I've forgotten about the prize from the so-called "scavenger hunt" because, between meals and hours of games with the others, time flew away quickly. Now that I'm alone again, I can focus on the final part of the mission—reaping what I've sown so far.

At 8:30am, taking advantage of the fact that my friends are still in bed, I grab the map and walk quietly down the halls until I find a flight of stairs leading to the second and last floor. I take slow but measured steps with barely any light to guide me.

Then, a dusty hall comes in front of me. There are only two doors. One of them has to lead me to the attic. I try to open the one on the right. Good. It wasn't locked. It's a power room where the mansion's counters are kept. I shut the door almost immediately, realizing there's nothing interesting about it.

This means my attention turns to the other one, the one on the left. Unlike the one on the right, this is locked. I have to see if there's a key in the surroundings. I use my phone's torch to light the area and look for a switch.

Here it is! I turn it on and notice a rusty nail between the two doors where two keys hang. Paying close attention not to touch the nail, I pick the two keys. I stare at them and realize they're identical. This means either could open the door, but I have to try to be sure.

I start with the first key. It's the one. I'm lucky! I turn the light of the hall off, and the one of this other room on. The floor is dusty, there's only one small window with closed shutters, and there's no furniture in sight. Just a lot of closed boxes and what seems to be a treasure chest.

My focus shifts on the latter, of course. Still with the keys in my hands, I approach the chest. Time to open it. I try the same key I used to open the door. No, it's not it. This means it has to be the other one. Once again, my instinct has guided me to the right direction.

The chest is full of interesting stuff. More board games, a sequined purple siren shaped dress, a pair of glittering high heels, a small brown duffle bag tied closed with rope, and a note that reads, 'Congratulations! Here's your prize! Enjoy it—you'll be the first and last to be able to take it.'

I'm satisfied. Now, curiosity is all on the brown bag, but I'll inspect its content in my room when it's time. For now, I'll keep it in a safe place. I'm sure there's a drawer that's secluded enough for me to hide it.

***

Another day has started. Until I take a look at the duffle bag, I hope to spend a day without new mysteries or drama. I just want to relax and enjoy myself with the others. As we start making breakfast, Anton casually mentions another discovery of his. "There's a pool in the backyard mansion. We should try it."

Kat and Lindsey roll their eyes until I point out, "Maybe he means a swimming pool, after all."

Lindsey sighs in relief. "Oh, thank God! I really need it. I hope you've all brought swimsuits, because... it's time for a pool party!" Crap! I didn't think of bringing one. I hope to find something indoors—I don't feel like borrowing it from the other girls. I don't think our sizes match.

Of course, I don't mention that to avoid mockery or criticism. I'll look for a swimsuit in silence and hope to surprise them. Meanwhile, breakfast goes on smoothly, until Brianna singles me out. "Can we talk in private?" she asks. I nod.

We wait for the others to leave and start clearing the table and washing up. We put the leftovers back in the fridge and cupboard. Then, Brianna invites me to take a seat next to her. "How are you feeling?" she asks again.

I don't tell her about my scavenger hunt. I'm not ready to share anything about it yet—there's still a chance the content of the duffle bag is a bust. Instead, I just make some small talk. "I feel good today. I really look forward to this pool party. Do you think Lindsey has already started setting up everything?"

"Considering how she takes parties really seriously, she must already be barking orders at Anton and Kat. I don't envy them." Brianna giggles as I hear loud voices echoing outdoors. As expected, preparation for the pool party is in full swing and Lindsey is in charge.

I suggest keeping our voices down not to catch her attention, or we'll be forced to take part in the hardest part of planning. Brianna continues, following my advice. "Anyway, you look a little down, Silla. Is everything okay?"

I hesitate. "Well, yes. I think." I take a deep breath before finding the courage to go to the point. "What you think of the project. Personally, I'm enjoying myself, but there's this one feeling I can't shake. I'm not sure of what it is. Have you got an idea of what it could be?" I pay attention not to mention the so-called "treasure," or she may want to try and conquer it. I'd better keep it a secret for now.

Brianna shakes her head. "Honestly, no. But I believe there's more than just a fun and relaxing holiday with no restrictions or boundaries." She's relieved to see that someone can relate to her. "I'm glad you start thinking the same way as me, Silla. I think someone's watching us from afar."

"But who? I haven't seen cameras in sight just yet."

"Maybe they're hidden very well. Look, we can check, but not today. There's a party coming in a few hours, do you remember?" I nod, then groan. I wonder how much Anton, Kat and Lindsey have managed to do with all their bickering, which we've heard through all the time. While it didn't bother our conversation, it doesn't look too good.

"Time to go and look for a swimsuit, then. Good luck, Silla." Brianna quietly leaves the kitchen, leaving me to ponder on her thoughts. Questions start pouring in my mind, but my focus is on finding a swimsuit.

Meanwhile, I can hear the noise of footsteps coming in the direction of the kitchen. In order to avoid being caught idling, I start grabbing stuff from the cupboard. Lindsey comes in exactly when I start heating popcorn and retrieve plastic cups.

"Oh, Silla, hi. You're taking care of food. Great, great." She takes the chips that have already been placed in bowls, as well as a bottle of iced tea. "I'll take those outdoors. Finish there and come find me in the backyard, okay?"

I sigh. I've wasted so much time that I haven't found a swimsuit yet. How can I face Lindsey? She can accuse me of not caring enough. Fortunately, when she's back from the pool area, she returns to grab more items, and hands me a small bag. "I found this in a storage room not far from the stairs. Take it."

I pick up the bag and open it. Oh, a bikini! "Thank you, thank you, you're my savior!"

"Oh, don't thank me! I'll finish handling this stuff. Go and change!"

I rush upstairs, knowing that I've been incredibly lucky. Let's hope no bad surprises await me.