The first thing that registered in her mind was the pounding headache. It was so intense that she felt like her skull was about to split open. She tried to open her eyes, but the bright light made her squint. As her vision adjusted, she realized that she was in a small, white room.
She tried to move, but her limbs were bound with thick ropes. Panic set in, and she began to struggle against her restraints. That was when she heard a faint whisper. "Don't bother, you won't be able to break free."
The voice was cold and emotionless. She looked around, trying to pinpoint its source, but there was no one in the room with her. "Who's there?" she asked, her voice shaking.
There was no answer. She was alone.
Suddenly, the door to the room opened, and a man entered. He was tall, with greasy hair and a thin, angular face. He wore a white coat that was stained with blood. He smiled at her, revealing a row of yellow teeth.
"Welcome," he said, his voice dripping with false kindness. "I hope you're feeling better."
She tried to speak, but her throat was dry. She managed to croak out a single word. "Why?"
The man's smile widened. "Why, indeed. You've been selected to play a game, my dear. A game of death."
He walked over to her and leaned in close, his breath hot on her face. "But don't worry," he whispered. "It's a fair game. You and six others have been chosen to participate. The rules are simple: the last one standing wins."
She felt a cold shiver run down her spine. This couldn't be happening. It had to be some kind of sick joke. But as she looked into the man's eyes, she saw nothing but madness.
"You're insane," she spat out.
The man chuckled. "Perhaps. But I'm also a genius. And you're all here to play my masterpiece."
He turned and walked out of the room, leaving her alone with her thoughts. She knew then that she was in real trouble. She didn't know who the other six were or what kind of game this was, but one thing was certain: she had to find a way to survive.