he confessed that he had once stolen money from his own mother's purse. Noelle, who had been teasing Peace earlier in the game, was shocked by this revelation and couldn't believe her friend would do such a thing.
The attention then turned to Times, who was dared to share his most embarrassing moment. He nervously admitted that he had once walked into a glass door and had to go to the hospital with a concussion. The group laughed at his misfortune, but he took it in stride and continued to play.
It was Noelle's turn to reveal something about herself. She hesitated for a moment before admitting that she had cheated on her boyfriend, and regretted it ever since. The room fell silent as everyone processed this revelation, and Noelle could feel the judgmental looks coming from some of the others.
Jessica, who had been quiet and reserved throughout most of the game, surprised everyone when she revealed that she had a crush on Nevra. The group erupted into laughter and teasing, but Nevra was visibly uncomfortable and quickly changed the subject.
Nevra declined to share any deep secrets, as did Aidan as the turn around the circle finished. Peace noticed the intense stare that Aidan has given Maxi since Maxi revealed their secret relationship.
As everyone pauses to walk around, stretch, drink water, and regroup mentally; Peace suddenly drops his glass and falls backwards, hitting the ground. A display of discomfort ends as he loses consciousness. His friends immediately rush to his side, frantically trying to help him. Despite their efforts, Peace remains unconscious and unresponsive. The room falls silent, as everyone watches with bated breath, hoping that he would recover. He didn't.
NEXT...
The group walks back to Aidan's room, as it was biggest. The atmosphere is heavy with tension and fear, and each member is acutely aware of the danger that they are in. They are all relieved to have a security team now with them, but they can't shake off the feeling of unease. The ship security is permanently escorting the group until the arrival of the coast guard. However, so far unknown, the killer has discovered a way to stop all communication to and from the ship.
When they arrive at Aidan's room, they are greeted by the sight of the familiar space. The large beds, the sofa, and the dresser are all there, just as they left them. But there is a sense of foreboding that hangs over everything.
The security team takes up positions inside and outside the door, and the group begins to settle in. They try to make small talk, to distract themselves from the events of the evening, but it's clear that everyone is still shaken by what has happened.
As they start to wind down, one of the members suggests that they all try to get some sleep. They agree, and begin to settle into their various sleeping arrangements. The security team remains vigilant outside the door, ensuring that no one can enter or leave without being seen.
Despite the heightened security, the members of the group still struggle to sleep. They are haunted by the events of the evening, and the knowledge that there is a killer among them. They lie awake, staring at the ceiling, wondering who will be the next victim.
