Digital Dare

FINALE

Minutes passed in silence, each of them lost in their thoughts, the weight of what was to come pressing down on them. The car wound its way through narrow, deserted roads, the trees on either side casting eerie shadows in the dim light of the moon.

Finally, they arrived at their destination: an old, dilapidated building that looked like it had been abandoned for years. The windows were broken, the walls crumbling, and the air was thick with the smell of decay. The building loomed before them, a silent monument to the horrors that had begun here.

The car door unlocked with a soft click, and they hesitantly stepped out, the sound of their footsteps echoing off the cracked pavement. The building seemed to pulse with an unseen energy, drawing them closer.

As they approached the entrance, the heavy wooden door creaked open on its own, revealing a dark hallway that seemed to stretch on forever. Without a word, they stepped inside, the door slamming shut behind them with a deafening bang.

The hallway was dimly lit by flickering lights, casting long, ominous shadows on the walls. Every step they took seemed to reverberate through the building, as if the very structure was alive, watching their every move.

A low, guttural growl escaped her lips as the app once again took control, twisting her features into a cruel smile. Her eyes snapped open, now filled with a malevolent light that sent a shiver down Avery's spine.

"Welcome," the app hissed through Bethany's lips, its voice a haunting echo in the empty hallway. "This is where it all began. The birthplace of the game. And now, it's where it will end. . .if you wish."

Avery clenched her fists, her resolve hardening. "We've got here now. What do you want from us?"

The app chuckled darkly. "It's simple, really. I want to see how far you're willing to go. How much you're willing to sacrifice to survive. But don't worry, Avery. I'll make sure this final round is unforgettable."

Bethany's body twisted unnaturally as the app forced her to move forward, leading them deeper into the building. The hallway seemed to stretch on endlessly, the lights growing dimmer with each step they took.

"Let the final game begin," it whispered, and the lights flickered out, plunging them into darkness.

As they stood in the dim, crumbling building, the air thick with tension. Bethany's body convulsed, her eyes glowing with a sinister light. The app had taken full control.

"You have all come far," the app said, through Bethany, its tone dripping with malice. "But to end this, to free yourself, a sacrifice must be made. One of you must willingly offer your life."

"You've said this already." Liam shot back. "We're not here to play games, you sinister app."

"None of us here is playing your games no more. You killed Chloe. Isn't that enough for you? You took her life, right?"

"Shut up!" Bethany roared. "Chloe died of her own disobedience! Get it!"

"I'll do it," Avery said, her voice shaky due to the terror that gripped her. "If this is the only way to end this nightmare, then I'll be the sacrifice."

"What?" Ethan, Liam and Sophie all chorused in unison, shock written on their faces.

"Avery, you don't have to do this." Ethan cut back. "Listen, you said there might be another way. Maybe, it's just a joke."

"This isn't a joke, Ethan. It's the only way." Avery said in between sobs.

Bethany, or rather the app, smiled wickedly, but just as Avery took a step forward, Sophie lunged, pushing Avery aside.