Game Over: No Second Chances Novels & Stories

There was no winning this game. Only different ways to lose.

"Not business games this time. Not corporate sabotage. Something permanent. Something final." The camera zooms closer. Her eyes fill the frame. "Next time, one of you won't survive."

Before I could open my eyes, the System’s voice cut through. “Correction. The records show that you completed your quest two hours ago. You are hereby awarded a second chance at life and a great fortune in your original world.” I was surprised that I had succeeded. The System chimed, “Indeed, all four targets have attained complete devotion to you. “But they have gone berserk upon finding your remains. Do you want to go back to them? “That reality of the quest world will likely shatter as the four male leads are in ruin.” Thinking back to my experience in the world, I shook my head.

Not a single wolf. As she’s dragged toward the doors, she locks eyes with me one last time. “This isn’t over,” she spits. I don’t respond. The doors slam shut behind her, the sound echoing like a closing tomb. The bond settles slowly, like dust after a storm. I exhale for the first time all night. “It’s finally over,” my beta says quietly beside me. I nod, though my chest aches. Justice doesn’t feel clean. It feels necessary. All of this doesn’t fix the past.

At the far end was a massive red door. "Attention, players!" the voice boomed again. "Processing is complete. You are now four thousand players ready to begin THE SURVIVAL GAME!" The crowd murmured nervously. "Let me explain the rules," the voice continued. "You will compete in games for forty days. Each day is one round, and each round, players will be eliminated. The last player standing after forty days wins the grand prize: you get to return to your life, and you get one wish granted. Anything you desire!"

“Yeah. We don’t have much choice because we don’t know what the rules of this pinball game are yet. For example, those three words that make up the Drop Targets? They’re puzzle pieces that haven’t been activated. They will be once you start moving around. “Now, look down the middle of the playfield. That’s a ninety-foot drop to the Out Hole and a big no-no because if you do, it’s game over. You’ll drain out of the machine. Worse, we don’t know where that hole leads. Could be a bottomless pit.” Sasha said the last sentence offhandedly. Aki wasn’t sure if he was speaking figuratively or literally. “Ri-i-i-ght,” Aki said. “So, jump all over the place while ignoring the background noise. Follow

“Abel...please.” And, she found Abel holding her hand in a split second. “I don't know what happened in the past with Molly's dad and I don't want to know. I want you to give yourself a chance. Another chance to experience what's it like to date someone again. To feel loved because I love you Madeline. And, if you would give me a chance to show you, you won't get hurt because I would never think of ever hurting you.” His eyes were genuine as he said those words firmly without breaking.

And at times when you're too weak, I'll be your strength. We're a team. You need not to face a storm alone cause I'll always be with you. I love you with extreme certainty, Maze Johnson-Thornton. We still have one wedding left. But for now, I want you to take my hand and begin again. Let's love each other, all over again." THE END

One wrong move, and it would all be over. And then, just when I thought all was lost, I got a bonus life span – a second chance to turn the game around. I took a deep breath, focusing on the screen as I launched a desperate bid to take down my opponent. The crowd was on its feet, cheering and chanting my name. But my opponent was not to be underestimated. He countered with a vicious attack, taking out a huge chunk of my health. I was down to my last life, and I knew I had to make it count. I summoned every last ounce of skill and strategy, launching a final, desperate assault on my opponent.

I grin, stirring the dregs of my whiskey. They have no idea what's coming. Not yet. But soon. Very soon. They'll see— The game is far from over. It's only just altered.