Kings Gambit

Chapter 42 - Pillar of Ice

The cool air swirled around, blowing the tufts of my hair as we descended back to indefinite safety. The violin playing in the distance was ever so clear as the rest of us stood exhausted from the trial. Matt crumbled to his knees while Alex lay on the floor with infrequent spasms. Claire looked as though her sanity snapped, her eyes glazed with pure hatred. Leo, like always, was observing the surroundings much like myself. And Angel looked sadistically ecstatic about the execution that was about to come.

On the other hand, Jasper kept to himself, and for some reason, he decided to help us out this time. Right after Claire broke down in front of us, could it be that he wasn't candid about how he felt about her? Does he really care for her deep down? Just what exactly is their relationship?...

"Congratulations, you all guessed correctly. Alex was the culprit, the one who killed Elizabeth. Per the rules, he will be executed similarly to the victim. Elizabeth did indeed have the Survivor role. And Alex had the Juggernaut role. I will give the culprit time to speak as long as he doesn't try and attack again." Oracle announced on the intercom. And just like that, Alex began to stand back up.

"I'm not the killer...." Matt sat motionless, tears falling down his cheeks.

"No, you're not," Alex's head swiveled as he regained his balance. Picking up the glasses that had fallen on the floor.

"I believe I lost my cool by the end there. I am ready to accept my execution for my failure." Alex stood like a pillar of ice.

"Are you sure you don't want to speak?" Oracle questioned.

"What is there to talk about? To these people, I am nothing more than a demon. Why should I give them the benefit of knowledge?" Alex replied.

"Wait a minute, Alex. You remember everything from The Machina, right?" I confronted.

"So what?" Alex glared daggers into me.

"Are you sure you don't remember Jasper at all? Tristan said he wasn't part of The Machina, but he had his memories wiped. I want you to confirm it," I glared into his soulless eyes.

"And why should I do that?" Alex snickered.

"I suppose you don't have to. You'll die either way." I sighed, putting my hands in my jacket pockets.

"I was never a part of The Machina, Mr. Detective. I lied about that." Jasper replied with grey eyes.

"So he admits it, quite out of character for that rat," Angel crossed her arms.

"Of course he did. He doesn't like other people calling out his lies. I guess he knew that I was going to say it anyway." Alex chuckled.

"That isn't to say that I'm not the mastermind. Like I said earlier, The Machina is quite innocent regarding this killing game." Jasper smirked.

"Do you really not have any ties at all to them? You weren't even associated?" I questioned.

"Besides my bloodline, not really. You're just as connected to The Machina, if not more so, Mr. Detective." Jasper winked.

"Then why drag all of us into this sick game? If it wasn't because of The Machina, then why us?" Angel walked in front of Jasper's face.

"I don't want to spoil anything! The truth shall reveal itself soon," Jasper put his hands in the air.

"Damn you," Angel spat before pushing him back.

"I doubt Jasper is the mastermind still," Alex interrupted.

"Why?" I turned my attention back to Alex.

"My memory is perfect, yet I can't quite recollect ever seeing Jasper in my life. Or ever hearing about him. I find it far more likely that Hank is the real mastermind." Alex pushed his glasses up.