Uncrowned Princess

35

As the night wore on, the party thinned out, leaving a core group of revelers. They gathered in a circle for another game, this one involving passing a playing card from mouth to mouth. The tension in the air was palpable, a mix of excitement and nerves.

Isabella found herself seated between a tall, dark-haired guy she didn't know and a few unfamiliar faces. Across from her, Jack had somehow ended up next to Claudia, their proximity making Isabella's stomach churn. Alene and Bea were nearby, with Lio on Bea's other side. Stephanie had maneuvered another girl to sit close to Lio, her intentions transparent.

The game began, cards passing from lips to lips with varying degrees of success and awkwardness. When it was Lio's turn, he deliberately let the card fall. In one smooth motion, he pulled Bea into his arms.

"The last one wasn't enough," he said, his voice husky. Their lips met in a passionate kiss that left Bea blushing furiously.

Claudia's voice cut through the moment. "Is this a love confession?"

Lio grinned, his eyes never leaving Bea's face. "Maybe. What do you say, Bea?"

Bea, still flustered, couldn't find her words. Lio's smile softened. "It's okay. Take your time."

The game continued. When Alene's turn came, the card slipped from his mouth. He blushed deeply, looking uncertain.

Stephanie's voice rang out. "Rules are rules, Alene!"

Jack chimed in, his tone mocking. "Come on, man. You've got a chance to kiss a woman. Don't chicken out."

Isabella felt a surge of anger at Jack's words, but she bit her tongue, taking a deep breath to calm herself. She watched as Alene approached Claudia, giving her a quick, chaste kiss.

Claudia, however, had other plans. She let her card drop deliberately, turning to Jack with a predatory smile. Their kiss was anything but chaste, more a display of dominance than affection. Isabella turned away, disgust roiling in her stomach.

As the game progressed, Isabella found herself growing increasingly uncomfortable. The carefree atmosphere of earlier had given way to something more charged, more dangerous.

Then it was the turn of the blonde guy next to Isabella. He let the card fall, then reached for her face. Isabella jerked back instinctively, shaking her head.

A chorus of voices rose. "It's the rules, Isabella!" "You have to do it!"

Lio's voice cut through the others, a hint of challenge in his tone. "Afraid Ethan will find out? He's miles away, isn't he?"

Claudia seized the moment to twist the knife. "Is this really such a serious relationship, Isabella? It's just a game."

Something snapped inside Isabella. The pressure, the judgment, the thinly veiled malice – it was all too much. Without a word, she stood and walked away from the group, ignoring their calls and protests.

She heard footsteps behind her and turned to see Bea approaching, concern etched on her face.

"Isabella, wait! Are you okay?"

Isabella paused, looking at her friend. In that moment, she felt a profound sense of disconnect from the scene she'd just left. The games, the drama, the petty power plays – none of it felt real or important anymore.

The music faded as Bea led Isabella up the stairs, their footsteps muffled on the plush carpet. The second floor was quieter, the raucous energy of the party below feeling distant and unreal. Bea guided Isabella into her bedroom, closing the door behind them with a soft click.