The Challenge: Fire & Fate

20

The day of an elimination always feels like walking through static — everyone buzzing, pretending they're calm.

Except Devin. Devin's playing "Eye of the Tiger" through a Bluetooth speaker while pacing the backyard like a motivational speaker who lost his slides.

"Today," he declares, pointing at no one, "we witness greatness, heartbreak, and probably someone crying!"

Jasmine yells from the pool, "That's you, Devin. You're the crier!"

Kam, sipping her coffee: "You cried when Sienna burned the muffins."

Devin gasps. "They were emotional muffins."

🎥 Confessional — Sienna (Team Earth)
"Devin's become my brother at this point. He teases everyone, eats half my food, and pretends he's my manager. The worst part? He's actually good at it."

The backyard's chaos.

Jenna's painting Kailah's nails because she "trusts no one else."
Cory and Marcus are arguing over who's stronger while Kam rolls her eyes.
Theresa would've called them idiots — and it still feels weird she's gone.
CT and Darrell are doing push-ups beside the pool.
Harper's stretching. Zoe's journaling again.
Laurel's giving Jordan's old motivational speech to Zach, who's pretending to listen.
Tori and Nany are deep in strategy mode with Maya and Ava.
Ava Reynolds is sitting cross-legged on the grass, quiet and steady — always watching.
And Jackson's sparring with Kyle, both shirtless, both showing off, both pretending they don't care that half the house is watching.

Devin leans toward me. "So are you gonna pretend you're not looking, or should I get you popcorn?"

"Grow up," I say, sipping my drink.

"Fine," he says. "But just so you know, I'm Team Hotshot. The merch is in progress."

Kam overhears. "Put me down for a hoodie."

Jenna: "Make mine pink."

Cory: "Make mine free."

Devin: "Make your own breakfast."

Everyone laughs.

🎥 Confessional — Kam (Team Earth)
"The house is divided — Team Jackson, Team Xavier, Team Don't Care. But if you ask me, Sienna's already the winner. The girl's got half the house under her spell and doesn't even realize it."

That afternoon, TJ's voice cuts through the laughter.

"Players! It's time. Team Air, you're up for elimination. Fire, you know the deal — your nominees are waiting. Everyone else — let's see who wants it most."

Marcus claps his hands. "Showtime."

Tyler stands, stretching his neck. "Let's do this."

Zoe hugs him tight. "You got this."

He smiles. "Yeah. I'm ready."

Devin jogs past him. "If you lose, I'm taking your shampoo."

"Touch it and you're next," Tyler shoots back.

They both laugh, but everyone feels the tension.

We walk down to the Arena — the giant floodlights humming like they know something we don't.

TJ's standing there, grinning. "Welcome back, players. Tyler, as the losing team's rep, you'll choose who you're facing tonight — from Marcus, Zach, or Jackson."

The crowd murmurs.

Kam whispers, "If he's smart, he picks Zach."

Cory nods. "But if he's proud, he picks Jackson."