The Mind Game

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Sarah, Sophia, and Ava stood outside the wrought-iron gates of the mansion, clutching the elegant invitations in their hands. The ornate lettering on the invitation had promised a night of games, puzzles, and new friends, but there was something eerie about the mansion that made them all uneasy.

"Are we sure we should go in there?" Sophia asked, glancing nervously at the darkened windows of the mansion. "What if it's a trap?"

"We don't even know who the host is," Ava added, her voice quivering with fear. "What if it's some kind of sick joke?"

Sarah was the most skeptical of the three, but she had always been the adventurous one. "Come on, guys," she said, flashing a grin. "What's the worst that could happen? It'll be like one of those escape room games we used to play. Just a little bit creepier."

With a deep breath, the trio pushed open the gates and stepped into the shadowy courtyard of the mansion. The imposing façade of the mansion loomed over them, and the sound of their footsteps echoed through the empty courtyard.

As they reached the front door, it creaked open, revealing a dimly-lit hallway and a figure standing in the shadows. The figure stepped forward, revealing himself to be a tall, imposing man dressed in black.

"Welcome," he said in a low, smooth voice. "I'm glad you could make it. Please, come in."

The man led them through the hallway and into a spacious living room, where they found four other players waiting for them: Detective Jack West, Dr. Maya Patel, Jameson Greene, and Richard Kim. Each of them seemed to be sizing the others up, and Sarah couldn't help but feel a tinge of suspicion.

"Welcome, everyone," the host said, gesturing to the group. "I'm Edward Blackwood, your host for the evening. I hope you're all ready to play the game."

"What game?" Sophia asked, her voice trembling.

"All will be revealed in due time," Edward replied cryptically. "But first, let's get to know each other a little better, shall we?"

The group settled into the comfortable chairs and began to chat, sharing their professions and interests. But despite the relaxed atmosphere, Sarah couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The puzzles they were solving seemed to be leading to something darker, and she couldn't help but wonder what was waiting for them at the end of the game.