Chapter 8 Chapter 8.

(Lucian)

Just as my name was called out, I looked at her, catching the shock and disappointment flitting across her face before she quickly recomposed herself. Our eyes locked for a brief moment, and I couldn’t resist flashing her a wink—a small, playful provocation. I watched as she averted her gaze, she was definitely provoked.

Turning away, I encountered Mr. Lover Boy's hostile glare directed at me. I smirked, unfazed, and shifted my focus to Tina. But I didn’t dare linger, sensing that any attention on her could spark another wave of drama.

“Congratulations to those whose names have been called. Please wait behind for further information.” Sia’s voice cut through the uncertainty like a blade.

“To the rest of you whose names weren’t called, thank you for your interest in the game. We’re sorry to inform you that we cannot continue with you in this session, but you’re welcome to apply again in the future,” she added, her tone laden with professional politeness.

Disappointment washed over those who hadn’t made the cut, their faces falling like autumn leaves.

“Please remember to collect your packages from the security guards on your way out. It’s a token of our gratitude for your interest,” Sia continued.

As the unselected contestants began to filter out, our group of twenty remained behind, adrenaline and anticipation buzzing in the air.

“Now, esteemed contestants, please follow our staff to the game house,” Sia instructed, gesturing to a pair of staff members who stepped forward with practiced smiles.

Everyone grabbed their luggage, but I followed without any; I hadn’t expected to end up here. Yet, despite the abruptness of it all, the thrill of the whole situation loomed large in my mind.

As we were led out of the reception area through a beautifully adorned lobby, I could see the anticipation grow within the group. The moment we stepped outside, a soft gasp rippled through us.

Before us lay a compound that seemed pulled from the pages of a fantasy novel. The garden was perfectly manicured—lush green lawns spread out like a flawless carpet, bordered by rows of blooming roses, white lilies, and exotic flowers ablaze with color. Towering palm trees punctuated the landscape, instilling a resort-like ambiance.

The air smelled of jasmine and freshly mowed grass, mixing with the faint scent of rain even though the skies were clear. In the center of it all stood the mansion, an architectural masterpiece.

The mansion was massive, three stories high, with dark glass windows that gleamed under the sunlight like polished obsidian. Its design was a flawless blend of modern luxury and gothic elegance. The walls were covered in sleek black and silver panels, with intricate carvings etched subtly into the structure like secrets waiting to be discovered. Two grand staircases spiraled along both sides of the front porch, leading to a wide double-door entrance made of thick, carved wood inlaid with gold.

Columns framed the building, not just for support, but for grandeur. A water fountain stood at the center of the compound—marble white, shaped like a phoenix rising, its wings outstretched, water cascading from its beak in glittering arcs.

The mansion’s presence was powerful. Intimidating. A statement.

And from the way everyone stood, whispering in awe, it was clear none of them expected this level of luxury. But me? I wasn’t impressed. Power doesn’t awe me, it follows me.

Still, I felt her gaze again. I turned just in time to catch her eyes trailing over the mansion, a flicker of wonder in them before she caught me watching. Her face went blank again. Good. She was trying hard not to react. I liked that.

“Welcome to your new home,” the male staff said, gesturing toward the mansion with a practiced smile. “This is the game house. You’ll be staying here for the duration of the contest.”

Hushed whispers began flying around.

'This is the game house?"

"Such a paradise as a game house?"

"We'll live here?"

The staff moved toward the mansion and people began moving again, dragging their luggage behind them as we walked toward the mansion.

The moment we stepped through the towering double doors, another wave of awe swept over the group. The interior of the mansion was beyond anything they had imagined, every corner dripped with opulence.

We walked into a grand foyer with ceilings that soared three stories high. A massive chandelier hung from the center, shaped like a twisting galaxy of golden stars, its crystals catching the light and scattering it across the marble floor in thousands of fragments. The floor itself was a work of art, pure white marble veined with streaks of silver, polished to a mirror shine.

To the right, a sweeping staircase curved upward in an elegant arc, its black wrought-iron railings designed with intricate spirals and gold filigree. The left side mirrored it perfectly. Between them was a lounge area, sunken slightly into the floor, with plush velvet couches in deep emerald and royal blue. A large fireplace, modern yet regal, took up most of the far wall, flames crackling behind glass panels.

Tall archways led off the main foyer into various wings of the house, each guarded by statues—some Greek, some abstract, all imposing. The walls were decorated with massive paintings, some classical, others dark and surreal, the kind that made you feel watched.

Golden sconces lit the hallways, their soft glow giving everything a warm, otherworldly feel. The air was scented faintly with sandalwood and something else, maybe oud. Rich, exotic, intoxicating.

Just as everyone was getting lost in their admiration, Sia's voice rang out from the screen, clear and inviting. "Welcome, everyone!"

They all jumped on their feet in surprise, caught off guard by her sudden presence.

A man held his chest, struggling to catch his breath as he stared at the screen. "Hey, why do you have to pop out every time like that?" he exclaimed, the shock still palpable in his voice.

"Oh, I'm sorry if I frightened you," Sia replied, her tone light but with a hint of amusement.

"Wait," a lady stepped forward, brow furrowed with curiosity. "Does that mean you're everywhere and can see everything? Even in our bedrooms?" Her question hung in the air, and the group turned to Sia, anticipation brimming.

"I'm only here to oversee your activities; I will not interfere in your personal affairs," Sia replied, a calm smile on her face.

A wave of incredulous scoffs, eye-rolling, and murmurs spread through the room. It was evident this wasn’t the response they had anticipated.

"The question only needed a yes or a no, not the further confusion you just stirred," another lady chimed in, disappointment etched across her features.

"There are bedrooms on the next floor. Please get settled in and rest for a while. The game commences in approximately three hours," Sia announced, gracefully brushing aside the tension.

With that, everyone began to move toward the grand staircases on either side, excitement mingling with uncertainty. I trailed closely behind her, watching her as she approached one of the doors. When she stopped, I instinctively grabbed the doorknob, blocking her path.

She let out a weary sigh, her patience wearing thin. "Move aside; I'm not in the mood to get angry right now."

I stood my ground, looking down at her petite figure, a smirk creeping onto my lips. There was something delightfully entertaining about her feistiness.

She returned my gaze, a subtle glare dancing in her eyes. "Move aside," she repeated, her voice sharp this time.

"This is my room," I finally countered.

"How so? We just arrived at this house, and I got here first. How is this your room?" she shot back, arms crossing defiantly over her chest.

"That's none of your business ," I replied, unfazed by her challenge. "All you need to know is that..." I leaned in closer, lowering myself to her height. "...I want this

room..." I paused, letting the tension build as our eyes locked. "...and I want you."