The script burned slowly,page by page, it disintegrated in Luna's hands.
Eleven left now.
And someone was about to die.
They sat in a circle onstage, the "Living Room Set" locked in place,no exits,no crew,no safety nets.
Velora watched from the piano, her fingers gliding silently across the keys playing nothing, yet still controlling the tempo of the room.
Jasper stood beside Luna, shoulders tense.
"This is insane," he muttered. "We need to get out of here."
"We can't," she whispered,Not yet.
Because the script wouldn't let them.
Because Luna knew how this works now.
A bell rang,clear, sharp.
Velora stood.
"Scene One," she announced. "Confession Hour."
The cast froze.
Then, one by one, they turned toward Silas.
He swore. "What?"
Nova whispered, "It's you. You go first."
Silas looked at Luna, his jaw clenched.
"I don't owe anyone anything."
"You owe the script," Velora said.
And the lights dimmed.
Except for the spotlight.
On Silas.
He sighed.
Then stood.
And began to speak.
"I was seventeen," he said, voice low. "I sang in bars to survive,met a girl named Harper,She was sweet, soft, the kind of girl who saw through people."
A pause.
She got me my first audition.My first kiss, my first dream.
He looked at Luna now.
I left her For a callback in L.A. She begged me to stay,she said had something to tell me.
His hands curled into fists.
I told her to text me,She never did,because she died that night in a Car crash.
Silence.
Silas stepped back.
"That's my confession."
The room held its breath.
Velora's smile widened.
"Thank you, Silas."
She raised her hand and the chandelier above snapped free.
It fell fast.
Luna screamed
Silas shoved Nova out of the way,and the glass shattered around him.
When the dust cleared, Silas stood,bleeding, with bruises.But alive.
Velora clapped softly.
"A sacrifice made. But not enough."
She gestured at the violin case.
"Nova. You're next."
Nova backed away. No,no, please.
The piano played.
The script in Luna's lap turned a page.
Ten left.
Nova reached for her violin.
Opened the case.
Inside was nothing.
Just a piece of paper.
She unfolded it with shaking hands.
Then read aloud:
"I took her place, i wasn't supposed to be here. But I lied, i stole her audition."
Velora nodded slowly. "Guilt wears many faces."
Nova dropped the paper.
"Please, I didn't know, i didn't know the price!"
But the lights dimmed again.
The piano played a lullaby.
Nova screamed.
And vanished.
No blood.
No scream.
Just… gone.
Only her shoes remained.
Velora smiled.
"One down."
She looked at Luna.
"Your move, playwright."