Nightmare Game
Copyright© 2025 by CaffeinatedTales
Chapter 31
Sure enough, knocking echoed later, almost certainly the one-eyed monster from the game room the previous night.
Ethan knew locking the door and pretending no one was there would keep him safe from it, so he didn’t worry much.
The fourth day arrived quickly. Serena showed up, wanting to discuss their next steps.
“Ethan, what do we do now?” She looked anxious. “Our group’s shrinking fast. I don’t know how we’ll last the next four days.”
“Easy,” Ethan said, eyeing her thoughtfully. He was well aware of her acting skills. “Actually, my investigation’s nearing the end. I might uncover the castle’s secrets by tomorrow.”
“Oh...?” Serena seemed less surprised than flustered, but she quickly masked it with a sweet smile.
“That’s great, Ethan. Is there anything I can help with?”
“Hmm...” He considered for a moment. “No need. It could be dangerous, and I wouldn’t want you getting in over your head.”
“Speaking of which, you mentioned Lucas before? I think he might really be a spy sent by the castle’s monsters.”
Serena’s expression turned odd, but she nodded along.
“I’ve thought that too. Have you found anything?”
“Lily was probably his doing.”
Ethan told her about the card Bella had left him. Serena’s already strange look grew darker.
From his account, it was easy to infer Lucas had used the card to frame Lily. But what was his motive? Could he truly be linked to the monsters?
“He might be hiding some secrets himself. He’s dangerous.”
Ethan went on. “I’ll do more digging today. In the meantime, could you keep an eye on him for me, make sure he doesn’t interfere?”
“Sure, of course.” Serena agreed hastily.
“That’s it for today, then. Stay safe.”
They parted ways after the talk. Ethan kept up the pretense with her mainly to let the two of them check each other.
Right now, the three sides each had their own agendas, creating a delicate balance.
Serena’s easiest target was him, but if she took him out, she’d face Lucas alone. She didn’t know his full story, and any slip could put her at a disadvantage. That cunning woman knew how to weigh risks.
Lucas’s position and goals were still unclear, but using her to probe might yield results.
Most importantly, this setup let him investigate solo, without the risk of them ambushing him mid-search.
After breakfast in the dining room, he recalled the routines he’d noted for the castle’s inhabitants over the past days.
Butler and the maid stuck to schedules, heading to specific spots at set times, easy to predict.
The master and mistress had been harder to track, but since Bella’s death, they spent more daytime in the hall, which worked in his favor for sneaking in.
Once he confirmed they were both there, Ethan slipped back to the second floor and headed to the master’s room on the left.
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