The Status Game Novels & Stories

“Where no one drags you to an altar because of what you are. Where you learn to use your strength to protect, not to pay debts, you never agreed to.” I glanced at the clock. Time to shift. “Okay,” I said briskly. “History sermon over. Let’s play.” A chorus of delighted, confused noises met that. “Game,” Naomi translated, popping up with a bag of something. “Consent game. Who knows what that means?” Hands shot up. Half of them said, in unison, “Ask first.” We moved into practical. No one touches your tail without asking. No one reads your feelings through the bond without permission.

Then stopped as if remembering something. " But if he's called off the bet, how the hell are we going to know if he really has feelings for you?" She asked. I pondered on it for a while and thats when I smirked. " Just because a player quits doesn't mean the game's over." I said and stared ahead. Ariana watched me keenly. " And what do you have in mind?" She asked menacingly. I chuckled. " Its a game right?" " Right." " Then we keep on playing...." I said and glanced at her. She grinned wildly and hugged me tightly.

They never dreamed that the game could be played like that. Looking at their shocked and terrified expressions, Jack smiled in satisfaction. “You all know the game, now let me explain the rules of the game. Your wrists, ankles, and necks each have a metal ring. I believe that you’ve watched the previous live broadcasts. There’s a miniature bomb inside, which is enough to break your necks. The key to opening it is placed behind the game. Also, in this game, your feet are free, but you cannot move your body. If this happens, it will be considered a foul. and the price of a foul is elimination!”

I exhaled slowly, the weight of it settling into my chest like cold water. The game was larger than we'd assumed. The stakes high enough that proximity to power had become a battlefield in itself. Provisional. The word echoed in my mind, bouncing around like a marble in an empty room. Not members. Not trusted. Not yet permanent. Which meant we were expendable. Which meant so was he. "Name," Rowan said into the phone. His tone had shifted, less accusation now, more demand. "If you want us playing this board, you stop moving pieces without telling us their identities."

Kensington asked. I glanced at Isabella. "I'm no expert," I said with a polite smile, "but I'd be delighted to join." We moved to the opulent game room—scents of exotic wood and expensive tobacco hanging in the air. The stakes were ridiculous—a single round was ten thousand credits. Miranda—Isabella—leaned closer. "Do you actually know how to play?" I smiled. "Don't worry. I'll make sure the ladies leave satisfied." Truth be told, I was mediocre at Mahjong. But I knew exactly why I was here. This game wasn't about me—it was about keeping Isabella's wealthy friends entertained. And if I could drain Isabella's coffers in the process? Even better.

The moment his fingers touched the clasp, Charlotte said, "Keep wearing it." Then she looked at me. "Whoever won it gets to keep it." I let out a soft laugh. The whole room fell silent. Charlotte's eyes turned cold. Lyra frowned. "George, we were just playing a game. Why do you have to make things so awkward?" Then she stepped in front of Connor. Her voice stayed gentle, but her words carried a warning. "Connor has always been insecure. He's finally happy today. Can't you just let him have this?"

“The stakes here are not fair.” “How is it not fair? You keep telling me to leave you alone even though your body doesn’t think so. Now I’m giving you a chance to actually make me leave you alone. All you have to do is choose any game of your choice and win.” Dominique is calm as he watches me intently. “You know, you’re at a more advantage here. You get to choose the game and it could be anything you want. Chess, pool, whatever you want.”

A smirk crossed his lips again. “How about we play a little game, mi reina?” A game? What kind of game was he talking about? As if he could hear the questions that crossed my mind, he added. “You count to a hundred. When you get to a hundred, try to stop me. If you still want to stop me when you get to a hundred, I will gladly leave you alone. Deal?” I swallowed hard and nodded again. “Deal.” “Good girl.” His grin widened. “Start counting now.”

He added, making me blush more. “Hands off.” The guy said, raising his hands, with a smile. We sat on warm blankets in a circle, and I couldn’t help feeling excited. “We’re going to play short game before joining the people in the living room.” Tray announced, and the girls seemed interested. “Don’t you notice we’re exactly five men, and five women?” He asked, darkly, and I looked around, just as everyone else was doing. “The winner of these three games will get to buy something they want. Whether it’s a house, or a brand new car, or a swimming pool, or luxury clothing. You get it as long as you win.” He said, flashing Lucas’ card, and they all clapped hard, getting excited.

“N-No, it's nothing important. I was just saying that there's no need for us to think too much about these things. Maybe it's best to go with the flow.” Seeing her stubborn expression, I was just about to give up on the matter when an idea suddenly popped up on my mind. “Alright, Catalina," I leaned back in my chair, letting a lazy smirk tug at my lips. “Since we’re not getting anywhere like this, how about we play a game?” “A game?” She asked, her brows rose with suspicion. “No way. You are definitely up to something and I'm not going to fall for it.” “C'mon, it's simple,” I insisted. “In this game, we ask each other questions. If anyone gets it wrong, then we strip a piece of clothing. Tha