Resist // l.s

Chapter 7.

Louis' P.O.V

{ F } or the first twenty seconds of the challenge,

there was nothing but pushing and shoving. All of the patrons were bustling through the entry way, groaning and yelling in everyone’s ears - I swear for a moment someone’s armpit was in my mouth - and it was more uncomfortable than frightening, if I'm honest. I had expected knives and blood spatter, but it was just like that rush of kids when they see an ice cream man. Only a little bit more panicky. But then after that little entry way, there were three paths to take. 
The left. The right. And straight on through. We all kind of paused, looking down all the pathways we could take; though Zayn just bolted on ahead, not leaving any time to waste. Two other turned right, and the rest all went left...and I stared straight ahead to the space Zayn went; wondering what made him just rush forward? He was the King's patron, and after what Harry had told me...I had a bad gut feeling about him. It would be smart to find his object and then hide it, I thought to myself and bit my lip; weighing out my options. Harry's voice played through my head, reminding me to steer clear of the boy with the dark hair...but something tells me that following him is a smart move. So I bolt forwards as fast as my little feet can carry me.

While running, I pause at every corner, picking up a rock and placing it at the space I turn into; almost how like Hansel and Gretel left a trail of breadcrumbs; from that fairy tale. It was just a way to make sure I knew how to get back out. I saw Niall fly by me, muttering things over and over to himself. He definitely wasn't trying to think of a strategy on how to get back. I run into an area that round and spacious, though there's a small fountain in the middle. I hurry over and inspect it; looking in every little nook and cranny in case Harry's object was small. 

Something you have seen but not looked. What the hell was that supposed to mean? I groaned and ran my fingers through my hair, deciding that his object definitely wasn't in this area. I walked over and found that there were three different paths I could take this time; Niall is in the first, on the ground as he looks on the floor for something that most likely isn't there. Two other patrons are in the middle, arguing over something, and down the last...I can finally see Zayn. But unlike the others - who are all wrecked with panic - he stands still as stone. Narrowing my eyes, I place my little rock at the entrance of his pathway, and I walk down it silently; still looking around for an object that could be Harry's. But just as I get halfway down the path, I see Zayn begin to turn, so I dash to the left and hide amongst the bush; grateful for the darkness of the night. I can practically feel his eyes glaring in my direction, but he can't see me...not yet, at least. I peek and see him walk forwards and kneel down; moving a little pot plant and he picks up....a necklace? And not just any necklace, it's the Queens I'm certain. And even though she isn't his mentor...Zayn shoves it in his pocket. I clasp a hand over my mouth and watch him walk confidently forward. There's no way I'm letting this boy out of my sight now.

*****

Harry's P.O.V

{ I } t's almost as bad as waiting for bad news from a doctor.

We can't hear anything anymore; at the start, all that could be heard for at least the first five minutes was yelling, but now...it's complete silence. My mother steps in front of me, holding a glass of punch which I decline with a shake of my head. "Oh, come on Harold, isn't this exciting? We have done something like this before!" She said with bright eyes. I sigh heavily and shake my head. 
"You know me, mother. I never much liked games at all, never mind action games." She sighs herself and sits down on the chair beside mine; sipping her drink. 
"So, who decided on what the objects would be?" I asked her and she glanced over at me. 
"I got the Head Guard to go into each of our rooms when we were all not present. I didn't want any of us mentors to pick something that may be too easy for our patrons." While the patrons had been getting ready, that was when the Guard had showed us the objects he had picked; a ring from my father’s favourite collection, my sister favourite perfume, one of my mother necklaces, and my favourite book. Which also, ironically happened to be the first book Louis picked up when we were inside the library. Once we all knew what our objects were, we wrote down out clues and gave them to the guard so he could make sure no one was cheating and giving their patron too many hints. 
"So if the Head Guard picked out the objects, did he hide them too?" I ask and my mother nods. 
"Yes, he did!"
"So, does anyone else know where each object is?"
"Yes, son. I do. I assisted the guard during the process." My father said, looking over at me with a smile so fake I wish I could rip it off with my own bare hands. My fists clench and I send him a glare. 
"Don't you think that's a little unfair?" He chuckles and shakes his head. 
"My boy, I am the King. I wanted to know, and I think I deserve to. Is that a problem?" I simply don’t respond and roll my eyes at him as I look back at the maze; willing for Louis to come back out soon with that damn book.
Come on, Louis. Please. Hurry.