The woman lay still, listening to the sound of the man's footsteps fade away down the corridor. She struggled against her restraints, but they held firm. Panic began to set in once again as she considered the implications of the madman's words. Seven people playing a game of death? It sounded like something out of a horror movie.
She tried to clear her mind and think of a way out. She looked around the small white room, searching for anything that could help her escape. The walls were smooth and featureless, with no windows or doors except for the one the man had used to enter and exit.
She began to feel the weight of her situation pressing in on her. How long had she been here? Was anyone looking for her? The thought of her loved ones frantically searching for her made her want to cry. She had to get out of here, had to survive this game.
As if on cue, the door to the room opened again, and the madman entered. He was carrying a tray with a glass of water and a sandwich. He placed the tray on a small table near the woman and grinned at her.
"Time for lunch," he said, his eyes gleaming. "You must be starving."
The woman glared at him, her anger rising. "I'm not hungry," she spat out. "I want to know what's going on here."
The madman's expression turned serious. "Very well," he said. "I'll explain. You've all been brought here to play a game. A game of survival. The rules are simple: you have to be the last one standing. The winner will be allowed to leave this place and return to their normal life. The losers..."
He trailed off, a cruel smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
The woman felt a cold sweat break out on her forehead. This was insane. How could anyone be so twisted? She wanted to scream, to lash out at the man and demand that he let her go, but she knew that it would only make things worse.
"Who are the others?" she asked, her voice trembling.
The madman shrugged. "I can't tell you that, my dear. It would spoil the surprise."
He picked up the tray and headed towards the door. "Enjoy your lunch," he said, his voice laced with malice. "You'll need your strength."
The door closed behind him, and the woman was once again alone. She felt a wave of despair wash over her. How could she possibly win this game? She didn't even know who she was up against.
She forced herself to take a deep breath and calm down. She couldn't give up yet. She had to find a way out.