Chapter 83

Ethan’s heart sank. Her plan was a masterstroke of cruelty. Five people, one sacrifice, and the rest breeze through with minimal risk.

She’d even dangled a carrot: Ethan might survive the first chest. Someone had to go first—why not him?

Even standing in their shoes, Ethan could feel the logic’s pull. Why wouldn’t they turn on him?

But why him? Was he a bigger threat than someone with a Blessing? Or was it something else? Her chaotic stare felt hollow, like she wasn’t seeing him but something through him, something that chilled his bones.

The real problem was the trap. Defending himself was a losing game—proclaiming his value would only make them resent him.

He needed an ally, someone to vouch for him, to shift the tide. But after just four days together, who’d stick their neck out? His death served their survival.

To live, he had to change their minds and find someone willing to take the first chest. All in six minutes. Impossible.

His mind raced. Oliver was his closest ally, clearly banking on Ethan’s strength to escape this place. Bennett and Wesley? They’d bonded somewhat yesterday, but would they back him now? Hazel? Barely a acquaintance, not someone to count on.