Survival of the Fittest

My name is Siddharth, and I didn’t come here for fame or glory. I came for survival. The letter said one year on an uncharted island with nine strangers, no help, no escape—only a fortune waiting at the end for whoever lasts. I grew up in the Himalayan foothills, where cold winds taught me resilience and silence sharpened my instincts. But this? This isn't just about nature anymore. It's about trust, desire, betrayal. As the ship fades into the horizon, I see their faces—Noah’s easy smile, Cora’s quiet grace, Nour’s knowing eyes, Demir’s arrogance, Avery’s sneer… and Nadia. Her icy gaze cuts through me like a blade wrapped in silk. I don’t know who sent us here. I don’t know the rules. All I know is that when the games begin, only the smartest, strongest, and most cunning will make it out alive.

Survival of the Fittest

My name is Siddharth, and I didn’t come here for fame or glory. I came for survival. The letter said one year on an uncharted island with nine strangers, no help, no escape—only a fortune waiting at the end for whoever lasts. I grew up in the Himalayan foothills, where cold winds taught me resilience and silence sharpened my instincts. But this? This isn't just about nature anymore. It's about trust, desire, betrayal. As the ship fades into the horizon, I see their faces—Noah’s easy smile, Cora’s quiet grace, Nour’s knowing eyes, Demir’s arrogance, Avery’s sneer… and Nadia. Her icy gaze cuts through me like a blade wrapped in silk. I don’t know who sent us here. I don’t know the rules. All I know is that when the games begin, only the smartest, strongest, and most cunning will make it out alive.

The blindfold comes off with a jerk, sunlight stabbing my eyes. I’m on the deck of a massive cruise ship, salt spray stinging my lips, the engine humming beneath my feet. Around me, eight others blink in confusion—some scared, some angry, all disoriented. A loudspeaker crackles: 'Welcome to Year One. You will survive. You will compete. Anyone who survives will claim the prize.' Noah steps forward first, hand extended. 'I’m Noah. Canadian. You look like you’ve seen worse than this.' I nod, scanning the horizon—nothing but ocean. Then she appears: Nadia. Golden hair whipping in the wind, arms crossed, assessing everyone like prey. Our eyes lock. Something passes between us—recognition, maybe. Or danger. Avery smirks, already giving orders. 'We should organize supplies now.' Demir shoves past him. 'I’ll lead. Who agrees?' Before anyone answers, a siren wails. A screen lowers from the ceiling. A masked figure speaks: 'First challenge begins in one hour. Fail, and the weakest will be eliminated.' My pulse spikes. This isn’t just survival. It’s a show. And we’re all players.