House Of Wax : Nick Jones FF ✅

Twenty-Six. 26

In the shadowy confines of the narrow alley beside the sporting goods store, Lilian crouched low, her senses heightened as she kept a vigilant watch. The faint glow of distant streetlights cast eerie shadows across the brick walls, intensifying the feeling of apprehension that hung thick in the air.

From the darkness, Nick's hurried footsteps echoed, his breath coming in ragged bursts as he approached Lilian. His expression was tense, a mixture of determination and fear etched across his features.

"It's all locked up at the back, no windows," he reported in a hushed tone, his words barely audible over the distant hum of the city. "What do we do now?" Lilian whispered her voice tight with apprehension. The oppressive silence of the alley seemed to press in on them, amplifying their sense of urgency.

Nick glanced around, his gaze sweeping the dimly lit alleyway as he weighed their options. His fingers tightened around the cold metal of the wrench, his knuckles white with tension but Lilian stopped him, cautioning against making noise that could attract Bo's attention.

"If he shows up, he's dead. If not, at least we're armed," Nick reasoned, his voice low but resolute as he gripped the makeshift weapon tighter.

Suddenly, a flicker of movement caught their attention, and they both froze, their eyes locking on the figure of Bo as he sauntered down the deserted street towards them. The dim glow of the streetlights cast eerie shadows across his rugged features, the shotgun slung casually over his shoulder adding an ominous edge to his silhouette.

Without hesitation, Nick sprang into action, his movements swift and purposeful as he launched the wrench at the sporting goods store's window with a sharp crack. The sound reverberated through the alley, shattering the oppressive silence like a gunshot.

The glass shattered as Nick leaped onto the display ledge, grabbing a bow and quiver of arrows. Lilian's gaze swept over the scene, taking in the surreal sight before her. The figures she had initially mistaken for mannequins stood frozen in time, their waxen forms eerily lifelike in the dim light.

Even the dog beside them, frozen mid-scratch, seemed to pulse with a strange sense of vitality. The air was heavy with the scent of wax and dust, the atmosphere thick with a sense of foreboding that sent shivers down Lilian's spine.

Surveying the empty store, save for a lone billboard advertising the town of Wax, Nick rejoined Lilian, his expression grim as he glanced toward the approaching figure of Bo.

With a silent exchange of understanding, they both knew their only chance lay in reaching the safety of the theater next door. Without a word, they turned and dashed towards the looming building, their footsteps echoing against the deserted streets.

Nick made sure that Lilian was safe on her feet knowing all this running would take a toll on her soon. He kept his arms low around her as he placed her as his priority. The theater's front door swung open easily as Nick pushed it, the hinges creaking in protest as they revealed the dimly lit lobby beyond. The sudden burst of light illuminated the scene before them, casting long shadows across the tiled floor.

Inside, waxen figures stood frozen in time, their expressions frozen in a strange semblance of life. Behind the candy counter, two teens stood frozen in poses of enthusiasm, their hands outstretched as if offering up their wares to invisible customers.

In the corner, a waxed Jennifer Taylor sat on a makeshift throne, her expression frozen in a serene smile as she gazed out over the empty lobby. A sash proclaiming her as Miss Athelston was draped across her chest, the glittering tiara atop her head catching the faint light.