The Challenge: Fire & Fate

08

The air in the arena feels heavier than usual — hotter, thicker, like the ground itself is holding its breath.

The name "Trial by Fire" glows across the screen in molten red.

Figures.

T.J. stands in the center, grinning like he knows exactly what he's doing.

"Tonight," he says, "we've got a matchup that's already got the house buzzing. From Team Fire, Wes Bergmann. And from Team Water... Jackson Lewis."

The crowd reacts instantly — enthusiastic shouts, whistles, a few nervous laughs.

Kam leans toward me. "You wanted to test him? Hope you brought popcorn."

I don't answer. I can't.

Because Jackson's walking out into the arena now — and he looks terrifyingly calm.

🎥 Confessional — Sienna

"I said his name. I wanted to see how he'd handle it.

But standing here now, watching him walk into that arena... I hate that I care."

T.J. gestures toward the massive steel rig behind him — half obstacle course, half torture device. Flames roar to life along the base.

"This elimination's called Inferno Circuit.

Each player has to run across these rotating platforms to collect three flags hanging over the fire pit. The catch? The platforms spin faster each time.

First to grab all three and hit their buzzer wins.

Fall into the pit, and you start over."

Wes cracks his neck, grinning. "Hope you like cardio, rookie."

Jackson just smiles. "Hope you like losing, old man."

T.J. laughs. "Alright boys, let's light it up."

🎥 Confessional — Jackson (Team Water)
"This isn't personal. It's survival.

But maybe I'm a little extra motivated to prove a certain someone wrong."

The horn blares.

Both men launch forward — sprinting across spinning platforms that tilt and wobble like death traps.

Wes goes out hard, arms pumping. Jackson's pace is smoother, lighter — that perfect combination of athletic control and stubborn willpower.

Halfway through, Wes slips, catches himself, but loses momentum.

Jackson doesn't. He reaches the first flag, yanks it loose, and swings back with perfect balance.

The crowd's on their feet. Kam's screaming. Laurel's pacing.

And me?

My heart's in my throat.

🎥 Confessional — Sienna
"He's not supposed to be this good.

He's supposed to be cocky and careless — the guy who underestimates people.

Not the guy who looks like he's rewriting physics to win."

Wes grabs his second flag, grunting, soaked in sweat. Jackson's already on his third.

The platform spins faster — the flames roar higher.

He jumps, barely catches the chain, swings midair, and slams the flag into its holder before dropping to the mat.

T.J. yells, "JACKSON HITS THE BUZZER!"

The horn blares.

The arena explodes in cheers.

Jackson collapses to his knees, gasping, a grin spreading across his face.

T.J. claps. "That's how you fight, baby! Jackson, you stay in the game. Wes, sorry bro — your time's up."

Wes nods, hands on his knees. "Hell of a run, kid."

Jackson laughs, shaking his hand before heading toward the podium.

The crowd chants his name.
He barely glances at them.

His eyes are already on me.

🎥 Confessional — Sienna
"I told myself this was strategy. A test.

But the second he hit that buzzer... I felt something twist in my chest.

It wasn't regret. It wasn't guilt.

It was relief."

Back at the house, the atmosphere is electric. Fire's pissed, Water's smug, and Earth's split between pride and panic.

Kam corners me in the kitchen. "You good?"

"Yeah."

"Liar."

I smirk. "Maybe."

She laughs softly. "He won. You wanted to see if he could take the heat. Looks like he can."

"Yeah," I say quietly. "Looks like it."

That night, I find him alone on the balcony again, like always — leaning against the railing, hair damp from a shower, shirt clinging to his chest.

"You don't waste time celebrating," I say.

He smirks. "Not my style."

"Congrats, by the way."

"Thanks," he says. "Coming from you, that almost sounds sincere."

"It was."

He tilts his head. "You put my name up."

"I did."

"Why?"

I hold his gaze. "To see what you'd do."

He steps closer, voice low. "And?"

"I think you passed."

He smiles faintly. "Good. Because next time, it's my turn."

🎥 Confessional — Sienna
"He's still my rival.

But tonight, I saw something I didn't expect.

He doesn't just play this game — he lives it.

And I think I finally get it. The only thing scarier than losing to Jackson... is realizing you don't want to see him lose at all."

🎥 Confessional — Jackson
"She said my name, and I still came back.

Now she knows exactly what I'm capable of.

And I know exactly how to get under her skin."

He pauses, smirks.

"Game on, Teach."