SOS; Save our souls; Save my soul [Tag: Cassim]

[Carmen Edinburgh]

“When something goes wrong, breathe and take a good while to truly think it through.” 

Dr. Elliot Ranger 

---

The events replayed— like a recorded tape at the back of her mind. Cards; heart; circle; life; death. One shot. Nine alive. Nine out of ten. Should have been ten. All alive. Promise. She promised; She had to; She should have; She needed to. The girl, red haired girl— who knew Huxley, the blood. She was gone.  

"You dare to call yourself a detective?! You're NOTHING! Nothing but a pretty face, tits and a shitty attitude!" 

—Detective; a person, especially a police officer, whose occupation is to investigate and solve crimes.— 

And yet, she could not have solved the person behind black card, the professor was distressed; eating, drinking to excess, a neurotic mess. Coping through unhealthy means; a sign of distress; a sign of his card.  

The faces; Silvio, Isabelle, Hannah, Geoff, Huxley, Gregory, Cecaelia, Dean, Lydia— 

BANG! 

Red; blood; blood pouring; life pouring. 

---

  The woman heard those shots, over and over— Bang. Bang. Bang. Soon, her head played it all over. The look in the girl’s eyes, there eyes— the horror on their faces; on her face. Her breathing felt labored. Everything was playing back in her mind, she gently took off her trench coat, resting it on her left.
  Resting her back on the bed; giving a display as her hand rested on the top of her head, massaging her temple softly as she tried to regain her composure, she couldn’t give up. Part of her know that, but guilt in her case was feeling insatiable and continued to consume her from the inside-out.
  She didn’t want to get up, maybe it was just anther game anyways and— and their was some really soft body fitting mattress; like those foam mattresses that were… Amazing. Her heartbeat calmed down a bit, just enough for her eyes to open and see a gorgeous European-style chandelier, in a room with warm embracing undertones, suddenly giving her a warm; almost comforting feeling.
  What a beautiful nightmare.
  Shame they were all prisoners, her body sitting up on the bed as she rested her back on against the headboard— before noticing something, or rather— someone. Looking at the man as her legs pressed. “Ehm, hello.” Softly speaking as she sided her hair, looking down a bit as she noticed him a bit more. Tanned, dark hair, probably has dark eyes and was pretty tall. If she remembered her ‘internal list of attractive-features-on-tanned-men’ list.
  But, his good looks were the last of her concern, though it was a nice distraction. Granted she wasn’t aware of what he was hiding under the sheets, or rather— not hiding much off, so to speak. So her eyes peered to the room, in all it’s Asian-Style glory. It was such a refreshing contrast from the baby-blue room that always got to her from the shade of blue. Hope Keiari’s okay.. She got off the bed, looking to see if the man would get up now— guess he’ll take a bit.
  So maybe, she could take a good moment to change— she opened the closet, seeing fresh pairs of clothes. She needed something soft… Something that hugged her nicely.. Would’ve been her closest contact with something that would hug her anyways. Their was a white, cotton nightgown that had full sleeves and went to her knees. So, she placed on top of a few clothes; folded horizontally on a wood-rest. Starting from the top as she started unbuttoning her shirt. Letting out a long sigh as she gazed at the ceiling, wondering if it could just collapse on her. Please. But alas. Abut, her shirt was done now, so she took it off; the shirt falling on the floor with a soft thud.
  Her hands slowly moved to her hips, massaging over the top as she let out a long winded sigh. “One of these days I just need a good...” Good what Carmen? Nothing... Forget about it. Breathing out as slowly took her skirt off. 
  In the midst of that, she hadn’t taken into account one important thing— or rather, person.

[Cassim ben Ishak]

Cassim, a voice whispered softly through the darkness. His body felt feather light. As if he were floating through the endless abyss. 

Cassim, the voice repeated. More urgently now. It was beginning to sound if they were desperate for attention. Yet no matter where he turned there was nothing. Then there was a scream that pierced through the darkness. It twisted and pulled at his heart strings, yet he didn't know why. 

