As we gathered around the table, the chatter and laughter filled the air. The aroma of delicious food wafted from the dishes, making my stomach growl in anticipation. I took a seat next to Max, with Elliot on his other side, and Aiden and Nina joining us shortly after. We exchanged smiles and playful nudges, happy to reunite as a family again.

Grandfather, the patriarch of our family, took his place at the head of the table, his presence commanding respect from everyone. His silver hair and wise eyes gave him a distinguished look, and he always carried an air of authority that none of us dared to challenge. He was known for his strictness and high expectations, especially regarding sports and academics.

We caught up on each other's lives and shared stories. The older Denver brothers teased each other and the younger generation helmed by Ash and Alec followed suit.

"What games will we be playing this time" Carl asked, looking at our Uncle Elijah. He's in charge of the games. Well all the brothers were but he somehow voted himself the gamemaster.

He stood up, holding a clipboard with a mischievous grin on his face.

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, prepare yourselves for an epic showdown of wits, agility, and pure family entertainment! We're talking about the legendary Denver cup, the ultimate symbol of family domination! " he declared, his voice booming with excitement. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause. Glancing mischievously at Aiden, Alec, and Asher, Uncle Elijah added with a playful smirk, "Children, this year, we're snatching that cup back from Felix and his gang. It's time to show them what we're made up"

Alec couldn't resist interjecting, his voice filled with playful banter, "What happened to the 'let's just have fun' speech, dad?"

Uncle Elijah chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "Oh, we'll have plenty of fun, my dear Alec. But I simply cannot endure another year of Felix's insufferable gloating. They've won that cup three times in a row, and it's high time we showed them what we're made of!"

"Yes we've have! Get ready to witness the Denver 3.0 legacy in action once again!" my dad exclaimed and high five Max. 

"Let be realistic here. They have A.Iden. The guy is like a walking encyclopedia, knowing all sorts of unnecessary stuffs." Asher shrugged. 

"Your voices have been heard,"Uncle Elijah interjected with a theatrical flourish. " After discussion with the games creator council, a.k.a my brothers, we have decided to have two solutions to all the games. The first been the escape room. There is an easy way to complete the game and the difficult boring part of solving puzzles and boring stuffs"

"I mean that is the essence of the game" my dad interjected. 

"Shh. Do not speak when the game master is speaking. As I was saying, find the easy clue or difficult one and escape the room. First group out wins. The game starts in 30 minutes." He announced. 

"It appears. We have a guest in our midst." He looked at Nina.

"Yes. Can we have her. She evens out the group" Ash said, winking at Nina.

His mum hits the back of his head lightly.

"She is not some object to be claimed." she scolded, her attention turning towards Nina. " Don't mind him mija."

Max stood up and said, "As I knew this day will come. Exactly two years ago today when we had Zoe join us. Aay said, and I quote 'she here as our guest so that makes a part of the Denver 2.0'. I rest my case." 

"He's right son. I guess Nina joins Felix's gang. Get ready kids. Game starts in 20 minutes." 

We disperse and go get ready for the games.

"This is so exciting. And I love escape rooms." Nina exclaimed as we head inside. "It would have fun to beat Aiden on this but I'll settle with working with him."

"Good. You see the big picture." I hold her shoulders so she looks me in the eyes. " We have to with at least two of the games so this means you and Aiden work together and not against each other. Got it?"

"Of course I do."

"Now, listen here," Aiden began, his voice laced with confidence and a little patience. "Based on the clues we've gathered so far, I'm certain the key to our escape lies hidden within this riddle."

Nina crossed her arms, a defiant look on her face. "Oh, please. We've wasted enough time following your convoluted theories. Let's think practically for once. Maybe the key is just lying around somewhere obvious."

This has been going on for ten minutes. It's like the whole working together speech was wasted on her. 

"I don't know if working with two smart people is a good idea. At least with Aiden we just had to watch him work his magic." Elliot remarked as we watched the two bicker. I couldn't agree more. Elliot scanned the room and walked toward the painting that was hanging on the wall.

Deciding to intervene, I made my way over to Nina and Aiden, hoping to defuse the tension.

"Come on, guys, remember we're supposed to be working together," I reminded them.

"Like anyone can work with this big-headed know-it-all," Nina retorted. Suddenly, there was a subtle click, and we all turned our attention towards Elliot, standing beside the painting. To our surprise, a concealed compartment had opened, revealing a small brass key.

"I think I found the key." Elliot declared, holding it up for all of us to see.

"Nice one, brother!" Max exclaimed, giving Elliot a high-five before he handed the key to him. Nina and Aiden exchanged glances before moving toward the door, eager to test if the key would work.

The key slid effortlessly into the lock, turning with a satisfying click.

"I never thought I'd say this, but well done, Elliot," I praised, patting him on the shoulder.

"We have a winner. Twelve minutes. That's a record." Uncle Elijah declared as soon as we stepped out of the room.

Curiosity gleaming in his eyes, Uncle Elijah turned to Aiden and asked, "So, Aiden, how did you manage to solve it?"

"It was actually Elliot who cracked this one," Aiden announce. 

At that moment other teams stepped out of their room almost at the same time.

"Initial shock processed. Easy way or hard way?"

"Not sure which. It was in the painting." Elliot answered. 

" Easy way. You found the clue for that. 'The letter reveals the key'. Came up with that one." Uncle Aiden added.

"Nope. Just saw the scratch on the painting and I was just trying to fix that." He chuckled.

"Why do I even try?" he shook his head.