I looked at the cards on the table in front of me.

Two-Headed Snake, Elegant Owl and Red Trout.

“I’m changing up our game-plan,” I said. “I’m going to take down all the threats to our Sweeping Deities mid-game. Once they’re gone, I’m leaving the late-game sweep to you.”

“Why change things now? We’ve won every game so far.”

I swept my cards back into my hand and shuffled them.

“We will be facing against more experienced players. I don’t want to reveal our win condition too early.”

I passed Wes the Two-Headed Snake card.

“Use this as your initial Sweeper. If it gets taken down, use the Dark Wolf.”

Wes took the card.

He leaned back against his chair, staring at it.

Then he spoke.

“You were the only one.”

“What?” I said.

The corner of Wes' mouth twitched.

“You were the only one I liked.”

“Excuse me?”

I stared at Wes. He was talking like an incomprehensible idiot again.

“Can we talk about this later?” I said, looking down at my cards. “The Elimination Rounds start in thirty minutes. We need to focus on…”

Wes leaned forward and grabbed my wrist.

“What are you doing?”

“Making you listen.”

“Listen to what?”

Wes laughed but it was a mirthless laugh.

“There’s nothing in your head except D.I.E. is there? I pity any fool that falls for you.”