Game-Lock

Chapter 12: Unlocking The Study

I had my eyes closed for a few seconds, but that was all I needed. Cause I could hear a heartbeat, and it wasn't mine. I had fallen on top of Austin as Hayden practically shoved us through the door. And I could hear it. A steady heartbeat. I opened my eyes and slowly sat up, staring at Austin who was still laying on the floor, his eyes closed.

Then he gasped and for a few seconds looked around before he sat up.

"Hey, hey, Austin, you're ok — you're ok," I spoke softly.

Austin felt his chest for a moment then stared at his hand. It was no longer mangled, thankfully. I couldn't even imagine the level of pain he must've been in.

"You're ok," I repeated again and put my hand on his shoulder. "We made it."

Austin took a few deep breaths as he stared at me. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me in close. I gasped as he suddenly had me wrapped up in a hug.It must've been the shock –

"Blake..."

"AUSTIN!" Blake screeched behind us.

"Woah, hey buddy, give him a second there, ok?" Hayden's voice echoed.

"Oh he's ok," Austin whispered. "I'm sorry, I –" Austin let go off me and I sat back. "I was just –"

"Don't worry about it," I said and gave him a smile. "I think you deserved a hug after what you went through."

Austin gave a short chuckle. "Yeah, no kidding." He slowly stood up and Blake stormed towards him. Tears in his eyes as he wrapped his arms around him.

Rey offered me his hand, and I smiled, accepting it.

"Hey, sorry for calling you an idiot –" Hayden cleared his throat staring at Rey.

"Eh, I've been called worse," Rey shrugged it off.

Austin lightly patted Blakes back. "I say we take some time to – recover."

"Oh buddy, all for it," Hayden muttered.

Austin glanced at me then at Blake. "I'm ok."

"You were bleeding everywhere!"

"I'm sure it looked a lot worse than what it was."

I raised my brow and stared at Austin who shrugged a little. That was a complete lie. He had seconds to live considering that the monster had probably stabbed Austin in the lungs — he could hardly breath, and we were slowly losing him by the second. It was a terrifying feeling.

"And, Hayden, thanks for the save, if you weren't there —" I shivered. 'I don't think we would've made it."

"Well, I kind of have to make up some level of awesomeness this guy is packing," Hayden pointed at Austin. "Dude's like batman in real life or something."

Hayden slowly turned and headed towards the living room. I watched as Austin lead Blake there, but I remained in the corridor.

"You ok?" Rey asked.

"Not really, you?"

Rey shook his head. "Not really – so what are you waiting here for?"

"Every time we beat a level, we unlock a secret of the house, and I'm not quite ready to lie down and take a nap," I said.

"Fair," Rey nodded. "I'll join you."

I gave a small smile as I walked back towards the living room, however, I noticed the wall on the left had opened up. Rey and I walked inside. It revealed a large study, with a wide variety of furnishings.