The Tragedy Of The Thumbs Down Pin

Chapter 25: The Betrayal

Byron's hand trembled as he held the Clown Pin, his mind racing through the endlesspossibilities. The weight of his decision was unbearable, but in that moment, the fear of Chuck's

blade drove him to a choice that would haunt him forever.

"I'm sorry," Byron muttered, his voice barely audible as he took a step back. He clutchedthe pin tightly to his chest, eyes avoiding the desperate gazes of his friends. "I can't... I can't letyou suffer."Edgar's eyes widened in disbelief. "Byron, no! What are you doing?"Chuck's sinister smile spread across his face as he realized Byron's intent. "Good choice,"he sneered, though a hint of confusion lingered in his eyes. "Now, hand it over."But Byron shook his head, taking another step back. "No," he said, his voice firmer now."I'm keeping it.""What?" Chuck's expression darkened, his grip tightening on the knife still pressed toFrank's throat. "You think you can just walk away from this?"Byron's resolve hardened. "I can and I will." He turned to Edgar, forcing an apologythrough his clenched teeth. "I'm sorry, Edgar. I really am."Edgar, still believing his forgetfulness potion had worked, could only watch in stunnedsilence. He wanted to believe Byron, to trust that this was some twisted ploy, but the reality wastoo stark. "Byron... why?"Byron didn't answer. He turned and bolted into the darkness, leaving Edgar, Frank, andBarley bound and at Chuck's mercy.Chuck's fury erupted. "You coward!" he shouted after Byron, but his attention quicklyshifted back to the captives. "Looks like I'll have to deal with you myself."As Chuck advanced, Barley leaned closer to Frank, whispering something too faint forEdgar to hear. Frank's eyes widened briefly before he gave a subtle nod.Barley took a deep breath, gathering the last reserves of his strength. With a sudden burstof energy, he lunged at Chuck, catching him off guard. The two of them struggled fiercely, butBarley's determination was unmatched. With a final, desperate effort, Barley managed to bindChuck's hands, the ropes pulling tight.Chuck roared in frustration, struggling against the binds, but Barley's strength was fadingfast. He slumped to the ground, the life draining from his eyes. "For you," he murmured toFrank, his voice weak. "Finish this."Edgar watched in horror as Barley's sacrifice unfolded before him. He tried to crawltowards him, but the ropes held him back. "Barley, no!"Frank's face was a mask of determination, but there was something else in his eyes—amurderous glare directed straight at Edgar. "You," he hissed, his voice low and dangerous. "Thisis all because of you."Edgar's heart pounded in his chest. "Frank, no. I—"But Frank's expression was unreadable, his intent clear. The atmosphere was thick withtension, the stakes higher than ever before. Edgar's mind raced, trying to find a way to defuse thesituation, but Frank's wrath was palpable.As the night grew darker, the scene was set for a confrontation that would changeeverything. Frank's glare bore into Edgar, and the uncertainty of what would come next hungheavy in the air.