"What do you want from me?" he whispered. Silence was his only answer. 

But then... Another voice. One that sounded different from the others. It was softer, more unsure. Almost as if he were hearing it underwater. His eyebrows began to knit together as he began to realize... That voice wasn't in his head. He needed to wake up. A gentle sigh passed his lips as he rolled onto his back, beginning to stretch beneath the sheets. It felt absolutely divine. For the first time in weeks he felt properly rested. 

Yet as his mind slowly came to, he realized he heard shuffling. As if someone were moving around the room. Opening drawers. Perhaps it was one of his kidnappers? Or better yet, they had put Dorian back in with him?

Cassim lifted his head and ran a hand over his face to remove the sleep from his eyes. Yet he was not quite prepared for what he saw. 

"Dorian...?"

No. This was certainly NOT Dorian in any way, shape, or form. No, this was undeniably a very... very attractive woman standing across the room. Her torso completely and utterly bare. The dim light cast shadows across her body, contouring her in all the right places. Then there was the dark ink across her back. A large bird, which he could only assume was a phoenix which was slightly hidden by her long golden hair. 

She was... Put simply, utterly beautiful. 

A familiar heat when he hadn't felt in weeks began to pool in his lower abdomen, and it took a twitch to make him realize what exactly was happening. He glanced down at his lap and then back at the woman then quickly looked away and covered his eyes with his hands; his face burning as his free hand quickly shoved a pillow over his lap. 

"Madam, please!" Cassim practically shouted. 

[Carmen Edinburgh]

She wasn’t even sure if she heard him whispering; maybe because her mind was all too occupied with just wanting the scene to end. That awful, awful scene. She stopped for just a second— her skirt just descending to the floor as she kicked it back, holding the dress in her hand as she looked up— please just leave me alone. It just felt like a nightmare in her head now and all she wanted was for it to just leave her—
  —"Dorian...?"—
  She finally heard the man say, for just a second— she thought he didn’t mind seeing her, since she wasn’t Dorian. Why did they have to be here? Honestly, she had an answer for that; when that woman— the captor thought he should talk about what a disgrace Huxley was to the male race. Now all she could think about was how stupid that woman was and— Guess her thoughts took the best of her because she stiffened as she heard:
  —"Madam, please!"—
  Oh, he did mind after all. In that minute, she just stood their, paralyzed as her bra strap opened up. Her face a good shade of pink as she tried to shake away the nervousness that was impeding her stomach. “I- I — I’m so sorry.” She quickly tried to recover herself as she opened up her dress and wore it over her previously (mostly) uncovered body. Kneeling down, she grabbed her clothes and held them in a bundle and looked at who had been watching her. Well, he’s handsome.. Most guys here were for some reason or the other. Evan certainly was, but this man was as well... But for a different reason. Seemed older— and oddly familiar. Like she had seen him before; on TV perhaps. “I... I’m sorry.” She said softly, letting out a soft sigh as she just said jokingly— “Was it nice?” She said jokingly as she noticed his face and how the blanket had magically gone up a few inches.

[Cassim ben Ishak]

Perhaps it was because he was somewhat touch starved for the past few weeks. Perhaps it was because he still waking up and he didn't have proper control of his body. Whatever the case, Cassim now had zero doubts that his face was the color of a tomato freshly picked from the garden. In a meek attempt for modesty he brought the sheet up a bit further to try and cover his chest, though she had probably seen more of him than he cared to admit while he was asleep. Already he felt guilty for unintentionally spying on her like that. It wasn't right. But this entire situation wasn't right to begin with. 

"I'm so sorry," he began, trying not to stammer over his words. "I was alone earlier, I didn't know-- I thought-- I wasn't expecting company." 

Yet he was slightly taken aback when she was the one to begin apologizing as well. 

"I- I — I’m so sorry."

