The two spent the remainder of the night in the room, alternating between periods of rest.


    Early the next morning, Hannah was nestledfortably against Bryson’s shoulder, deeply asleep.


    The abrupt sound of knocking jolted the silence.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Bryson’s eyes flew open, a cold re directed at the door.


    Gradually, Hannah stirred, feeling the stiffness in her shoulder.


    “I’ll get it,” she murmured.


    “No, I’ll handle it,” Bryson countered firmly.


    “It’s okay, I’ve got it.


    ” Overriding his objection, Hannah made her way to the door and pulled it open.


    There stood the staff member they had encountered the previous day, the one who had carried an axe.


    His expression was now polite, a stark contrast to the menacing look he had the day before.


    “Breakfast is ready, pleasee downstairs when you’re ready,” he announced with a professional smile.


    “No, thanks,” Hannah responded with a cool detachment.


    “I usually skip breakfast.


    ”


    Even as she declined, the staff member’s eyes darted past her into the room.


    “Is there anything else?”


    Her tone was sharp as she shifted to obstruct his view.


    The staff’s eyes flickered away, and his smile remained.


    “I’ll leave you be then.


    Just a reminder, the game willmence following breakfast.


    ”


    “Understood,” she acknowledged.


    Once the designated breakfast time had concluded, they made their way downstairs.


    To everyone’s surprise, those who had missedst night’s dinner party and hadn’t signed up for the game were all there.


    The hall was buzzing with people discussing the uing game.


    Hannah noticed Merlin across the room; his bodyguards close by, signaling he hadn’t been the target of any recent threats.Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    Merlin caught her looking, offered a brief smile, and then Looked away.


    “Hannah!”


    Lydia sprinted over and embraced her tightly.


    “I’m so relieved you’re safe! Last night was horrifying!”