The Killing Game

Chapter One: Things We Buried

    The moment Jade Black stepped across the threshold of her childhood home, something shifted in the air—like the house had been holding its breath for the past year, waiting for her to return. Dust clung to every surface. Shadows stretched long across the floor. And silence settled over her like a heavy, familiar blanket. She kicked the door shut behind her and dropped her duffel bag with a thud that echoed through the old house.
Home.
  If she could still call it that. The last time she’d stood in this entryway was the night Annie disappeared. She swallowed the lump that rose in her throat and moved deeper into the living room. Her dad was still at work, probably wouldn't be back until late. She needed the quiet anyway. Maybe even deserved it. The house smelled like old wood and faded memories. She sank onto the couch and clicked on the TV, more out of habit than interest.

Breaking News: Missing Teen Annie Caldwell Found Dead.

Jade froze. The words blared across the screen like a scream. Footage rolled—Annie’s school photo with that half-smirk she always wore. A wooded area outside of town. Police tape. A detective speaking to reporters. “…remains confirmed by dental records… homicide is suspected… investigation ongoing.” Jade’s mouth went dry. Her heart thudded painfully in her chest. Annie. Gone. Dead. They’d looked for her for months. Flyers, press conferences, prayer circles. But nothing. She had vanished after a party like a wisp of smoke. Most people had assumed she was dead. But there was always a part of Jade—however small—that held on. Maybe she ran away. Maybe she was hiding. But now that hope was gone.
She didn’t even realize her hands were shaking until her phone buzzed in her pocket. She blinked. One new message.

Unknown: Do you remember what you said to her that night?

The breath left her lungs in a single, sharp exhale. She stared at the screen. The number was blocked. No contact name. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, cold and stiff.

Who is this?
   No response. The typing dots appeared. Then vanished. Jade set the phone on the coffee table, her thoughts spiraling fast. How did they know? What exactly did they know? Before she could stop it, the memory returned—slamming into her like a fist to the chest.

The Night Annie Disappeared.

It had been just after midnight. A knock rattled her bedroom window, sharp and urgent. She peeled back the curtain and found Annie outside, swaying slightly, eyes glassy. “Open up,” she slurred. “I brought tequila.” Jade hissed through her teeth, glancing at the hallway. “Are you insane? My dad's home.” “So? He already hates me.” “Exactly. This’ll help.” She sighed and cracked the window open. Annie climbed in with practiced ease, laughing when she stumbled over Jade’s desk chair. Her breath reeked of cheap alcohol and peppermint gum. “You're drunk,” Jade muttered.“Congratulations, Sherlock.” Annie flopped onto the bed like she owned it. “You’ve changed, y’know. Used to be fun. Now you’re just…boring.” Jade crossed her arms. “Because I don’t want to end up like you?” Annie blinked, the smile fading. “Like me?” “Drunk every weekend. Partying with guys twice your age. Showing up at my house like it’s still sixth grade. We’re not kids anymore, Annie. This isn’t cute.” “I’m not trying to be cute,” Annie snapped, sitting up now, her eyes suddenly sharp. “I came here because I missed you. Because I thought maybe you still gave a damn.” Jade looked away. “I do. But you make it hard.” Silence stretched between them. Outside, a dog barked. Somewhere down the street, a car engine revved. Annie’s voice softened. “Your dad always hated me. Even when we were little.” “Because he saw the things I didn’t.” Annie’s laugh was bitter. “You’re really something, Jade. Miss Perfect. You wear the right clothes, get the good grades, hang with all the right people now. You used to be my best friend.” “I still am,” Jade whispered. “But you’re burning everything down around you, and I can’t stand in the flames with you anymore.” Annie’s jaw clenched. “Right. Thanks for the warning.” She grabbed her coat, storming toward the window. Jade wanted to stop her. To take the words back. But she didn’t. She just watched as Annie disappeared into the night. That was the last time anyone saw her alive.
    Jade blinked back to the present, heart heavy with the memory. Her phone buzzed again.

Unknown: You should’ve stopped her.

Tears welled in her eyes, but she didn’t let them fall. Her hands were trembling. Another message came through almost instantly.

Unknown: Now it’s your turn.