Sophie's Life

Chapter 7:The Clue

Sir inspects the feather with a knowing smile and nods. "Well done, Red team. You may proceed." He hands us the next chit, and we gather around to read it. This time, the clue reads: "I mirror the sky, both day and night, Reflecting the world with crystal light. Though still, I move as winds may pass, Find me nearby amidst the grass."

Riley furrows her brows. "It's obviously water, right? Like a lake or a stream."

"Or a puddle," Aaron says flatly, his voice still cold and detached.

"Could you be more cheerful?" Riley snaps, crossing her arms. "Or do you just live to kill the mood?"

Aaron shrugs, indifferent to her frustration. "I'm just trying to win."

Sasha sighs. "Focus, guys. We're wasting time."

James, standing beside me, speaks up. "There's a small pond just beyond those trees. Let's check it out."

We follow him, weaving through the trees until we come across the pond, its surface glistening in the sunlight. The water is clear, almost like a mirror, and I realize this has to be the answer. But as we approach, we notice something strange.

Floating in the middle of the pond is a small bottle. Inside it, we can barely make out a piece of paper—most likely the next clue. But there's no way to reach it without getting wet.

"Great," Riley groans. "How are we supposed to get that?"

Before anyone can offer a solution, Aaron strips off his shoes and wades into the pond without a word. The rest of us just stare, surprised by his sudden willingness to take action. He grabs the bottle, trudging back through the shallow water and handing it to me without so much as a thank-you needed.

"See?" he says smugly to Riley. "Not that hard."

Riley rolls her eyes but says nothing, while I twist off the bottle cap and pull out the paper inside. I unfold it, and the next challenge reads: "To proceed, you must lift each other higher, as one falls, the others rise. Work together, or remain behind."

James grins, clapping his hands together. "Sounds like a human pyramid, doesn't it?"

"Definitely," Daniel agrees. "We're going to need balance for this."

Sasha bites her lip, looking uncertain. "I'm not the best with heights..."

"Don't worry," I say, trying to reassure her. "We'll be careful."

We start strategizing, and I can't help but notice Aaron and Riley exchanging glares again. Something tells me this rivalry is far from over.