Page 120 of Heartless Legacy

Finn says, “I’ve been bored lately. Maybe this challenge will be more exciting than the last ones. I’m in. I accept the challenge.”

Pax is silent. He must be thinking through his options, trying to see how to use this to his advantage. The man on the intercom says, “Mr. Cox, if you do not wish to participate, you are free to go.” The door we entered through opens, and the voice says, “You may bring in the next candidate.”

Pax says, “I’m not leaving my friends.”

“I’d be more willing to believe you if you hadn’t already shown you’re disloyal to them. Go on. I’m sure your companion is wondering where you are.”

Finn and I both look at Pax because the voice on the intercom has a point. Pax has proven that he doesn’t give a shit about us. It honestly surprises me when he says, “I accept the challenge.”

There’s a pause before the voice asks, “Will you sacrifice your greatest possession for the truth?”

None of us answer. No challenge has ever required us to give up something for information. I say, “You’re offering us a supposed truth, meaning something we know or think is a lie. Is this a lie told to us, or a lie we’re telling ourselves, and how big is this lie?”

“Does it matter which way the lie was delivered or its size? All lies have the ability to wreak havoc in our lives.” There’s another beat of silence before the voice repeats, “Will you give up your greatest possession for the truth?”

Finn asks, “How do we know which high value item we have to give up? A ratty autographed t-shirt might mean more to someone than a car.”

“The thing will be of equal value to each of you. It’s a possession you already share. It’s what has allowed you to win all this time.”

Pax boasts, “We win because we’re The Trium and we’re the best.”

The truth hits me as soon as the words are out of his mouth. That’s exactly what we share of equal value. Pride. We’ve all been told since childhood that no one can compete with us. It’s our legacy to lead. We’re always right, even when we’re wrong. That’s sharpened our egos to outrageous proportions. “It’s pride.” I say. “The thing we all share is pride.”

Pax smirks. “You want us to confess we’re prideful for this so-called truth?”

Finn shrugs. “Sounds easy enough.”

“Is it?” The voice asks. “Do you know who your ego has hurt the most? Have you ever admitted it to yourself? Will you be able to humble yourself, no matter what it costs you?”

Appearing weak will cost us a lot. It will shatter the premise of our power. Pride always comes before the fall. This is why he had us accept the challenge before hearing the terms. I immediately want to retract my participation, which would only prove his point.

The man’s words and meaning are clear.SomethingI know is a lie. I want that truth. Does being powerful really matter? Does beingthe bestmatter? Right now, it’s the thing that’s keeping me from having exactly what I want. Power and the things I’ve done in the name of The Truim, the things I’ve accepted from my so-called friend, are keeping me from havingwhoI want. So instead of withdrawing my participation, I repeat the words I’ve already spoken. “I accept the challenge.”

Pax

I don’t understand the decision Holden’s just made. This man we haven’t even seen is telling us to fail. I’ve never failed at anything in my life. My father doesn’t allow it. At least this time, Finn’s hesitating just like I am. He’s staring up at the vents on the ceiling. Probably imagining crawling through them. When I turn to Holden, he’s not looking at either of us. His attention is on the door across the room.

The faceless voice rushed me along the last time, but he’s silent now. We’re fighting to get things back to normal. I can’t let Holden down. He wants to do this challenge, it won’t be alone. The words rush out of me. “I accept the challenge.”

Holden’s shoulders sag when Finn finally answers. “I still accept the challenge.”

The voice says, “Gentleman. There are four parts to this challenge, each made up of obstacles, riddles, or tasks you must overcome together and alone. This isn’t about winning. It’s about honesty. The completion of each part earns you a part of the truth.”

“You expect us to lose each one?” I ask, seeking clarification.

“What’s losing a few games compared to what you will win in the end?” The door we entered through opens again, and the voice says, “Good luck, gentleman.”

The guard escorts us back to the hall with the rooms where Holden, Finn and I were kept. As I’m turning to ask how long they’re gonna keep us here, a pinching feeling blooms through the side of my neck.

My head jerks forward, jolting me awake. My stomach rolls from the sudden movement. How much did I drink last night? My eyes are crusty as I open them. The first thing I see isthe barren landscape of the abandoned drive-in theater where I race. It looks different without the cars and bodies lined up around the makeshift track. The memory of what happened comes rushing back to me.

Groaning, I reach for my phone. According to the time, we were held for twelve hours. I text the group chat, making sure the guys are okay. They respond that they’ve been dumped at the place they were taken from as well.

On the drive to campus, I think about what happened and what we agreed to. I’m pretty sure I made a mistake, but I can’t back out now. There’s coffee waiting for me when I get to Holden’s room. He lets me get a sip in before saying, “I’m sure you guys are probably having second thoughts about this.”

“You’re not?”

“I am.” He admits. “It’s scary. We’ve never lost to anyone but each other. My dad. All of our dads are gonna freak out.”

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