I met up with Camille and Helena after what proved to be a stressful breakfast. Many of the other contestants had already gone off to the Carnival Cerulean, but the three of us remained behind.Camille had been fidgeting nervously ever since hearing of Abel’s encounter with the seemingly invisible creature. Her lips were pressed together so tightly they had turned white, and her eyebrows were knitted together.“If Abel was attacked that easily, what does that say for the rest of us?” Camille sighed.“Abel wasn’t killed, that’s always a plus.” I countered, “Your clue could mean anything. One thing I’ve learned so far, is that nothing is what it seems. It could be pointing at a glass of water for all we know.”“Well, I think we should head over to the Carnival and enjoy ourselves.” Helena chimed in, giving us both a beaming smile. “Our clues can wait a couple hours. Besides, who k

We met at the stone bridge leading to what was called Castle Mist. The stone of the bridge was similar to that of the castle and the rest of the town, iridescent yet full of intricate carvings. All twenty contestants were here, crowded around the base of the bridge. A crystal-clear stream ran beneath the bridge. Inside the stream was a multitude of colorful stones, all seemed to catch the sun and scatter a rainbow of light across the surface of the water.A large garden sat out front of the castle, but no tents ventured past the stone bridge. Standing on the arch of the bridge were Apollo and the four other strange men. While I’m sure they had names of their own, I wasn’t willing to pay the price to find out. Apollo, Day, Night, and Sunset, all looked as they had the previous times we spoke with them. Their suits were crisp and tailored, mixed with that special blend of magic that made the colors shift and move like the brilliant phases of the earth and sky.

I took one look at the near-deserted road of my hometown and turned on my heel. I had emerged from what looked to be my house, but I knew better. I had come from Castle Mist. I opened the front door to my house and stepped inside, hoping it would take me back to where I had once stood in the castle.Instead of ending up back at Castle Mist, I was standing in the middle of my living room. Nothing had changed from my short time gone. The little sofa in the living room was still faded and coated in an array of stains. The coffee table had seen better days, and was wrought with little carvings from Zack, Aidan and I. On the leg of the table, I could still make out the little ‘A + R’ Aidan and I had carved when we were ten. The television was on, playing some cartoon in the midst of the crackling and snapping of the static.As I stood in the living room, the scent of fruit and cinnamon wafted through my nose. My legs carried me into the small kitchen where my Mo

Trigger Warning - This Chapter Contains Dark Content.The air inside was cold, reeking with the scent of dust and mold. It seemed this house had long ago lost whatever life resided within it. White sheets were draped over the furniture, reminding me of one of the many horror movies Aidan and I had watched over the years. I tried and failed to suppress my shiver at the dimly lit house.‘This is going to take forever.’ Rayna groaned, ‘Do you see how big this place is?’‘Not if we look in the right spots.’ I tried to remain optimistic, ‘Now, where would you put a crystal necklace that also serves as a weird clock key?’‘Not under any of these sheets.’ Rayna shuddered, ‘Probably a jewelry box, desk, or dresser of some kind.’‘Alright, then let’s start over here.’ I suggested, my eyes attracted to an old antique side table.There was no foyer in this estate,

I stepped out into the hallway but was quickly barreled into. From scent alone, I knew it was Helena. The Game Master had kept to his word even though he could’ve twisted my request in many ways. Even though my heart felt heavy from the price I had paid, I knew it was worth it.  Unshed tears burned in my eyes, and I wrapped my arms around Helena’s soft form. I could hear her shaky breaths, and I could hear the rapid pattering of her heart.  I shoved the grief I felt down deep, smothering it until I could no longer hear its nagging voice. I had been so deluded, so clouded by my own distaste that I hadn’t appreciated the place