Page 29 of Mercy & Malice

“We’re going to get through this. I promise you.”

I cry against this chest, clinging to him. I have to believe he’s right. If he’s wrong, I don’t want to know.

16

BROOKE

FOUR MONTHS AGO, DARE 7

The dares are getting worse. I knew this one would suck big time. And I thought I was ready. I’m not.

Decider states, “Bury if you dare. Death is imminent. Fear has no place here. You can’t be mediocre and survive Mercy. You have to be exceptional.”

“What do you mean bury?” I ask, trying to wrap my head around what we’re about to do.

Luca is the first to put the clues together along with the four shallow graves in the ground of the cemetery. “Are we all being buried?”

“Yes. Each team will be in a grave. Once time is up, you’ll be released,” Decider explains.

Garrett questions, “For how long?”

The response Decider gives doesn’t make me feel any less anxious. “That is yet to be determined. The real test is not knowing whether you’ll be trapped one minute or an eternity.”

Remy has a thought that also crosses my mind. “Are you actually going to let us out?”

The Decider answers, “The time will come. It’s up to you to know when it’s right.”

Micah, still a little tipsy, asks, “What the hell does that mean? Are we digging out?”

Decider waves us off. “No, you will be freed when it’s time.

As we move near our graves, Ivy states, “This is bullshit.”

Agreed. I stare at the wooden coffin and dirt surrounding it. “What about, like, oxygen and stuff?”

“It’s limited. That’s another obstacle to overcome. You mustn’t panic and use up all your vital resources.”

Micah is on my last damn nerve. He looks way too freaking chill as he yawns. “We’re fucked, because you’re going to suck up all the oxygen blabbing the entire time.”

My nerves are bad and yelling doesn’t help, but I do it anyways. “Yeah. I’m the one who won’t shut their freaking mouth.”

He waves his arms around. “Yes, yes. Get it all out now because you’re not going to scream at me the entire time. I’m going to take a nap. So, wake me up when it’s over.”

“Glad you’re so cozy in the fucking dirt.” I finally cave and step into the grave. Why did I ever think I could play this game?

I’m lying down as Micah sits up and says, “You should’ve had a few more of those drinks, brother. Nighty, night.”

He casually relaxes back with a smirk.

“You’re an asshole, Micah.” I understand he gets a kick out of tormenting Luca, but that doesn’t mean he should.

The Keepers cover us, the space dark as dirt thumps on the lid.

“I can’t do this.” I shake my head. My hands press against the wood. It’s already too heavy to push off.

Micah gently grabs my hands, pressing them to his chest. But I can’t see anything. It’s dark and eerie. We could die. We could run out of air. The wood coffin could collapse. There are probably already creepy-crawlies in here.

“Micah, I want out. I can’t.” I go to scream let me out but I’m unable. “I can’t-I⁠—”