The atmosphere shifted the moment Leora's footsteps faded down the corridor. Seraphine, ever the instigator, leaned forward with a devilish grin, her elbows resting on the table.
"Well, now that the fun police has left…" she began, trailing off for dramatic effect.
"Oh no," Riley groaned, immediately sensing trouble. "Seraphine, whatever you're about to say, the answer is no."
"I haven't even said anything yet!" Seraphine protested, feigning innocence.
"That grin says it all," Lydia chimed in, sipping her drink with an amused smirk.
Ignoring the protests, Seraphine straightened up and clapped her hands together. "Okay, listen up, losers! Since poker turned into a disaster—"
"Because you lost," Aurelia cut in.
"—we're playing something better," Seraphine continued, undeterred. "Truth or dare!"
The room fell silent for a moment, everyone exchanging glances.
"No," Riley said firmly.
