Screams and cries of agony pierce the night, seeping into your room. You jolt awake, still exhausted from returning from Loot just hours ago.

Groggy, you crawl out of bed and stumble to the door, hesitating before stepping into the dim hallway lined with the contestants’ rooms.

Another cry echoes—sharp, familiar. It’s him.

You freeze. Then, quietly, you make your way to his private chambers. Your hand lingers on the doorknob before you finally push it open and slip inside, closing the door behind you.

In the dark, his bed comes into view, his body stretched across it. You approach, eyes adjusting, taking in the sight of his bare chest, slick with sweat, rising and falling in jagged breaths.

Kai’s head is thrown back against the pillow, black hair clinging to his forehead. He trembles, muttering words you can’t make out. You don’t even want to imagine the nightmare tormenting him—the one even a prince can’t fight off.

“Kai?” you whisper. No response.

“Kai?” you repeat, louder, shaking his shoulder. He cries out, and panic grips you.

You climb onto the bed, hands pressing against his chest as you try to wake him. Then—his eyes snap open.

Before you can react, strong hands grip your waist, flipping you beneath him. His weight crushes you, pinning your wrists.

Then he reaches under his pillow—and draws a silver dagger.

Cold steel meets your throat.