Love, Basketball and Demons

Chapter 13: It's a Trap!

Zack's heart pounded in his chest as he sprinted alongside Rob, Gluttony's monstrous form looming large in their minds. The Halloween decorations seemed to leer at the pair from every corner of the street, like a twisted version of a haunted house.

"Ethel--" Rob gasped between breaths, "Do you think she survived?"

Zack clenched his jaw, his thoughts racing like his feet. How far do our healing abilities go? he thought "I don't know. But we have to keep moving."

Rob nodded, sweat glistening on his forehead. "Paulina...she vanished just before Gluttony appeared. She has to be Gluttony, right?"

"Maybe," Zack replied, his voice strained, he honestly didn't have time to think it all through while they ran for their lives. He glanced around at the groups of trick-or-treaters, desperately trying to warn them of the danger lurking nearby. "Run, get away from here!" he shouted.

Their laughter echoed back at him, "Nice try but you can't scare us, you don't even have a costume on." their response only fueled his frustration and fear.

"Zack, I can't..." Rob panted, slowing down. "I need a place to hide, just for a second."

"Come on," Zack said urgently, spotting an unlocked door to Laurier School of Business. They slipped inside, seeking refuge from the horror outside.

Together, they rushed up the stairs and found a classroom with windows facing the street. As they watched Gluttony searching the crowds below, Zack couldn't help but notice how the creature's gruesome appearance blended seamlessly with the Halloween festivities. The onlookers saw nothing more than an elaborate costume, completely unaware of the deadly truth.

"Look!" Rob whispered, gripping Zack's arm tightly. Gluttony's gaze snapped toward the business school, and it charged into the building. "How did he know we were here?"

"Damn it," Zack muttered under his breath, feeling his pulse quicken. His eyes flickered pink, the demon inside him stirring. He knew they couldn't stay in the classroom any longer, but he also knew that facing Gluttony without Ethel was a risk he wasn't willing to take.

"Rob," he said, trying to keep his voice steady, "we need to find a way out of here. Now."

"Right," Rob agreed, his face pale with fear. They had no choice but to move forward, Gluttony was moving in on them fast.

As Gluttony's suffocating aura surrounded them, Zack's mind raced with thoughts of Ethel and her possible demise. He prayed that they would remain safe, and escape the night with their lives. They reached the stairwell but the door was locked.

"Shit! now what?" Zack was too panicked to think, Rob couldn't heal like him or fight like him. If Gluttony caught him then it would all be over and Zack knew it.

"Let's hide in the bathroom," Rob suggested, his voice strained. "Only one point of entry. We can fight Gluttony off if it comes through the narrow entranceway." Zack nodded, the desperation in Rob's eyes reflected in his own.

They slipped into the dimly lit washroom, the scent of antiseptic cleaner hanging heavy in the air. As they pressed themselves against the cold tile wall, footsteps echoed down the hallway, growing louder with each passing second. Zack's eyes flickered pink, fangs and claws emerging as he prepared for a confrontation.

"Who's there?" a voice called out. The door creaked open to reveal Peter Thuss, a professor at the school, staring at them with wide eyes.

"Uh, sorry," Rob stammered, trying to think of an explanation. "We were just..."

"Leaving," Peter interrupted, his gaze stern. "The building is closing before Halloween is in full swing to prevent any damage from intoxicated partygoers. You two need to go."