Guilt wracked at his brain and his chest. He should have been more careful, more considerate. It was highly inappropriate to stare like that. Perhaps later he could try to make it up to her in some way. There was the quiet shuffle of movement and the rustle of fabric as he assumed she began to slip clothes on. Feeling a bit bold, he lowered his hand for a quick glance and was relieved when she was covered.It was a simple white nightgown that covered her well for the most part. Cassim released a quiet sigh as he looked to her. 

"I... I’m sorry," she repeated again. Cassim opened his mouth to tell her it wasn't her fault at all, that it was his, but the words quickly died in his throat when she asked him a question. "Was it nice?"

Heat resurfaced back into his cheeks, though this time he didn't look away and kept his eyes trained on only her face. "You are... very attractive," Cassim began, unable to find the right words to say. He certainly didn't want to offend her, but not come off as a Peeping Tom. He never considered himself one to begin with. 

"You have no need to apologize. It was my own foolish mistake for not taking any precautions of having to share a room again." 

[Carmen Edinburgh]

"I'm so sorry,"
  As he talked, she noticed his features— his face; the eyes, heart-shaped face, strong features… Had a soft but foreign twang in his voice. She blinked as the person who she was stuck with finally became clear in her mind. Giving a small grin at him. Her hands placing the clothes she took off back in the closet.
  "I was alone earlier, I didn't know-- I thought-- I wasn't expecting company."
  She sighed, her posture was naturally straight; so she made her way, composed— to her single bed; one leg over the other and she gave him a more sympathetic smile as she took her tench-coat back in her hands and took out her favorite thing; the pen. A detectives best friend. As she called it. “But I did,” She noticed him sleeping after all, “I knew— and I wasn’t in the right frame of mind, otherwise I would’ve changed in the bathroom.” She eyed his face, the pen gently flicking on her lip. “But, I guess it could be worse. Couldn’t it, Mr. Ishak?” Giving a small smirk, with a side of complimentary giggles— all while she just said that in an airy voice.
  —"You are... very attractive,"— 
  She blushed softly, standing up as she walked to the bookshelf to look for a nice book for her to write in. Their was a nice… Black book. She took it and said, “Thank you, Mr. Ishak. You’re easy on the eyes as well.” Certainly beat the bloody scene from yesterday.
  —"You have no need to apologize. It was my own foolish mistake for not taking any precautions of having to share a room again."—
  She sighed.. “Not your fault.” Saying that in a firm tone as she started to write in the blank pages of the book over what happened yesterday. “Again, I should’ve gone to the bathroom..” But for some reason.. She was just really tired— at least mentally, so she just stayed and reminisced.

[Cassim ben Ishak]

Not in the right frame of mind? Cassim echoed in his head. It took him half a second, but everything clicked. Had she been part of the 'Games' Della and Katherine had forced to be in? And if so, why hadn't he been dragged in yet? What had happened to her? Was is the same situation? Yet he was dragged back to the present by her mentioning his surname, and he blinked at her. His eyes scanned over her face, desperate to recognize her. But all he kept seeing were blanks. No, he did not know this woman. But she very obviously knew who he was.

Of course, he rationalized. Most people know my face, even if they don't know my name. 

Cassim watched as she moved across the room. She reminded him of a feline, ever so graceful in her movements. As if she weren't even trying. Yet there was a certain look in her eyes that he couldn't place. Sadness? Frustration? From what Della had told him, there was absolutely no telling what could be going on.behind the scenes.

The mystery woman grabbed a book from one of the shelves, complimenting him as she did so. A small smile dared to form on his lips. At least he wouldn't be considered an eye-sore for her. 

"It's fine," he began, "you probably weren't expecting me to wake up, anyway." 

He tried chuckling halfheartedly. Yet a heartbeat of silence passed between them as he watched her write. She seemed so focused. Part of him wanted to ask her what happened, but if she wasn't thinking earlier, what she saw could have been traumatizing. 

Best to let her process it. When she wants to talk, I'll listen. 

