Chapter 5

Chapter 4: Truth in Motion

The grand ballroom was transformed into a stage. Lightsbeamed down on them, casting long, eerie shadows. A message flashed on thegiant screen:

“Perform your truth. One by one. Lie — and you lose.”

A panel of blacked-out figures appeared behind the glass— silent watchers. The air grew cold.

Kriya stepped forward first. “I’ll go.”

Rey caught her arm. “You don’t have to—”

“I do,” she said, locking eyes with him. “For us.”

Music started — a haunting blend of classical and streetstyle. Kriya’s body moved fluidly, each step a memory. Her choreography toldthe story of her departure — not just duty, but fear. Fear of losing Rey to theperson he was becoming — consumed by competition and anger.

Tears glistened in her eyes as she ended on one knee.

Silence.

Then a ding.

“Truth accepted,” the screen read. One door inthe ballroom slid open, revealing a corridor.

Next, Swayam stepped in, facing his own truth: His fearthat Sharon would always love the stage more than him. His dance was raw,fierce, ending in a quiet, reaching lift — symbolizing letting go.

“Truth accepted.”

Sharon’s routine followed — slow and heart-wrenching. Sheconfessed, through movement, how much she regretted pushing Swayam away,pretending she didn’t care.

“Truth accepted.”

Finally, Rey stepped up.

Everyone watched as he unleashed a powerful performance —frustration, guilt, and undying love. In his final move, he mimed catchingsomething slipping from his grasp — Kriya.

He stood breathless.

Silence stretched longer.

Then—

“Truth… accepted.”

The second door opened.

But before they could move, the lights blacked out. Avoice whispered from all directions:

“Truth earns survival. But trust... will be yourundoing.”

A loud click echoed. One of the corridors hadsealed behind them.

Someone else was here.

Watching.