Levin appeared beside him, a grin on his face. "Ava's putting on a pretty good show. Makes total sense she'd be into magic tricks."

Alex watched as Ava reached up to pluck a spider from high on the wall. The audience leaned in, captivated by her every move. The spider scrambled in her palm for a moment before it slowly rose into the air and launched itself toward the crowd. Someone screamed, the tension in the room palpable.

Ava smirked. "What? Scared? It's not even touching you."

Sure enough, the spider hovered in mid-air, just inches from a guy's face. The crowd gasped, a mix of awe and nervous laughter filling the room.

Levin's eyes widened. "Oh crap."

Alex squinted, trying to make sense of the trick. "I bet there's a string. Oldest trick in the book."

Levin chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "Oh, I see. You’re probably right. I was a little freaked out for a second there."

Ava waved her hand, and the spider zoomed back to her, settling comfortably in the middle of her palm. Applause broke out again, mingled with relieved laughter.

"Yeah, yeah, I’m incredible," Ava quipped, rolling her eyes playfully. "Now scatter, I gotta get some punch."

As the crowd dispersed, Ava made her way toward Alex, pulling him into a secluded corner. Her expression was serious as she leaned in close.

"Alex, do me a favor," she said in a low voice. "I saw Leo pacing outside by himself, which would be normal for me, but it’s all wrong for our Class President. I’d check on him, but feelings make me feel icky."

Alex nodded in understanding, a concerned frown furrowing his brow. He watched as Ava disappeared back into the party before making his way outside.

Outside, the cool night air enveloped him, the faint sounds of the party fading into the background. He spotted Leo by the pool, his smile forced as he stared into the dark, rippling water.

Approaching cautiously, Alex greeted him with a soft, "Hey, Leo."

Leo turned to him, his smile genuine but tinged with something deeper.

"Hey, Alex," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of melancholy.

They stood there for a moment, the silence between them heavy with unspoken words. Alex searched for the right thing to say, but the weight of Leo’s emotions hung palpably in the air.

Finally, Leo broke the silence, his voice barely above a whisper.

"You ever feel like you’re drowning, Alex? Like no matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to break the surface?"

Alex studied Leo’s expression, noting the subtle lines of strain etched into his features. "Okay, what’s up with you?" he asked gently.

Leo shrugged, a weary smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Oh, nothing much, sorry forget I said anything. It's just I threw those pills away, so yeah... it’s been kind of hard for me, so I’m a little out of it."

Alex nodded in understanding, a pang of concern tugging at his heart.

"Well, good thing we’re at a party. There are so many things to distract you. Like that cute girl over there," he suggested, gesturing toward a figure in the crowd.

Leo followed his gaze, his expression faltering. "Ginny Marsh? She’s dating Fred Maxx," he replied with a hint of resignation.

Alex raised an eyebrow, surprised by the revelation. "Huh, you sure? Well then, tell me about that girl," he said, trying to lighten the mood.

Leo sighed, his gaze distant as he recounted the details of another girl in the crowd. "Nia Brown. Cheerleader and super straight."

Alex chuckled, trying another tactic. "Okay, how about..." He pointed at himself, a playful glint in his eye.

Leo laughed, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "I guess you can be pretty distracting, Alex Grey."

Alex grinned, feeling a sense of camaraderie with his friend. "You really know everyone at this school, don’t you?"

Leo nodded, a hint of pride in his voice. "Yeah, I guess I kind of have to. Comes with the student body prez territory, you know? Know your constituents and all that."

"Maybe that’s why it was so weird seeing you out here all alone," Alex remarked, his tone tinged with concern.

Leo’s smile faded, replaced by a more somber expression. "Well, doesn’t matter. Alone is a feeling I’m quite used to these days. With all the eerie goings-on lately, I can’t really talk to anyone about it."

Alex smiled warmly at Leo, his expression earnest. "You know you can always talk to me if you want to. And then there's Dwayne too, you should hang out with him."

Leo’s eyes softened with gratitude. "I may very well take you up on that. But for now, I’ll settle for getting some refreshments. Care to join?"

"I’ll catch up in a minute," Alex replied, watching as Leo disappeared into the crowd.