Although it would gnaw at his mind, it was for the best. He could only hope his sympathy and patience would reward him in the next few days. 

"Well, you know my name, my dear... But I'm afraid you've so far denied me the pleasure of knowing yours." 

[Carmen Edinburgh]

"—you probably weren't expecting me to wake up, anyway."
  “If you mean not wake up so soon, then yes— god I’m assuming things a lot nowadays.” That cost a girl her life, made her have an awkward meet-up just now; yet if she didn’t assume, it would just leave her paralyzed. Well, fuck. 
  "Well, you know my name, my dear... But I'm afraid you've so far denied me the pleasure of knowing yours."
  Well, she always said the same lines, looking up at him, “Carmen Edinburgh—” Letting her hand for a handshake, “Detective constable, pleasure to meet to your condolences. Though I’d prefer without the kidnapping and games with the side of death.” Retracting her hand to only hear that same woman’s voice in her head as she had just introduced herself.

«"You dare to call yourself a detective?! You're NOTHING! Nothing but a pretty face, tits and a shitty attitude!"»

  Her hand naturally jotting down on the book faster. Just so she could write it away before getting emotional, lord forbid having her memory distorted. Which would only give skewed accounts of what happened.

---

The game (number 2)?

There two women involved, one talking on the speaker; an accomplice. 
There is also— the kidnapper. A Chinese woman who’s some type of matchmaker who wants us to be married off.

So, the game begins with ten people; our legs cuffed to chairs but our hands free. There was a card given to each of us, the first woman (the accomplice) told us that we needed to see our card without telling/showing anyone. So we did. We also had to read the rules of this game, an important one being that the red and black hearts (respectively) had to meet. I.e the people with those cards had to pair up by wearing matching bracelets.

If they did, we won. If not, someone would have died. There were three types of cards:

Circle - 8/10; can die if paired w/ a black card, but alive w/ circle or red.
Red Heart - 1/10; alive no matter the pairing. 
Black heart - 1/10; if a circle’s paired, the person with the circle card would die.

That was the realization later in the game. We could not tell, show or hint at our cards and then we picked. But someone was paired with the black card, it was a girl— college girl, she got shot by our kidnapper; who had outed herself.

She was mad we didn’t guess right and shot the girl with a caliber gun, she made it clear that she had planted this game to pair people off and marry them (the red and black hearted ones), that was also her plan during the first game (albeit through different means). This was confirmed by two people being in this 2nd game who had been forced to marry each other.

---

  Carmen let go of her pen and closed the book. Letting out a loud sigh as her eyes shut, that was all she needed to write; simple, unemotional and clear-cut. She felt relieved that she had written it down. “Here.” She handed him the book. “The end of the book has all the information as to what happened.” Minus the bickering and mental trauma, after all—whatever happens in the basement truly stays in the basement. Geoff and Deans’ argument back their seemed like a god-send next to what happened with that woman.. Killing an innocent girl...

  «—And it’s my fault—»

[Cassim ben Ishak]

Obsidian eyes watched closely as her eyes remained focus on the book. What was she writing so intensely? Part of him wondered if he had offended her, that is until she glanced up at him with diamond blues.

"Carmen Edinburgh--" she began with a slight pause. It might have just been his imagination but he almost swore he saw a slight tremor within her hand. It was slowly adding up. Explaining how she wasn't in the right head-space, the fine trembling. Whatever she experienced had hurt her more than she let on. "Detective constable, pleasure to meet to your condolences. Though I'd prefer without the kidnapping and games with a side of death."

Aah. She did experience a game, he thought in a grim tone. There was a flicker of emotions that ran across her face. Yet he could not place them. All he could do was watch as she returned writing within the book with a renewed energy, almost more frantic than before. Some part of him wanted to reach out and hold her in some feeble attempt to calm her nerves.

That's completely inappropriate, he scolded himself. After all, they had only just met, and not exactly in the best circumstances.

