Episode 54: Cracks in the Core
Later that night, Jaden and Leo sat on the balcony behind the dorms.
No words. Just heavy breathing and frustration in the air.
Leo broke the silence first. "They're thinning us out. On purpose."
Jaden nodded. "They want the ones they can control."
Leo glanced at him. "That mean we're next?"
Jaden didn't answer.
But Luka did. He stepped into the moonlight, expression cold.
"Not all of us."
Jaden looked up. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Luka folded his arms. "I got an offer. From someone in Ward's camp."
Leo stood. "You didn't take it—right?"
Luka was quiet.
Jaden's stomach dropped.
Silence meant he was thinking about it.
Jaden stepped forward. "You know what they're doing to players who won't follow the script."
Luka looked him dead in the eyes. "Yeah. That's why I'm thinking about it."
Jaden froze.
Because he couldn't blame him.
But if Luka flipped sides?
They were down to three.