Alone for a moment, Alex circled back to the house, his gaze scanning the lively scene unfolding around him. The music pulsed in the background, mingling with the laughter and chatter of the partygoers. The wind picked up, teasing the back of his neck with its gentle touch.

As he stepped inside, Alex spotted Lily sitting next to Maria, their heads bent together in conversation. Ava and Kimmy were nearby, their expressions a mix of anticipation and trepidation.

Then he navigated through the crowded people trying to find others, but his path unexpectedly intersected with a towering figure, standing well over six feet tall. The imposing presence was both intimidating and captivating, with a powerful aura that commanded attention. Despite the initial intimidation, Alex couldn't help but notice the stranger's striking appearance—brown hair tousled in a casual yet rugged style, a blue t-shirt that accentuated his broad frame, and sturdy blue jeans that hinted at strength and resilience.

Tilting his head slightly, the stranger locked eyes with Alex, his gaze penetrating yet oddly familiar.

"Hey Alex," he greeted, his voice carrying a hint of authority.

Caught off guard, Alex blinked in confusion. "Um... hi. Do I know you?" he stammered, uncertain of the stranger's identity.

A faint smirk tugged at the corner of the stranger's lips as he shook his head.

"No, you don't. But I know you," he replied cryptically, extending his hand in a gesture of camaraderie.

With a mix of curiosity and caution, Alex tentatively accepted the handshake, noting the firm grip and calloused hands that spoke of physical labor.

"I'm Brian Bowers, cousin of Mateo, You may think you're all that, but let's keep the cockiness in check, okay? And here's a little reminder for you," he continued, his tone taking on a darker edge, "you're not exactly top dog around here. In fact, you're the weakest link. So tread carefully, Alex, or you might just find yourself in a world of hurt."

Alex's mind raced, piecing together the connection between this enigmatic stranger and Mateo.

Before he could inquire further, Brian abruptly released his hand and strode past Alex with purpose, leaving behind a lingering warning.

"See you later, Alex. Make sure you don't pull stupid stunts," Brian's parting words echoed in the air, their ominous tone sending a chill down Alex's spine.

As he watched Brian disappear into the bustling crowd, Alex couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that lingered in his gut. What was his deal?

Brian's towering presence, coupled with his cryptic message, left an indelible impression, casting a shadow of uncertainty over Alex's thoughts.

Deciding to brush off Brian's ominous words, Alex pushed the encounter to the back of his mind and set off to find Kimmy and the others. Weaving through the bustling crowd, he scanned the area until he spotted their familiar faces in the distance. With a sense of relief, he quickened his pace and joined their group.

Kimmy spoke up, breaking the silence. "So, what game are we playing?"

Alex considered for a moment, weighing their options. "How about Truth or Dare? Or maybe we can play Never Have I Ever."

Maria’s voice cut through the air, her tone firm. "What is this, kindergarten? We’re gonna play Are You Scared!"

The name hit like a blow to the head. Kimmy’s smile faltered, Lucy’s complexion paled, and Ava visibly stiffened. A tense silence settled over the group as they exchanged uneasy glances.

Noah's eyes narrowed from where he sat on a nearby couch, his expression tense with apprehension.

Kimmy spoke up, her voice tinged with unease. "Maybe we could play something else."

Korban, ever the curious one, chimed in. "But I don't think I know this one! How do you play?"

Maria’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she explained the rules. "We choose one person to be the Monster, and they go around the circle trying to scare the people. If you flinch, you’re dead."

Lucy's words echoed in Alex's mind, sending a shiver down his spine. He glanced around at Ava, Kimmy, and Noah, their expressions mirroring his own sense of discomfort.

"Okay, enough. Are we gonna play or what? Come on! Korban's never played it before," Maria urged, her impatience evident.

Alex gripped the edges of his chair, his gaze darting between his friends. There was a silent exchange of looks, each one filled with uncertainty and hesitation.

"It's just a game. Let’s do it," Alex said finally, his voice tinged with forced conviction.

Kimmy's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you guys seriously gonna play?" she asked, her voice wavering with concern.

A tense silence settled over the circle as Kimmy’s declaration hung in the air. Ava met her gaze defiantly, her eyes flashing with determination, while Lucy’s gaze darted away as soon as Kimmy turned in her direction, a flicker of discomfort passing over her features.

"I’m out of this," Kimmy declared, her voice firm as she stood sharply and stomped away from the circle.

