The sky bled orange as the sun dipped below the horizon. Shadows stretched long across the pavement, swallowing the streets in creeping darkness. Inside an old, dust-ridden cabin deep in the woods, seven friends sat in a circle around a flickering lantern.
Liam glanced at the clock.
6:59 PM.
The air was heavy with anticipation. No one spoke. Not since they read the rules of the game.
Seven players. One candle. One match. One curse.At exactly 7:00 PM, the game begins.Blow out the candle and pass the flame. One per night.Miss your turn… and you're next.
It sounded like an urban legend. But the unease in their eyes said otherwise.
The match was struck.
The flame danced on Liam's trembling hand as he lit the candle. His voice cracked as he whispered, "Let the game begin."
The clock ticked.
7:00 PM.
The candle flickered violently.
And then… the lights died.
Every bulb in the cabin popped at once. A sharp screech echoed from outside — not animal, not human.
Something had entered the game.
Someone screamed.
The candle went out.
Darkness swallowed them whole.