Page 24 of The Wishing Game

I slowly lift my gaze, blinking as I take in the owner of the voice.

She's around my age, but she has the most stunning pair of dark blue eyes I've ever seen, contrasted with the fiery red of her hair. She's wearing a pair of black high-waisted jeans and a yellow crop top that accentuate her hourglass figure—well, at least someone else is dressed in mundane clothing.

She gives me a beaming smile as she awaits my answer.

The girl is so pretty, it's hard not to be blinded by it. And I'm not the only one noticing, as everyone around is staring at her as if in a trance.

"Yes, of course. Sorry, I didn't mean to stare," I mention as I pat the seat next to me for her to join me. "You've got lovely eyes."

"Aren't you a sweetheart?" She smiles at me. "Thank you."

"I'm sure you're used to people telling you that."

"They rarely dare," she mutters under her breath.

I flutter my lashes in confusion.

"I have an overprotective brother." She waves her hand dismissively as if that's what all brothers do. "I'm Thea, by the way. What's your name?"

"Lucero." I smile warmly. "But you can call me Luce."

"Nice to meet you, Luce. Are you ready for the big adventure?" She squeals excitedly.

"Uhm... What big adventure?" I ask warily.

"What? The Game, of course! We're here for the Game!" She presses her hands together as she directs her gaze to the empty stage. "It's going to start soon."

"What Game?" I frown.

She suddenly sobers up as she turns to me.

"You don't know?"

I shake my head slowly.

"Then why are you here?"

"I couldn't get rid of the invitation." I strain a smile. I can't very well tell her I'm on the run from the police, can I? At least this is a half-truth.

"Odd. That's not how it usually happens."

"What happens?"

"Never mind." She shakes her head. "It's a game of wishes. You were specifically chosen to compete for the chance of getting your wish fulfilled."

"I don't understand."

"You will." She winks at me. "Soon enough, everything will make sense."

That sounds ominous. Is this some type of organ harvesting ring? Did they lure us out here because of our medical history? I've just gotten out of the hospital. It would have been so easy for them to get my medical records. It wouldn't be the first time I've heard of something like this, where they lure unsuspecting—usually desperate people—with the promise of wealth, only for them to never be heard from again.

Anxiety prickles under my skin as all my senses become high on alert.

Oh, good God, did I escape a murder attempt just to be dissected for my organs?

My palms become clammy as I keep a forced smile on my face, all the while planning for an exit. From what I can see from my angle, the only way out is through the door I came in. But there should be some type of emergency exit, no? Aren't there regulations for clubs to have multiple exits?

"So what's your wish?" Thea continues happily, not noticing my darkening mood or my slow descent into a full-blown panic attack.

---