Noah rose from his seat too, his arms shaking with pent-up frustration. As he walked away, he muttered under his breath, "Not cool, Alex."

The departure of their friends left the remaining members of the circle feeling unsettled and uncertain. Mateo, always one to seize an opportunity, spoke up eagerly. "I’m gonna be the monster this game!"

Alex’s response was laced with sarcasm. "Wanna be a monster? Should be an easy role for you."

Mateo’s expression darkened, his demeanor suddenly confrontational. "You wanna start something, Alex?"

Ava’s eyes narrowed, her fiery spirit ignited as she rose to her feet, gesturing toward her empty chair.

"I’m the monster this round. Have a seat," she declared, her voice daring anyone to challenge her.

Ava began her transformation into the monster with a slow, deliberate circle, her eyes gleaming with mischief. Suddenly, she lunged at Lily with a fierce cry of "Are you scared!"

Lily jumped, her hand instinctively grabbing Maria's arm as they both dissolved into fits of giggles. Ava turned her attention to Korban, her demeanor calm as she asked, "Hey, are you scared?"

Korban grinned confidently. "You’re not gonna scare me that easily."

But just as he spoke, Ava clapped her hands together with a loud crack, stopping inches from his face. Korban's reaction was instantaneous as he jumped in surprise.

Ava's smile widened triumphantly. "Boom! Dead!"

Turning her attention to the next victim, Ava bent backward, her face hovering inches from Alex's, her eyes rolled back and teeth bared in a wolfish grin.

"Are you scareddddddd?" she taunted.

Alex met her gaze stoically, his expression unwavering. "I am not scared," he declared firmly.

Ava straightened up, a playful pout forming on her lips. "Boo, way to break my streak, Alex," she teased.

With each subsequent turn, Ava continued her reign of terror, taking down each member of the circle with her expertly executed scares. Laughter and screams filled the air as the game unfolded, each moment filled with a mix of exhilaration and trepidation. As Ava emerged victorious, she couldn’t help but revel in the thrill of the game, her mischievous grin reflecting the joy of a successful scare.

As the game continued, it was Mateo's turn to take on the role of the monster. With a determined stride, he approached Ava, his gaze fixed on her with intensity.

"ARE YOU SCARED?" Mateo demanded, his voice tinged with frustration.

Ava met his gaze coolly, unfazed by his attempts to intimidate her.

"Yeah, you keep yelling louder every time, but it's just not getting scarier," she remarked with a hint of amusement.

Frustration clouded Mateo's features as he stormed around the circle for a third time, his determination evident in every step.

Meanwhile, Korban voiced the group's collective curiosity. "So if he doesn't get the rest of us out this round, what happens?"

Maria explained matter-of-factly, "We vote for a new monster."

Mateo scowled, his attention turning sharply to Alex.

"You're not scary at all," Alex taunted, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Maybe you shouldn't try so hard? Get back to basics. Ooh, maybe threaten to put me in the trash can again!"

Mateo leaned in close, his hands bracing on the beanbag chair on either side of him, his voice a menacing whisper that only Alex could hear.

"You've been real cocky this past week, Alex, and I'm getting pretty tired of it. Soon, and I'm talking very soon, I'm gonna make sure you pay in bruises for every little smartass remark you've ever made."

With a sudden movement, Mateo heaved up on the chair, toppling Alex backwards. Shock rippled through the group as Korban yelled, "The hell, man, that's out of line!"

But Mateo's grin was unrepentant. "What? I didn't lay a finger on him," he quipped, his words dripping with a menacing undertone.

Shakily, Alex regained his footing, waving off Lucy's concerned inquiries as his feet instinctively carried him towards the back door. His heart pounded in his chest, adrenaline coursing through his veins, as he hurried outside, Mateo and the others trailing behind him. The people already in the backyard watched intently, murmurs of concern and confusion filling the air.

Mateo clenched his fists, his voice laced with mock concern. "Aww, where are you going, Alex? The game was just starting to get fun."

But before Mateo could advance any further, Levin appeared from inside the house, his expression dark and foreboding as he blocked Mateo's path.

"It sounds like it's time for you to leave," Levin declared, his tone firm and unwavering.

