Back to the present.
Alex sat chained down, surrounded by dozens of players.
The thick metallic bindings glowed with a faint, eerie purple light—pulsating with magical energy.
A sealing spell.
Alex let out a slow breath and tensed his muscles, testing the strength of the restraints.
The chains didn't budge.
They weren't something he could break with brute force.
His grin widened.
Good.
He had just the thing for situations like this.
Lifting his head, his gaze locked onto the man standing in front of him—Ethan.
A smug grin plastered across Ethan's face.
And just behind him—Katie.
Half-hidden.
Their eyes met for a brief second.
Then—she looked away.
A flicker of emotion stirred within him.
Memories surfaced—moments they had shared, conversations, laughter…
But he clenched his jaw.
And shook his head.
Those were all a lie.
The truth was right in front of him.
Alex exhaled slowly, his eyes scanning the faces around him.
Greedy. Cautious. Uncertain.