As he began to open his mouth, he paused when she finally let got of her pen and closed the book with a loud sigh, her eyes slipping shut. She then looked back at him, holding out the book.

"Here. The end of the book has all the information as to what happened."

He reached out, (making sure to keep the sheet securely around his hips), and took it with a small nod. So that's what she'd been doing. It made sense considering she was a detective. Although Della had explained what had happened in her game, he was all too curious what awaited him should he be forced to participate himself. Holding his breath he opened the black book and began to read. Of course, he wasn't exactly prepared for what had been written. It was... Twisted. Appalling. His stomach churned when he learned the fate of the girl. Obviously the woman who held them was immensely mentally ill. Why were they being forced into these odd 'relationships'?

When he finished Cassim had finished, he slipped the book closed and simply stared at the floor for a moment. What if he had been in that game? Hell, or even Della or Katherine? There were several people here who he feared losing... The idea of any of them being hurt sent an uncomfortable chill racing down his spine.

But the one who was the priority was the women in front of him.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that," Cassim began in a low, gentle voice. "I... cannot even imagine witnessing something so horrific."

[Carmen Edinburgh]

—"I'm sorry you had to go through that,"—
  Now that would— be derived as genuine human empathy and compassion. Even if it wasn’t his fault, it was still a sweet thing to say. But in Carmen’s mind, it was derived as one simple this: Pity. It probably wasn’t, but it felt like it. She breathed in deeply, then out. She wasn’t going to cry, especially in front of some stranger— even if she felt something clogging the back of her throat which could have blowed out tears at any second. 
  —"I... cannot even imagine witnessing something so horrific."—
  She... Laughed, yes— laughed. “And you know what’s great?” Sarcasm, ripe sarcasm. “It’ll only get worse, think about it— something bad happens, then something else even worse happens, that’s just how this is all going to go.” That’s how the games went, no one died the first time but they thought they would. The second time, they could have saved everyone from dying but a girl lost her life. It was frustrating— she wasn’t even aware of her shaking hands, or the amount of times she forced herself to look up. 

  Stupid Carmen. 

  Her head was truly not her best ally, after all... Oh Carmen, you know that it will only get worse... But you’re snapping from the second game? Can’t you see how pathetic that is? Don’t you think you need your head checked? Then she was having to deal with a man... pitying her. Which was truly embarrassing— Breathe. She forced herself to, then she looked away. It really just boiled down to what could’ve been. Even if they were all stuck in hell, at least they were all alive. Because they had lives of their own, families of their own and a future for themselves. She didn’t care who she’d be forced to marry... So long as they were all okay.. That could have been their only chance to ensure that they had some control over who lived, she knew it wasn’t her fault that some game happened but... She certainly felt like it was her fault that the girl died, she couldn’t have expected Huxley to figure that out. That poor man was drunk and delirious. Just like how she didn’t expect a drunk-driver to drive on the road; she didn’t expect her drunk professor to be in the right headspace to choose.
  “Sorry...” She whispered feebly, turning away from him as she curled up into a ball. Finally crying quietly. 

[Cassim ben Ishak]

Cassim could only sit there and listen as she spoke. No doubt his words had sparked agitation... Yet what was he to do? If he said anything else, it might have spurred her on further. Which was the last thing he wanted to do in this situation. Yet as he watched her, he saw her face begin to slip. The tears forming in her eyes and in the fine way she trembled. The overwhelming urge to hold her was almost too strong. Almost.

"Sorry..." She whispered. She faced away from him, curling up into a ball onto the bed. 

He didn't know why, but watching a woman cry had always been something that tore at his heartstrings. Perhaps it was from watching how his father had comforted his mother back in the homeland. He didn't know. Yet what he was certain of, was that he needed to try something. 

But first things first....

Placing the book onto the bed, he leaned over and grabbed the towel that was still laying on the ground. Due to past experiences, Cassim had become very experienced in changing under awkward circumstances. He made a mental note to thank Della for all of the physical gymnastics should he ever get to talk to her again.Making sure it was tied securely around his waist he moved to the closet to have a peak of the clothes. Anything would have been better than nothing. 

