The worst kind of nightmare is being trapped in an empty place, feeling imprisoned—especially when there's real danger looming. We want to wake up, to return to reality.
But for seven young people, this wasn't a dream—it was their new reality.
No matter how many times they pinched their arms, they remained in this terrifying place.
The boys explored every corner of the abandoned hotel, searching for answers. The girls stayed in the room with unconscious Nancy, taking care of her. They looked around nervously, uneasy without the support of the boys.
"Who do you think could've done this to us?" Betty asked, glancing at Jennifer.
The brunette girl shrugged.
"Each of us had enemies. People hate us because we're rich, popular, and often... mean. We act like we're better than everyone else."
Betty looked at Nancy.
"She and Noah were always different. Kind. That's why they suffered the most."
"We were supposed to be their friends, yet we treated them the worst. Especially you," Jennifer added.
Betty sighed, rubbing her forehead.
"It hurt me. It stung when I found out he was in love with Nancy."
"You can't force someone to love you back. And yet, you hurt them both. Even friendship didn't stop you from betraying them. It was toxic."
"Toxic?" the redhead girl scoffed. "All of us were toxic. Don't dump all the blame on me."
"No one's saying it was just you. But you were the worst. You pretended to be the perfect influencer, but in reality, you were desperate. Those videos with Noah… you tried to make the world believe you were a couple."
"Shut up. You're crossing the line. I'm not throwing it in your face that you keep chasing after Jake, even though he ignores you."
"At least I'm not as pathetic as you, throwing yourself at people."
The air grew thick with tension, but at that moment, Nancy opened her eyes, clearly confused.
"What is this place? Where are we?" she croaked.
Jennifer sat beside her, grabbing her hands.
"You're awake. How are you feeling?"
Nancy stared at the ceiling, then at Betty standing near the door.
"I remember the party at Mason's…"
"So do we. And then we woke up on a deserted island," Betty replied coldly. "No boats, no ships. We're in some abandoned hotel. The boys are searching for something. We stayed here, waiting for you to wake up."
"This has to be a joke, right?"
"I wish. But it's not."
Nancy needed time to grasp the situation, while the others were slowly coming to terms with their new reality.
***
Will and Jake were searching the second floor, bathed in darkness. No windows, no lights. No electricity. Just locked doors and hope that one of them would give in.
"You take the right side, I'll take the left," Will called out.
Jake nodded. He still felt like something was watching him. He kept seeing red eyes, hearing the voice from earlier.
Furthermore, he opened the first door. Behind him, Will was struggling with a lock at the end of the hallway.
A creak. Jake flinched. He looked around and stepped inside. The room looked normal—old wallpaper, a TV, retro furniture—but there was something else. Something… familiar.
He froze when he felt sharp claws against the back of his neck. He couldn't move. Paralyzed by fear.
"Young Smith…" a whisper echoed. "We've been waiting for you."
His breath quickened. A chill ran through him.
"Who are you? How do you know me?"
"There's no one here who doesn't know you."
Jake trembled. He didn't understand. He was too scared to turn around.
"Open the drawer in the dresser," the voice said. "You'll see you're not here accidentally."
He approached. Pulled the drawer open. Inside lay a newspaper. An article about the hotel's founders. In the photo—three elderly men. One of them was his grandfather...
***
Downstairs, Mason and Noah stuck close together. The blond boy was gripping his brother's hand so tightly it hurt.
"You're going to bruise me," Mason groaned.
"I'm not letting go. I feel like something's watching us."
"Remember when we used to watch horror movies and couldn't sleep afterward?"
Noah jumped as the phone handset fell in the reception area.
"Seriously? A sign?"
"Ghosts aren't as dangerous as living people. If someone really brought us here, we've got a bigger problem."
"Do you think our parents are looking for us? That we'll find our way back?"
"I believe they are. We'll make it."
Noah nodded.
"I know you'll protect me. You always have."
Mason's expression darkened. He knew he had failed his brother in the past.
"You can't rely on me that much. I'm not perfect. And I... I started something that ended up hurting you."
"But you tried to fix it. You fought for me. I know you did."
Mason placed his hands on Noah's shoulders.
"But I can't protect you from the whole world. Don't let me try. Because then... the guilt will destroy me."
Noah forced a smile.
Just then, applause echoed from the shadows. Both of them turned toward the hallway. A figure stepped out of the darkness—a young man.
"Sounds like your guilt's already eating you alive," said Daniel.
"What the hell are you doing here? You weren't even at the party," Mason growled.
"I'd love to know that myself. I woke up in this stinking hotel with your whole arrogant crew."
"You should be used to places like this."
"Don't start," Noah cut in, trying to stop him.
"You've got a serious problem. You despise poor people. I wonder if anyone else knows your biggest secret."
"What do you know?" Mason narrowed his eyes.
"Me and Noah were close. I know more than you think."
Mason looked at his brother.
"It's not what it sounds like. I didn't tell him everything. I swear. He's trying to drive a wedge between us."
Daniel crossed his arms, his gaze icy cold.
Outside, darkness fell.
Their first night on the island was coming.
And it promised to be a nightmare.