Episode 18
“Looks like we’re having our first evening challenge,” Lex says, reading this morning’s camp mail. She squints, re-scanning the parchment paper. “I don’t know what the challenge will be, but at least we’re beating the heat today. I’ll take it.”
“No complaints from me, either.” I add, adjusting the straps of my shorts. “I hope it’s not too physical. My muscles are still sore from the last challenge.”
“This is good.” Beya’s eyes flicker with determination. “Cats hunt better at night.”
“And when they have full bellies. Thanks to you, Jungle Cat.” Lex pats Beya’s shoulder, then points her attention to all of us.
“You know, I’ve never seen a stud like me make it this far on a game show before.
I mean, look at us. We got studs and butches.
Masculine queer women. This little team of four will always have a piece of my heart.
I want our legacy to live on. Team Masc. Final Five.”
Bo nods, then stretches out her arm toward the center of the group. “For Dana.”
“For Dana.” Lex and Beya place their hands on top of Bo’s.
My thoughts travel to Paya. I don’t know if she’s still in the game.
I hope she beat the odds. At the same time, my company is the reason I’m here, so does it really matter?
Maybe that’s why my gut tightens when I tried sharing the news about my Sappho’s Super Secret Relic.
And as much as I appreciate my team, deep down, I know the game and alliances can turn at any time.
The only person I can afford to truly trust to win is myself.
If this group of people helps me accomplish my goal. So it is.
“For Dana. I know she would be proud,” I say last, joining the others.
We share warm smiles and lift our hands to the sky.
After breaking, Bo motions us into a group hug.
Our five game winning streak has given us an incredible wave of strength and kept our spirits up.
The shift to a nighttime challenge plays directly into our hands.
We are fed, focused, and operating at peak capacity.
When we arrive at the challenge arena, the familiar, harsh midday clearing has been completely transformed by the onset of sunset.
The sky is a bleeding canopy of deep violet and burnt orange, but the real wonder comes from the ground.
Scattered across the platforms and outlining the boundaries of the mats are dozens of tea light candles, their small flames flickering against the incoming twilight.
The warm, low illumination casts dramatic angles across the structures, giving the entire space an ancient, high-stakes atmosphere.
Team Femme files in from the opposite trail. My eyes immediately search for Paya. My heart scrambles. I don’t see her, but then see her walking last. She survived another night. Raina is another story.
We take our places on the starting mats, but something is entirely different. There are no team designations marked out on the sand.
Steph stands in front of us wearing her signature safari shirt and white shorts. Despite the beautiful view behind her, her face is serious.
I turn to find Paya again. Her tired eyes meet mine, and my heart eases for the first time since yesterday. I hope that doesn’t change.
Steph’s lips split into a wide grin. “Drop your wraps. Welcome to the merge.”