Trapped

Chapter 8 Choice of heart

The countdown started with this sudden announcement, leaving them confused. "You must be joking!" The man claimed, his revolting gestures expressing his disbelief. "What kind of logic is that? Hear me out; there is no debate here. We are going to discard the dog."

"W-Wait! You didn't even consult me. It could be a trap, that doesn't mean this is the easiest path. We should carefully consider each possibility." Rosalie's disbelief was evident as she tried to make him see the reason, and their conflicting viewpoints added to the drama of the situation.

However, the man was more annoyed than ever with the woman's intervention. In other circumstances, this person would be a threat and, therefore, would not hesitate to attempt her life. It went without saying that he was untrustworthy; thus, he could find a way to betray her at any moment. The wisest thing for her safety was to choose her words.

"What I am trying to say is that by making it obvious that this path is the less risky, they want to drive us there voluntarily. It feels off; those two choices are not equal at all." Rosalie persevered in her opinion by standing face to face with him.

"Listen, I will say it one last time. I do not care whether it is wrong or right; I choose the one that advantages me. It could have been anyone else encircled by ghouls; I would not have flinched for any of them because my only interest is survival. So, let me go straight to the point. Either you follow my directives, or I will make you a useful girl when we leave. Are we good?"

Rosalie could not utter a word as though her mouth was sealed. His unsettling aura frightened her to confront him again.

"Good girl." He replied, satisfied. The time had ended, and Rosalie was utterly mortified at the idea of being a partner with him. Many questions remained: How did he end up here? How much atrocity must he have committed before that? 

"Time is out," the AI announced. "Please declare your choice."

"We are going with the first one, straight to the portal." The man cried contently as he looked back at Rosalie mercilessly.

"Do you agree?" The generator continued addressing the woman.

As frustrated as she was, Rosalie murmured," Yes." She left a sense of disapproval behind, as it was against her convictions, yet she could not risk her life after Violet's sacrifice.

"You may now start your final test. Please bear in mind that you must go through the portal together as long as you are alive. I wish you good luck."

They stepped forward and encountered a new portal, leading to the final challenge. With determination, they ventured into the new world that emerged. The desolate scenery resembled the previous one. Within a five-meter radius, a dog was spotted tied up in a cage, surrounded by ghouls. On the opposite side, the portal stood unguarded. Upon assessing the situation, it was clear their chosen option was the path to victory.

Rosalie could not handle the sight of the dog being frightened; everything was made to make you feel guilty. Was this test the same for everyone? The woman immediately realised the complexity of this final test, the whining of the defenceless dog being louder as they made their way.

"Hey! You better not do anything foolish; what a pain." The man's heartless words were a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience.

As she restrained herself from looking in the other direction, Rosalie felt a pit in her stomach the more she convinced herself that was the bet's decision. Utterly disconcerted by her thoughts, she tripped on a rock and instantly froze at her inattention. Moreover, the man checked discreetly on the ghouls, who remained undisturbed, thanks to the dog's distraction.