Thankfully, he found a crisp white t-shirt and long grey pajama pants. Not his usual attire but they would do. Besides, they were soft and clean. 

He slipped quietly into the bathroom, hanging up the towel and quickly slipped on his new clothes. At least now he wouldn't feel so exposed in front of her. It had already been awkward enough with Dorian, let alone dealing with Carmen. At least they had two separate beds... Once he was changed he moved back into the room. He watched her. She was doing her best to be quiet, but there was no denying the occasional sniffle and sigh that reached his ears. 

Well... 

Grabbing the sheet from his own bed, he quickly pulled them off and walked over to Carmen, gently draping them over her body. It was a simple action, but one he hoped would at least show he cared. They might have only just met, but they were both stuck in this hellhole together. The least Cassim could do was offer her what little comfort he could. After putting the sheet down, he moved back to his own bed, picking the book back up and reading over what she had written earlier. There had to be some other method to this madness...

[Carmen Edinburgh]

«Silence.»

A good brief moment of silence, she just heard the movements and ruffles on the bed. That was most deafening thing in the room at that point; that’s how quiet it was. Her heart sank. Now as she thought about it. He’s annoyed, isn’t he..
  It made sense, right? Right? She could live as a hermit! All alone, a desperate mess! Okay, maybe that was her head talking, she just breathed in… four seconds in… keep in for four… out for four… Wiping the tears, her head turning slightly to seeing him change. Huh.. Eying him slowly, up and down.
  Her head turning away as he turned back, sighing as her hands gripped her hair. Looking down. Well, this will be great… Just great. Growling softly, “I hope you’re happy now.” Looking up at the camera, “The woman-of-status is repentant.” Her hand massaging her temple, the other one wrapping over her legs. “ 你怎么了….?” What happened to you? What pushes someone to do this? It wasn’t justified, but— why do this? Most people would commit suicide, isolate themselves, hell— murder straight up. In some cases, become a school shooter. Anything but this.
  As she was getting lost in her thoughts, a warm blanket wrapped around her— her eying widening in surprise; the warm… soft… blanket was so nice… How sweet, her eyes looking over to Cassim. “Danke.” Might just thank him. Looking at the book briefly.
  —She looked up, food.. Two trays with food, so. She untangled, taking the trays in each in hand respectively. Placing one on his bed, the other one on hers. “How about we eat for now.” Sighing softly as she started drinking some of the water.

[Cassim ben Ishak]

There was a rustle of fabric, and he looked back up to see her glancing at him. Her eyes were red and puffy from tears, but the expression on her face was a soft one. 

"Danke." 

Cassim didn't know many languages, but he knew a few words from travelling around the globe. "Bitte."

Yet one thing he hadn't taken notice of was the food. How he hadn't he didn't know, but he certainly wasn't going to question it then and there. Carmen grabbed the trays and placed one on his bed before returning to her own. "How about we eat for now." He certainly wasn't going to argue there. After only, he had only been eating on stale bread for the past few weeks. This would be a nice refresher on what real food tasted like... and oh, was it grand.

Although he wasn't a fan of french toast, having it smothered in strawberries was almost divine. It took almost every ounce of restraint to not simply inhale every bite. But he was a gentleman, and he would behave as such in front of a lady. He'd already made quite the fool of himself earlier. He glanced at the coffee. Sure enough it looked black. Without hesitation he brought the cup to his lips and sipped several gulps. It would have been nice to have cream, but he'd live without it.

After awhile when he'd nearly finished his meal, he looked back up at Carmen through thick lashes. She seemed to be a bit more relaxed now, though he couldn't be for sure. 

"So tell me, detective," he began  "What have you pieced together through everything that has happened?"

