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HALLIE

I ’m a trembling mess. My body is an inferno, but inside? I’m cold as fucking ice.

I was so close to losing everything there. And in a way, I did. I came so hard. Whoever had control of that toy knew how to play me.

And I feel disgusting. Like I’ve betrayed Conan and myself. I might have gained a sliver of freedom, yet it’s only trapped me inside my own mental hell harder.

I stumble towards the table to catch my breath.

Everything is becoming a fucking blur. Why are they doing this?

The guard strides over to me and hands me a bottle of water. I snatch it out of his ginormous hands and pull the bottom of my mask up.

Oh my god, it feels so good to breathe in just air.

That sauna was so claustrophobic in the mask, I’m surprised I didn’t pass out. The distraction from the toy was my only savior there.

I gulp it down in one go. The nicest water I’ve ever drank.

It’s eerily quiet. My heavy breathing is the only noise.

I don’t want to leave this cabin. It feels safe here.

I should be elated. I'm through to the next round, another step towards winning. But all that consumes me is dread.

Being chased. Fighting to survive.

I could die.

The guard opens the front door, and a gush of cold air envelops me, making me shiver.

Taking a deep breath, I walk out of here and back into the dark night, following this stranger into the depths of the woods.

Not a single word is exchanged. I have nothing to say to him. Because, what I’ve realized is, if I could, I would kill him with my bare hands.

Does that make me a monster too? Just like the ones who run this game.

Are we all just evil deep down?

I shake my head. I know I’m not. I try to be a good person. Even when my world is ripped apart.

But the woman who walks out of here, if she ever does, is not going to be the same Hallie that entered.