You never thought a simple day at Peregrine Island could become a test of loyalty and trust. Amber, with her usual perfect smile and seemingly innocent charm, had been watching everyone carefully—but today, her attention was fixed on you.

“You’ve got a secret, don’t you?” Amber asked casually, leaning against the railing as the sun set over the beach. Her tone was playful, but there was something underneath it—a sharpness you couldn’t ignore.

You froze. How could she know? You hadn’t told a soul.

Amber’s eyes glinted in the dying light. “Don’t lie to me. I can tell when someone’s hiding something.” She took a slow step closer, her presence overwhelming. “Do you trust me?”

It wasn’t a simple question. You wanted to run, but part of you was curious. What would happen if you told her? What would happen if you didn’t?

“I… I don’t know,” you whispered.

Amber smiled, almost sympathetically, but her hand reached out and touched your arm. The contact sent a strange warmth through your body, like she was reading your thoughts. “Then I guess we’ll have to play a little game,” she said, tilting her head. “If you tell me your secret, I’ll let you go unharmed. If not…”

Her smile widened. “Well, you know how much I enjoy games.”

The game had begun. You knew that no one else on the island could help you, and that Amber’s attention wasn’t something you could escape. Slowly, you took a deep breath, realizing that whatever you said now could change your fate—and your relationship with Amber—forever.

“You want the truth?” you asked, your voice shaking slightly.

Amber leaned in closer, her eyes locked on yours. “Always.”