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Truth or Dare has always been a fun and thrilling game that a youngling experienced as they grew up. But even adults may find themselves challenged to tell a secret or take on a dare. Which one will you pick, and how does it all play out?
Karothdra reclined on a plush velvet chair, her fingers idly tracing patterns on the armrest as she listened to the lively chatter of her older companions. The air was thick with the scent of spiced wine and the warmth of camaraderie as they gathered for a small gathering of nobles. The flickering candles cast dancing shadows across the room, adding to the intimate ambiance of the evening. She hated these kinds of things usually, but an old acquaintance had asked her to go and she’d ended up saying yes even if she had no desire to do so.
After lots of drinking and gossiping, a game of Truth or Dare was proposed, Karothdra who had been eyeing the patio with boredom, turned to look as a few guests gathered to play.
“Won’t you join us Karothdra?” One called out to her.
“I don’t play childish games,” was her answer as she took another sip of her drink.
“You’re just scared.”
With a huff, Karothdra set her drink down and joined them, a sly grin on her face, she eagerly awaited her turn to choose. When the moment came, Karothdra's heart quickened with excitement.
"Dare," she declared because all these other soft nobles were picking truths. They all could be so boring at times, but Karothdra had too many secrets locked away to ever pick truth. She didn’t want any of these vultures spilling her truths.
A wicked grin spread across the face of one of her companions, their eyes gleaming with mischief. "I dare you to sneak into the nearby library and steal a prized possession of the host," they challenged their voice barely above a whisper. "Bring it back here without getting caught, and your bravery will be unmatched."
Karothdra's heart raced at the audacious dare, but she accepted it without hesitation. She wouldn’t back down from such a silly glare even if she knew the host's husband would have her head if he found her in his office. With a nod of determination, she rose from her seat and made her way toward the library, the soft glow of candles guiding her way. The grand doors loomed before her, their polished wood gleaming in the dim light.
With a steady hand, she pushed open the door and slipped inside, the scent of old parchment and leather filling her nostrils. She moved silently through the rows of shelves, her eyes scanning the titles as she searched for her target. Finally, she spotted it—a rare tome bound in rich burgundy leather, its gilt-edged pages shimmering in the dim light.
With a quick glance over her shoulder, Karothdra reached out and plucked the book from its place on the shelf, her heart pounding with excitement. She tucked it under her arm and made her way back towards the door, her steps quick and sure. But just as she reached the threshold, a voice cut through the silence like a knife.
"And where do you think you're going with that?" The voice belonged to the host of the gathering, her eyes narrowing in suspicion as she approached. Karothdra's heart leaped into her throat, but she refused to back down. With a defiant glare, she held her ground, her fingers tightening around the stolen book.
"I was just borrowing it for a moment," she replied, her voice steady. "I'll return it soon, don’t worry."
The host regarded her for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then, to Karothdra's surprise, they broke into a grin.
"Well, I must say, you've certainly got guts," she remarked, her tone tinged with amusement. "I'll let you off with a warning this time, but don't let me catch you doing it again."
Relief flooded through Karothdra as she handed back the book, her heart pounding with exhilaration.
“I’ve been caught,” Karo said as she made her way back to her friends with empty hands. All of them booed her but she took her seat again.
“Of all the people to get caught,” one mentioned.
“We thought you’d have this in the bag,” another said, his disappointment palpable.
“Well, I had to be bad at something right?” The others all rolled their eyes before they continued with the game.
If Karo was honest, she probably could have gotten away with it. She hadn’t really been careful but then again she’d also had quite a few drinks in her system. And so what if she didn’t complete the dare, they’d roped her into playing against her will. She’d participated and now she doubted that they’d call on her again for another turn. So Karothdra grabbed her drink and took to the chair once more, content to sit out and watch the other nobles make fools of themselves.
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