Dauntless Novels & Stories

“But there are levels to this game, Henrique.” I took a step forward. “Return the shipment you hijacked. Or be ready to be torn alive.” Henrique spat on the ground near my boot. He laughed, taunting me. “Go on. I dare you. Do your worst.” I tilted my head. “As you wish.” I didn’t even have to signal. The clearing erupted into a total disorder. Bodies collided; the sound of fists hitting the enemy’s flesh; the snarls of wolves filling the air.

Confessions about crushes, embarrassing stories, a ridiculous dare involving someone singing karaoke on the coffee table. Every time the bottle landed on Ethan, he chose truth. Safe. Boring. Survivable. Until Lila leaned forward with a wicked smile. “Ace,” she said sweetly. “Truth or dare?” “Truth.” She tapped her chin. “Who’s the most impossible person you could ever actually like?” Ethan’s pulse spiked. Every eye turned toward him. Including Noah’s. He swallowed. This was harmless. A joke answer. Something ridiculous. Something safe. But Noah was still looking at him. And suddenly the truth felt lodged somewhere behind Ethan’s ribs.