[Carmen Edinburgh]

"Bitte."
  She let out a small chuckle, aw.. He sounded nice, “You know, you sound nicer speaking German.” Sighing as she wiped the last few set of tears. She stood up, walking up to the trays of food and like a well-versed waitress who knew her craft. She placed the trays on the beds; respectively, of course. She took the strawberry and dipped the tip in the coffee before taking a bite. “This is nice.” Chuckling softly as she eyed the half done strawberry between her fingers. Before dipping it in the coffee for a few seconds.. Three to be exact.
  —"So tell me, detective," 
  So he was that type, since it was either her imagination— but she noticed some coyness in his voice. Or she was losing it, it was anyone’s guess.
  —"What have you pieced together through everything that has happened?"
  Well, that wasn’t bad at all. “Well, from the beginning.. Hm, there’s games and their intentions are so people are married off. I’m going to take an oh-so-wild guess that the weddings are forced.” Sarcasm, she took her coffee and sipped it. Wasn’t caramel, but it beat eating nothing. That’s for sure. “Because of a woman, who has an accomplice, could be more.” Did the woman do that drawing or...? Yes, there was more but she needed to be more sure. “The woman’s a chinese-style matchmaker, so if I say something in chinese. Just know I’m directing it to her.” Her teeth nibbling the slice. “How about you, Mr. Ishak?” Eying him softly.

[Cassim ben Ishak]

"You know, you sound nicer speaking German."

That made him bark out a laugh. All things considered, Cassim decided he rather liked the woman. Now that things had settled down and he had warm food filling his belly he felt much more comfortable around her. She had a strong, gentle presence about her that seemed to put him at ease. He only hoped time would allow her to feel the same. The last thing he needed was for the both of them to be skirting around each other. 

"Well, from the beginning.. Hm, there's games and their intentions are so people are married off. I'm going to take an oh-so wild guess that the weddings are forced." 

Cassims mind briefly went back to what Della had told him. Forcing people into sham marriages... It made his stomach churn. What exactly entailed with these marriages? A dark mind of his mind wondered what they would be forced to do. If they had to... consummate said marriages. An unpleasant shiver ran through him and he did his best to dismiss the thought. 

"Because of a woman, who has an accomplice, could be more. The woman’s a Chinese-style matchmaker, so if I say something in Chinese. Just know I’m directing it to her." He watched as she nibbled on a slice before asking, "How about you, Mr. Ishak?"

He shifted uncomfortably, taking one more sip of his coffee before replying. "I have yet to be in any of these 'games'. Nor have I meant or heard from this matchmaker. I've only heard bits and pieces from others next door." 

[Carmen Edinburgh]

—"I have yet to be in any of these 'games'. Nor have I meant or heard from this matchmaker. I've only heard bits and pieces from others next door."—
  She frowned, taking a larger bite of the toast, noticing the discomfortable shift. Wasn’t sure wether or not that was good or bad, sure, he was safer early on but there was a trend of escalation in the games. “I’ll be frank, if you hadn’t been in one. There’s a higher chance you’ll be in the next.” Staring to finish her coffee and toast, after all. “I wasn’t in the first event or the wedding, but I was in the third game.” Much to her luck, since that was the first death from the game’s. If she remembered her facts right, but for now— she had to find out about who was behind this and not completely overwhelm the man in front of her. “Did you find any clues or interesting little bits in your previous room?” Eyeing his reaction softly. 
  As she was finishing her last bit of food, sighing softly. Looking up at him. “Last thing my precious roommate found was a drawing.” And she hadn’t even noticed how she finished her food. She took her tray and placed it back to the door, brushing her hands. She gave a small smile and strutted back to her bed, before jumping up and landing on the mattress and sitting up with the blanket over waist. “And just a word of advice, if you are stuck— just try to stay calm. I know—” Her hand gave a dismissive wave, “—easier said then done, but trust me. It’s good to use the fake-it-‘till you make it approach and don’t get distracted from the goal of the task at hand, this applies if the goal is told to you.” Looking up softly, “Okay?” Firm, but caring all the same.