Page 127 of Alice Chen's Reality Check

[Footage: Alice dives into the volcano.]

CHASE DE LANCEY:Alice? Alice!

DAWN TAYLOR:What the hell was that? Why did she jump in?

CHASE DE LANCEY:Uh…does this mean I win?

LEAH GLEESON [OFF-CAMERA]:Peter’s saying that it doesn’t count. It was a test. You’re both supposed to jump in together, or not jump in at all.

CHASE DE LANCEY:Oh. Should I jump now?

LEAH GLEESON [OFF-CAMERA]:If you want to. Wait, actually, hang on—

[Footage: Ava pulls herself to the top of the volcano and hoists Noah up behind her.]

AVA DAWSON:Hey, is there going to be a consolation prize? That’s standard for finalists, and I think it’s only fair—wait, where’s Alice?

DAWN TAYLOR:Should I just—? The whole thing? Again?

LEAH GLEESON [OFF-CAMERA]:Yeah, I think so. Anyone got eyes on Lex? Lava’s messing with our sound—

[Footage: Dawn Taylor turns around to greet Ava and Noah.]

DAWN TAYLOR:Congratulations, Ava and Noah. You made it to the summit first. Now I know the two of you have been through hell to get here. But I’m afraid your trials aren’t over yet. The theme of this challenge is, as you know, treachery. And I have decided that there can only be one winner in my inferno. The first person to toss their partner into the volcano wins…and gets one million dollars!

AVA DAWSON:And if we don’t, we get nothing?

DAWN TAYLOR:That’s right, babes. Nothing. Zilch. Nada.

[Footage: Close-up of Ava and Noah whispering to each other.]

NOAH WATSON:Ava, we worked so hard for this. Just do it. Throw me in. Take the money.

AVA DAWSON:No, you dork. It’s clearly a test. We’re supposed to say we don’t want the money, or whatever.

[Footage: Pan of the volcano as Ava takes Noah’s hand.]

AVA DAWSON:Noah, we did this together. I don’t want the money if it means I have to betray you. All the riches in the world aren’t worth anything without you.

NOAH WATSON:I…I love you, Ava. You’re my whole world. If it means having to betray you, then I don’t want the money either.

AVA DAWSON:Is that it? Do we win?

DAWN TAYLOR:You won! Congrats.

DAWN TAYLOR:Bryan, where the fuck have you been, and why do you look like roadkill? Hurry up and set me up for the season finale!

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Hell Is an Explosive Finale

We sprint back through the tunnel until we get to the trapdoor Daniel found. But when we get to the base of the volcano, it’s deserted.

Ava, Noah, and Chase are still at the top of volcano with Dawn and the camera crew. Loud victory music is blaring.

“Chase!CHASE!” I scream at the top of my lungs. But it’s no good. There’s no way they can hear us from up there, especially with the music playing.

“We have to get to the top,” I tell Daniel. He’s eyeing the volcano.

---