THE 30 DAYS

6 HOURS

Three questions echoed like thunderclaps in the minds of those embroiled in the chaos, each one louder and more pressing than the last.

1st: Clay couldn't shake the unsettling thought: How did Henry know where I was going? He hadn't told anyone about except Lucy. Yet, Henry —had been one step ahead, orchestrating events as though he could read his mind. The thought gnawed at him, pushing his paranoia to new heights.

2nd: As Lucy's breathless words replayed in Jake's mind—"Find Ryan, there's something else going on. Someone is sabotaging us."—one question loomed: Who is trying to sabotage the plan? If Ryan wasn't the mastermind, then who was? Could there be someone even higher in this sinister chain, someone pulling strings from the shadows?

3rd: And the biggest question of them all hung like a storm cloud over everyone: What is 'The Plan'? The phrase had been whispered, hinted at, and now loomed over the impending graduation party like a dark prophecy. Whatever it was, it felt inevitable—a culmination of every cryptic message, every chilling death, and every betrayal.

With only six hours left until the graduation party, the weight of these questions pressed down on each of them. Answers were out there, but the clock was ticking, and they were running out of time to uncover the truth before "The Plan" unfolded.

As the phones buzzed simultaneously, a wave of unease swept through the group. The message read:

"Attention: Change in plans for the graduation party. A new book will be launched during the event. Join us for an exclusive author reading program. Certificates will be distributed after the event."

Jake and Lucy exchanged a knowing glance as they read the message. Jake's grip tightened on his phone. "It's started," he murmured.

Lucy nodded, her face pale but resolute. "The plan is in motion now. There's no turning back."

While Lucy and Jake prepared for what was to come, the other students were paralyzed by fear. The ominous events leading up to the graduation party, coupled with the bizarre message, only amplified their terror. The air was thick with dread as they whispered among themselves, each one questioning what would happen next.

Meanwhile, in the shadows of the old park, Ryan stood with the masked man, a heavy silence lingering between them. The masked man held the little girl close, her blindfold still firmly in place, her small frame trembling in fear. They were waiting—waiting for Clay and Zack to arrive.

Ryan, however, caught a foul stench wafting through the air. The smell of rotting meat. His curiosity piqued, and his stomach turning, he began to follow the scent, moving cautiously through the overgrown bushes and trees.

Ryan's eyes followed the dark, bloodied trail leading toward the well. A twisted grin crept onto his face as he stepped closer, inhaling the stench of rot and death.

There, slumped against the cold stone, was Alison—her forehead caved in, blood oozing down her lifeless face. Beside her lay Stephan's body, motionless, his skin pale as death embraced him.

Ryan tilted his head, his smile widening as if admiring a masterpiece. "Well, well..." he muttered under his breath, his fingers grazing the rough edge of the well. His eyes flickered with something unsettling—satisfaction, curiosity, or perhaps something far more dangerous.

With a slow exhale, he pulled out his phone and typed a message. "Looks like we're right on schedule."

Clay and Zack arrived at the park, their eyes scanning the dimly lit surroundings. On the entrance of the park , a lone figure stood—a masked man, his presence unsettling. But what made Clay hesitate wasn't the masked man's stance or the eerie silence around them. It was the little girl clinging to his hand.