Mateo's smile faltered, replaced by a sneer of defiance. "Come on! It's not my fault Alex can't take a joke!" he protested, attempting to brush past Levin.

However, Levin stood his ground, his gaze steady and resolute. Ava stepped forward, placing a calming hand on Levin's shoulder as she addressed Mateo with a steely determination.

"You heard the blondie, time to go," Ava asserted, her voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

Mateo stumbled back, caught off guard by Ava's sudden assertiveness. For a brief moment, his sneer wavered, his bravado faltering in the face of Ava's unwavering resolve.

As Mateo stumbled again, nearly losing his balance, he glanced around frantically before breaking into a run, vanishing around the corner in a hasty retreat. Meanwhile, Alex's friends gathered around him, offering words of comfort and support, with Kimmy placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

Kimmy's voice broke through the tension, her concern evident as she asked, "Are you okay?"

Alex managed a weak smile, though the lingering effects of the confrontation with Mateo still weighed heavily on his mind.

"I'm fine," he replied, his voice tinged with relief. "I'm just glad that he's gone."

Lucy nodded in agreement, her expression reflecting a mix of apprehension and determination. "Alex, let's just go back inside," she suggested, her voice gentle yet firm.

Returning to the warmth of the house, Alex excused himself to get a glass of water in the kitchen. As he sipped the cool liquid, he could feel his pulse slowly beginning to ease, though the memory of Mateo's menacing words still echoed in his mind.

Alex knew he shouldn't let Mateo get under his skin like that, that he should be enjoying himself at the party. But the unease lingered, and he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over him.

But he decided to call it a night, Alex grabbed his coat and made his way through the crowd, searching for someone to give a ride home. His eyes landed on Kimmy, her presence offering a sense of comfort amidst the chaos of the evening.

Approaching her with a sense of gratitude, Alex extended a hand.

"Hey, Kimmy," he began, his voice soft but earnest. " I am sorry to ask you of this but can you please ride me home?"

Kimmy smiled and nodded in agreement as she and Alex bid farewell to Maria, emerging from her quaint suburban house into the stillness of the night. The moon cast a gentle glow over the silent streets as they walked towards Kimmy's sleek, silver sedan parked by the curb. With a soft click, Kimmy unlocked the car, and they both settled into the plush seats, the interior illuminated by the soft glow of the dashboard.

She expertly navigated through the familiar streets, the occasional flicker of streetlights guiding their way as they exchanged quiet conversation. Pulling up in front of Alex's house, Kimmy brought the car to a smooth stop, the silence of the night broken only by the hum of the engine.

Alex thanked her before stepping out onto the familiar pavement of his street, waving goodbye as Kimmy drove off into the darkness, the faint glimmer of streetlights disappearing in the rearview mirror.

He watched as her taillights disappeared into the night, leaving him standing alone on the quiet street.

Reflecting on the evening and the time he spent with his friends, Alex couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. Despite the unsettling events that had transpired, it had been a good party.

As he walked up the long walkway to his house in the early hours of the morning, a strange sensation washed over him, causing him to stop in his tracks.

He spun in a slow circle, his senses on high alert, but there was nothing....

No sound...

No smell......

Just a feeling........

Alex did another full rotation, his eyes scanning the darkness, but still, he found nothing amiss. Chalking it up to his imagination, he continued inside, the familiar warmth of his home welcoming him.

Entering his room, Alex kicked off his shoes and tugged on his pajamas, the events of the evening weighing heavily on his mind. With a sigh, he flicked off the bedroom light, ready to put the night behind him.

But as he was about to drop into bed, he felt it again—the same unsettling sensation that had gripped him outside. His hands trembled as he reached for the lamp switch, his heart pounding in his chest.

Then, something outside of his bedroom window caught his eye. Alex leaned in close, pressing his nose to the cold glass, his breath fogging the windowpane. As the clouds parted, a shaft of moonlight illuminated the tree outside, revealing a chilling sight.

There hung the lifeless body. Swinging softly from a sturdy branch, the figure's form was eerily still, its limp limbs casting long shadows in the moonlight. The fabric of its shirt billowed slightly in the wind, while vacant eyes stared out into the night, reflecting the pale glow of the moon above.

And then, as the realization sank in, he understood with a sinking feeling in his chest that the body hanging from the tree was none other than....

Mateo...