The lights returned with a harsh flicker.
Someone screamed.
It was Violet—eyes wide, trembling, pointing across the table.
Stone was slumped back in his chair, head tilted at an unnatural angle. Blood soaked the front of his shirt, and his eyes stared blankly at the ceiling.
"Stone has been eliminated."
"The Werewolf claims another victim."
There were only seven left now.
And the fear had sunk its claws into everyone.
Panic Breeds Chaos
"No," Reaper muttered. "Damn it. He was one of the only ones keeping things grounded."
"He didn't even accuse anyone," Bloom whispered. "Why would the Werewolf choose him?"
"To break our rhythm," Owl said quietly. "To remove stability. Force panic."
"Or he knew something," Scorch growled. "Maybe he was on to someone."
"Like you?" Violet said, glaring at him.
Scorch turned, fists clenched. "You keep coming after me. I think you're the killer."
Ethan stood slowly. "Enough. Every time we start a new day, someone points fingers and someone else dies."
"Exactly," Owl said. "We're bleeding people without making progress."
Scorch jabbed a finger across the table. "Why haven't you been accused yet, Owl? You're too calm."
"I'd rather be calm than violent."
Reaper raised a hand. "Stop. Let's think."
She looked at each of them.
"We have seven people left. One wolf. One detective. One hunter—maybe. That means four regular humans. And we just lost another innocent."
Her gaze lingered on Ethan for a moment. "We can't keep guessing."
Ethan's Growing Desperation
Ethan was boiling inside. Two nights. Two investigations. Nothing but dead ends.
And now the group was spinning out.
He considered outing himself as the Detective. Maybe it would buy some trust—but if he misjudged the wolf's identity, he'd be the next to die.
He leaned forward. "What if the wolf is someone deliberately staying middle-ground? Not too aggressive. Not too quiet. Someone who's just… coasting."
All eyes shifted to Bloom.
She blinked. "Me?"
"You've barely spoken. And yet somehow, you always have something wise to say right when the tension rises," Ethan said.
Bloom looked genuinely hurt. "I'm just trying to keep people calm. I didn't ask for this."
"No one did," Violet muttered.
"Maybe it's the perfect mask," Scorch said. "Grandma voice and gentle smiles. Could be perfect cover."
Reaper frowned. "We should give the Detective time to speak. If they're still alive."
Owl raised an eyebrow. "...You're suggesting the Detective out themselves?"
"No," Reaper replied. "I'm saying—if they have information, it's time to stop being silent."
Ethan's Gamble
Ethan hesitated… then made the call.
"I'm the Detective," he said, voice flat.
Silence.
Violet's eyes widened.
Reaper stiffened. Scorch looked ready to explode.
"You?" Owl asked. "And why should we believe you?"
"I've checked three people. Night One: Scorch. Human. Night Two: Owl. Blocked—I don't know why. Last night, I checked Bloom. She's Human."
Bloom gasped softly, covering her mouth.
"Convenient," Owl said, eyes narrowing. "You've cleared yourself, your friend, and a quiet player. What a coincidence."
"It's not a coincidence," Ethan snapped. "I didn't even tell Violet I checked her. I'm playing smart. The only one I can't confirm is you."
Owl leaned back. "Interesting. So you checked me, but your results were 'blocked'? That's awfully suspicious."
"Or you've got something that prevents scans," Ethan said. "Some hidden mechanic."
Reaper stood. "Let's test it. If Ethan's lying, we'll know soon enough. But right now, we need to vote someone out. Owl is too slippery."
Scorch grinned. "Now we're talking."
Vote Three
"Voting Begins. You have 30 seconds."
Ethan hesitated. This was dangerous. If he was wrong and Owl was innocent, the wolf would be thrilled. And if Owl was the wolf… it might be their best shot to end this now.
He voted.
The screen displayed the results:
Owl — 5 votesBloom — 2 votes
Owl stood slowly. His expression unreadable.
Then he smiled.
"Interesting."
The floor beneath him opened. He dropped without a sound.
"Owl has been eliminated."
"Day ends."
"Night begins. Close your eyes."
Night Three – The Wolf Fights Back
Ethan barely breathed.
He couldn't afford another mistake. Not now. He had to use this final night wisely.
He chose Reaper.
If she was lying about wanting him to speak up… if she'd been manipulating things behind the scenes…
"Reaper is… Human."
Ethan's stomach twisted.
"Hunter, standby.""Night ends."
Dawn Breaks Again
The lights flared back.
Scorch was face-down on the table.
A single stab wound to the back.
The wolf had chosen loudly this time.
"Scorch has been eliminated."
Six players remained:
Ethan (Detective)
Violet
Reaper
Bloom
Ghost
(And the Werewolf—still hiding)