For the next five minutes, the room feels heavy with tension as the teens-Sam, Henry, Austin, Maddie, and Lynne-gather to deliberate. The clout of Mother's decree lingers in the air, amplifying the mistrust simmering beneath their interactions. None of them speaks immediately. The lingering doubt, seeded days ago by the psychological manipulations, makes every glance and movement seem like a potential threat.

"We have to decide." Maddie finally says, her voice breaking the silence. Her gaze flits nervously from one person to the next. "Before she makes it worse for all of us."

Sam crosses her arms, staring at the floor. Her jaw tightens as she considers the stakes. "We're playing right into her hands," she mutters, though the words lack conviction.

"So what do we do?" Lynne whispers. Her eyes dart toward Mother's ominous red light above the central camera lens returning.

Mother's voice cuts in, sickly sweet and mocking. "Oh, darlings, the nation's patience is wearing thin. One minute to make your decision. Choose wisely."

Austin's lips curl in frustration. "How are we supposed to decide this in sixty seconds?"

As they are nervous to decide or step up, they can feel a disturbing chill. Their paranoia still growing but has been quiet as of now.

Sam looks up, glaring at Mother's camera before turning to the group. Seeing if there's a way to defy Mother and SEED, she needs to play their game for the time being. Even though she still has been questioning her fellow captive roommates, she wants to do this.

"Fine. I'll do it," She says, voice steady but laden with resignation. "I'll stay behind. It doesn't matter."

Lynne's eyes widen. "You don't have to-"

"Yes, I do," Sam snaps. Her tone brooks no argument, but her body language betrays her. She shifts her weight uncomfortably, hands clenching into fists. "We don't have time to argue."

"We can try to stop listening to the fake thoughts and think positive." Lynne states, her hand a bit shaking.

"I doubt that." Austin questions.

Trying to honor Elijah's advice...to be in control, Henry knows what he should do. He steps forward, his expression unreadable. "Actually...I'll do it. I'll stay behind." he says firmly.

Sam spins to face him, disbelief flickering across her face. "What?"

"I said I'll stay behind," Henry repeats. His voice shakes slightly, but he doesn't back down. "You're not doing this alone. I'm... I'm not going to let you."

"You don't have to play hero," Sam says sharply. Her voice rises, frustration and worry bleeding into her words. "This isn't a comic book, Henry."

"I'm not trying to be a hero," He retorts, stepping back toward the couch. "But I'm not letting her win. If someone has to stay, it'll be me."

Sam doesn't want him and instead wants to focus on what she's doing. "It's settled. I'm doing it."

Mother's voice interrupts the brewing argument, dripping with delight, "Time's up, my darlings." Her voice dripping with sweet malice. "Please, announce who is staying behind."

Sam is about to step up ready to speak until Henry beats her to it by a second.

"I'm staying behind, Mother!" Henry exclaims.

Henry's action completely stuns her and the others. Austin, Maddie, and Lynne all hold shared shock, their mouths speechless and bewildered. Sam reacts stunned and frustrated.

"What are you doing?' Sam whispers to him

Henry ignores her questions and steps back, walking to the arch-like couch.

"Oh, how noble. The nation adores this little display. Very well, Henry. You will sit this one out." Mother says with an eerily cheerful tone. The rest of you... get ready for a challenge that will test every ounce of trust you have left."

The teens exchange wary glances as a rectangular pedestal rises from the floor. Atop it sit four gleaming metal handles, their design ominous in its simplicity.

"This," Mother begins, her tone as smooth as silk, "is Ungrouped. A team challenge designed to break you down and build something new. Perhaps." Her chuckle echoes through the room, making Lynne flinch. "You will split into two teams. One member of each team will endure a physical trial, while the other will face an emotional one. Then, you'll switch trials."

Austin's jaw tightens. "And the supplies?"

"The winning team will earn medical supplies and food rations. The losing team... well, you'll have to depend on their generosity." Her tone turns icy. "And if I were you, I wouldn't count on it."

The tension thickens as Mother assigns the teams. "Sam and Lynne, you will form Team One. Austin and Maddie, you are Team Two."

Sam swiftly turns back to Henry, sharing a very disdainful stare. Henry sitting on the couch takes notice and doesn't respond. Sam soon exchanges a wary glance with Lynne. Maddie stares at the floor, avoiding Austin's gaze. Henry remains silent and watching, his fingers twitching as though itching to help. But something tells him he can't.

Mother then goes on to explain about the four metal bars lying on the pedestal. The roommates who will undergo the physical trial must hold onto one bar in each hand. She doesn't fully explain what to expect as they cling onto those bars, leaving worries and dread.

"Who will face the physical trial first?" Mother asks.

Sam steps forward. "I will."

Austin nods to Maddie, then grips the bars firmly. "I've got it."

The two move to their respective sides, clutching the cold metal handles as the others watch from a safe distance. The tension is palpable as Mother begins the countdown. "Two minutes," she purrs. "Let's see who cracks first."

The screen above the Gathering Zone displays the timer: 02:00

The instant the countdown starts, pain shoots through Sam's hands. It feels like dozens of needles piercing her skin, each jolt growing sharper with every passing second. Her knuckles turn white as she grips the handles tighter, refusing to let go. She bites her lip hard enough to draw blood but doesn't cry out.

Beside her, Lynne's trial begins. A distorted voice fills the room, echoing with cruel precision. It's her parents, or at least, a twisted imitation of them.

"You're a failure, Lynne. Dancing won't get you anywhere. You'll never be good enough."

Tears prick Lynne's eyes as she shakes her head violently. "That's not them," she whispers, her voice trembling. "My parents wouldn't...dare."

On the other side of the room, Austin's hands burn as though he's gripping molten metal. Sweat drips down his forehead as he grits his teeth, eyes locked on the timer. Every second feels like an eternity.

Maddie's trial is no less harrowing. She hears the mocking laughter of children, their taunts blending into a cruel symphony. Then, amidst the cacophony, a familiar voice emerges.

"Maddie, you're a burden. You ruin everything."

It's Zoe.

Or rather, something pretending to be her. Maddie's breath catches in her throat as tears spill down her cheeks. "No," she whispers. "You're not real."

Austin glances at her, his voice strained but firm. "Don't listen to it," he says through gritted teeth. "It's not her."

Maddie nods, clutching her arms tightly as she forces herself to focus on his words rather than the torment in her ears. "It's not her. It's not her," she repeats constantly, the phrase becoming her lifeline.

The timer ticks down. 01:00 minute... 00:45 seconds... 00:30 seconds

Sam's arms shake violently as the electric shocks intensify. Her vision blurs, but she refuses to let go. Lynne's tears fall freely now, her parents' voices cutting deeper with each repetition.

Austin's grip on the handles tightens despite the searing pain. Maddie's nails dig into her palms as she continues whispering her mantra.

"It's not her. It's not her."