The Last Wildcard

CHAPTER SIX

The Water’s Whisper

The ocean whispered secrets against the black rocks of Elysian Isle.

Jace stood at the edge of the shore, moonlight silvering the water and outlining the tension in his frame. The chaos of the jungle felt far away out here. The island’s breath slowed with the tide. His didn’t.

A soft laugh drifted across the surf. Fantasy rose from the water like a dream half remembered, her siren form glimmering beneath the moon. Translucent fins traced her spine. Blue light shimmered in her eyes.

“You look troubled, wolf boy,” she sang lightly. “Thinking about your little human?”

Jace didn’t look at her. “Stay away from her.”

Fantasy smiled wider. “That’s not how this game works. The audience already chose her. And they chose you with her. I can’t be mistaken.” 

She flicked her fingers. The air rippled as a translucent feed blinked briefly between them.

[Live Stream – Shore Cam 03]

kay: he’s brooding by the sea again, ugh 

princess: if he doesn’t end up with riven i’m suing the producers

derah: why is the siren always near him?? get her AWAY

aboc: enemies to lovers? no. siren to villain arc pls

“You steal people’s powers for a living.” Jace clenched his jaw. “You tried to touch her soul.”

Fantasy’s smile thinned. “And something touched me back.”

That finally made him turn.

“She’s not empty,” Fantasy murmured. “I don’t thinks she’s a human. The island knows her.”

“Then leave her alone.”

Fantasy stepped closer, voice soft as silk. “Careful. The more you protect her, the more the audience believes you’re bonded.”

She faded back into the tide, laughter echoing behind her.

***

The horn sounded at dawn.

Contestants gathered in the clearing, tension coiled tight. Cameras hovered low, red lights blinking awake.

Vivian Drake appeared, immaculate as ever.

“Today’s trial,” she announced, “is called The Water’s Whisper.”

A low ripple of unease spread.

“You will be paired,” Vivian continued. “Audience vote determines your partner. You will cross the tidal maze together. Separated pairs are eliminated.”

The screen flared.

PAIRING RESULT

RIVEN ASHCROFT × JACE DRAVEN

They were gasps. Murmurs. A few bitter laughs.

[Live Stream Comment Section – Main Feed]

kay: THEY’RE PAIRED, I’M SCREAMING

sunny: forced proximity trope activated!!!

derah: watch the wolf fall in love and hate it 

princess: riven better not get hurt i swear

Riven lifted her eyes to Jace. For a second, neither spoke.

“Looks like the island ships us,” she said quietly.

His mouth twitched. “The island ships bloodshed.”

They were led to the shoreline where stone pathways emerged and vanished beneath rolling tides. Mist curled low, whispering voices threading through it.

“Rule is simple,” Vivian said. “You cannot cross alone. If one falls, both fail.”

The tide surged. Riven slipped on the wet stone. Jace caught her wrist, yanking her back against his chest. Her breath hitched. For a heartbeat, the world narrowed to heat, salt air, and the steady drum of his heart beneath her ear.

“Careful,” he said, low.

“I was fine,” she lied, not moving away.

[Live Stream – Shore Cam 07]

aboc: HELLO??? the tension???

kay: her face?? she’s BLUSHING

princess: wolfboy don’t you dare let go of her hand

love_romance: this is better than scripted dramas

The maze shifted. Water surged, cutting off their path.

Riven hesitated. “We jump or we drown.”

Jace tightened his grip. “Trust me.”

She searched his face. Then nodded. They leapt together. Cold water swallowed them. Jace’s arm locked around her waist, hauling her up as the tide dragged at her legs. Riven clung to him, breath shuddering as they stumbled onto solid stone again, soaked and breathless.

For a second, neither moved. The island hummed.

[Live Stream – Main Feed]

kay: THAT WAS A BOND MOMENT IDC WHAT ANYONE SAYS

sunny: if they die i’m suing this island personally

derah: look at how he’s holding her…

Riven laughed, breathless. “Guess I don’t drown easily.”

Jace didn’t let go right away. “Don’t make me test that theory again.”

The water receded. The path opened. Above them, unseen by the contestants, the bond index ticked upward.