Chapter 25 – The Party Game
Sam's POV
Dorm 9 didn’t just smell like sweat and cheap cologne that night—it smelled like trouble.
By the time I stepped into the common area, music was already thumping against the walls, bass rattling through the floorboards. Red cups were everywhere, beer bottles lined the table like soldiers, and half the guys were already shouting over each other.
“Sam!” one of the boys called, waving me over. “You’re late.”
I shoved my hands in my hoodie pocket, trying to keep my nerves from showing. “Didn’t know there was a time limit.”
“Everything’s got rules here, rookie,” another guy snickered, shoving a cup in my hand. “Drink up.”
The liquid inside sloshed golden under the cheap lighting. I didn’t even need to taste it to know it was strong. Too strong.
Declan leaned against the wall across the room, watching me. He had that smug smile on his face, the kind that made my skin crawl. His voice cut through the noise.
“Don’t tell me you’re afraid, Hale.”
I forced a smirk. “Not my first drink.”
“Good,” he said smoothly. “Because it’s game night.”
The room erupted in cheers. Some of the guys started clearing the center table, shouting for cards, dice, bottles—anything they could use.
Elias slid up beside me, his shoulder brushing mine. “Don’t drink too fast,” he muttered.
I shot him a sideways glance. “Why? Worried about me?”
His jaw tightened. “Just don’t.”
Before I could respond, someone banged on the table. “Alright! First round—Truth or Chug!”
Groans and laughter filled the room.
One of the seniors explained: “Simple rules. You’re asked a question. You either answer honestly, or you drink until the timer’s up. No half-truths, no dodging.”
“And if you refuse both?” I asked, playing dumb.
The guy grinned wickedly. “Then the group makes up your punishment. Trust me, you don’t want that.”
“Great,” I muttered under my breath.
Declan smirked and clapped his hands. “Let’s start with our new roommate, shall we? Hale, you’re up.”
The spotlight hit me like a punch. All eyes turned my way.
“Alright,” I said, forcing my voice steady. “Shoot.”
A guy leaned forward, grinning. “Ever kissed anyone before?”
The group howled with laughter, like middle schoolers. My ears burned, but I forced a laugh. “Yeah. Next.”
“Ever slept with anyone?” another voice chimed.
“Drink!” someone shouted before I could even answer, and the cup was shoved into my hand.
I raised it, forcing myself to gulp. The burn was immediate, fierce, but I didn’t flinch.
“Not bad, Hale,” Declan drawled, lifting his own cup. “But it gets harder from here.”
The questions kept coming, nastier, sharper. Some were stupid: favorite band, biggest fear. Others dug deeper.
“Why’d you transfer here?”
“What’s your biggest secret?”
“Who do you hate the most?”
Each time, I dodged with a drink, my stomach twisting tighter.
By the third round, my head buzzed, and the room felt too warm.
Declan leaned closer from across the table, eyes glinting. “Alright, Hale. Tell us—have you ever wanted to kill someone?”
The laughter that followed was sharp, cutting.
My throat dried instantly. Images of my sister flashed in my mind. Her broken smile. Her whispered pleas. The promise I made at her grave.
My pulse thundered. If I said yes, I’d draw suspicion. If I said no, it’d be a lie.
Elias suddenly slammed his cup on the table. “Enough, Declan. That’s not a game question.”
Declan tilted his head, smirk widening. “What’s the matter, Cross? Afraid of the answer?”
“Or afraid Hale can’t handle it?” one of the others taunted.
The circle erupted in chants. “Answer! Answer! Answer!”
I swallowed hard, forcing a shaky smile. “Guess I’ll drink.”
I tipped the cup back, the burn almost unbearable this time. My eyes watered, but I didn’t stop until the guys cheered, pounding on the table.
Declan’s gaze lingered on me, sharp and calculating, like he was peeling me open layer by layer.
By the time the game shifted to something called “Kings,” my vision blurred at the edges.
“Rule card!” one of the guys shouted, slapping the deck. “Declan, make the rule.”
Declan grinned. “Easy. Every time you lie, you drink.”
The group howled in approval. My stomach sank.
He turned his gaze on me again. “Hale. Your turn. Ever thought one of us was… dangerous?”
The room went quiet. Every eye pinned me.
Elias’ gaze burned into me, like he was silently telling me to be careful.
My mouth was dry. My heart pounded. If I said no, I’d have to drink. If I said yes, I’d paint a target on my back.
I opened my mouth—
A hand slapped the table, breaking the tension. “Spin the bottle time!” one of the guys yelled, already pulling an empty bottle from the floor.
The mood shifted instantly. Laughter. Shouts. Everyone jostled for position.
My chest unclenched, but barely. Declan’s eyes never left me.
We sat in a sloppy circle. The bottle spun, clinking across the wood, pointing from one victim to another. The dares grew bolder—kiss, drink, strip.
When it finally landed on me, the group whooped.
“Kiss or drink!” someone yelled.
I froze. My disguise. My secret. My whole cover balanced on this moment.
Declan’s smirk widened. “Well, Hale? Who’s it gonna be?”
The bottle gleamed under the light, pointing straight at Elias.
Elias’ jaw tightened. His eyes flicked to mine, unreadable.
The group chanted louder, voices crashing over me. “Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!”
My stomach flipped. My pulse roared in my ears. If I refused, suspicion. If I agreed…
Declan leaned forward, eyes alight with cruel amusement. “Show us what you’ve got, Hale.”
And just like that, the whole room waited.