A private island known only as Caer Nyx, where the wealthiest families across continents gather once every five years for the Obsidian Games. There are no rules—only outcomes. Contestants are handpicked heirs from dynasties, expected to represent their bloodlines in challenges that involve intellect, deception, seduction, power plays, and manipulation.
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A sleek, black sky-ferry touched down on the marble runway, revealing Jayden, cloaked in a white linen suit that contrasted sharply with his ice-cold eyes. Behind him stood:
Aurora Quinn (age 23), a cunning strategist from a rival family pretending to be a journalist. Slim build, platinum-blonde hair, lips always curled in mystery. Known for her seductive manipulation and betrayal of three family heirs in past events.
Leo Santorini (25), muscular, tan-skinned, a playboy from the Italian-Swiss empire. Loves games but fears commitment. Carries a tragic past—his twin sister died in the last Obsidian Games.
Sahar El-Masri (22), Egyptian tech goddess, short, mocha-skinned, obsessed with logic and hacking systems. She wears thick round glasses and always keeps a blade hidden in her boot.
They stepped onto the island surrounded by jungle-covered cliffs, obsidian statues, and an eerie silence, broken only by the caws of metal-plated ravens.
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Twenty heirs were paired in blind teams. Each team had to identify a traitor among them before dawn. Failure meant automatic disqualification—and exposure of secrets on a global broadcast.
Jayden was paired with Aurora Quinn.
Aurora: "Don't trust me, Jayden. That's your first smart move."
Jayden (smirking): "I never trusted anyone who kisses with their eyes open."
In the room of mirrors where the challenge was held, betrayals unfolded in whispers. Jayden planted false clues, forcing another team—two cousins from the Von Richter family—to turn on each other. One ended up in tears; the other was eliminated.
Meanwhile, Aurora watched Jayden carefully.
Aurora (thinking): He's not here to play. He's here to end dynasties.
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Back in the mainland, Ochieng gathered with the true power holders—those who watched the Games from the shadows.
Madame Roux, 62, Ochieng's silent ally, runs the global black market.
Tielen, handling all underworld jobs, now mobilizing a secret unit in Caer Nyx.
Jeff, manipulating markets to crash two rival families' stocks during the Games.
Ochieng: "While they chase illusions, we rewrite the board."
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That night, each contestant had to tempt a chosen judge to reveal a secret—without touching, lying, or bribing. It was a test of allure, charisma, and words.
Jayden approached Judge Valeria, a fierce business tycoon known for having no weaknesses.
Jayden (whispering): "Aren't you tired of judging lions from the safety of the cage? Step out. Let one bite you... gently."
Her breath caught—but she didn't flinch. She leaned in, whispered something in his ear, and walked away.
Jayden smiled. He had won that round—but he didn't reveal what she said. Not even to Aurora.
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In the dead of night, hidden cameras streamed a private moment to every contestant's room—Jayden kissing a girl. But not Aurora. Not anyone they recognized.
She was Samantha, 21, a supposed housekeeper. Curvy, dark brown skin, freckled cheeks, dreadlocked hair. A rare beauty. But why was Jayden kissing someone not in the competition?
The island went into a spiral of rumors.
Sahar: "He's cheating the system. Or... is she part of the game?"
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A simulated hostage crisis—teams had to negotiate with AI-generated terrorists. Most failed, sacrificing the wrong hostages.
Jayden, however, sacrificed himself—convincing the terrorists to shoot him first. But the AI paused.
AI (cold voice): "You are not permitted to die in the first round. You pass."
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