Page 52

HALLIE

I remain frozen in place. My life is on the damn line, and I need to concentrate on what this robotic voice is telling me.

I’m thinking of this like a race.

“Phase one will start as soon as you enter the woods, as you are the last contestant. The first eight girls to find a key must then find the cabin with the corresponding number to the key. The two losing contestants shall be eliminated. Once inside, you will find your challenges to complete. And remember, this is crafted to test your survival skills in various ways, but also to open your eyes to the rush and the kinks that can come alongside that. Don’t hold back.

Let your primal fantasies come to life. We were animals put on this earth, and that’s how we behave here. ”

The robotic voice altering is terrifying. Only adding to the fear running through me.

Closing my eyes, I recite the rules: find the key, find the cabin to match the number.

“As for rules on finding the keys: You are now all hunters for this phase. You may fight your way to a key, but you must not harm the other contestants beyond what is reasonable. Weapons are not permitted. Remember, you are always being watched in Decadence. You break that rule, you shall be eliminated.”

I’m a nurse. I dedicate my life to trying to save people. The thought of killing someone makes me feel sick. But I’m not a fighter either. I’m fit, I’m strong.

But if it really comes down to me against them, what am I really capable of?

I’m on my own here. I have no Conan and Lily fighting in my corner.

“Do you understand so far? Nod or shake your head.” The voice breaks me back to reality.

I nod my head slowly.

“Very good. Should you find your key and cabin, inside you will find instructions for your challenges. You will be watched by a guard. Say your safe word, and you’ll be removed and eliminated from The Chase. Successfully complete them, and you will be taken to phase two.”

I open my mouth to speak, locking eyes with the guard who shakes his head.

“Eager to hear?” The voice chuckles.

I clench my fists. This is fucking sick and twisted. I’m angry and also confused. I’m just a cardiac nurse who lives with her dog. What have I done to deserve this?

“Phase two is where I enter The Chase. You’ll spend the night in the woods. Survive. That’s all you need to do. Rest, recover, and get ready for nightfall. Because that is when I will be hunting my prey. If I catch you…” He takes a purposeful pause.

I get the gist.

I swallow the bile rising in my throat. I can’t imagine another man inside of me other than Conan. All that means is I cannot be caught.

“The contestant who is last to be caught, or remains to be, will be the winner of The Chase.”

How is this legal?

Tears threaten to erupt. Less than three hours ago, I was the happiest I’ve been in years. Life was falling into place. And now? Now it’s going up in flames.

All I can do is try not to end up in the ashes.

“You’re never alone in the woods of Decadence. Even in phase one. Show me your skills to survive. I want to see your hunger to live.”

I look down at the flimsy green lace bodysuit I have on, down to the black lace-up boots. Like some sort of sexy military getup.

I’m hoping this is all a fucking nightmare I wake up from soon. This cannot be reality.

“Good luck, Contestant Ten. Hopefully, I’ll see you in phase two, and I’ll be chasing you soon.”

My eyes flutter closed, picturing being in the woods with Conan. How good that felt. How alive I was with him.

The thought of never seeing him again is so excruciating, but it’s also my fuel.

I will win this game.

I will find Conan.

And we will burn this place to the ground.