Doors: Hotel Hell

Chapter 3: You Can Run, But You Can't Hide

As the group pressed on through the dimly lit corridors, George's head began to throb with a dull ache. Each door they passed seemed to intensify the pain, a relentless pressure building in his skull. He clenched his teeth, trying to ignore it, but the sensation grew with every step. By the time they reached Door Thirty-Four, George was gripping his head, his vision blurring slightly. His breath came in sharp, shallow gasps, and the pain was becoming unbearable. He stumbled, almost losing his balance as they approached the next door.

"George, you okay?"

Aaron asked, noticing his friend's distress. George shook his head, trying to speak through the haze of pain.

"Something's...wrong. My head... It's like it's splitting apart."

Before Aaron could respond, the familiar flicker of lights began, sending a chill down everyone's spine.

"Oh no..."

Billy muttered, his voice laced with fear. Aaron called out again.

"This bastard is back! Hide!"

They scrambled to find cover and the room fell into an eerie silence, the only sound the pounding of George's heart in his ears. The static roar grew louder, rushing through the corridor like a storm. Rush burst through, the force of its passage shook the walls, the air thick with a suffocating pressure. Then, as quickly as it had come, the roaring stopped. But before they could catch their breath, the room lights cracked, plunging the room into darkness. Panic set in as the oppressive blackness surrounded them. Matt called out, his voice trembling.

"Where's the flashlight?"

"I've got it!"

Brian said, fumbling with the flashlight in his hands. He clicked it on, the beam slicing through the darkness. Relief washed over the group as the light illuminated the path ahead.But their relief was short-lived.

Out of the corner of his eye, Aaron noticed something move in the darkness-a flicker of shadow, almost too quick to see. He turned his head just in time to see a black blob with writhing tentacles slither down the wall. It had a grotesque, massive smile, its eyes glowing with malevolent glee. Aaron called out to Brian, but it was too late...

"Brian! Behind you!"

The entity lunged at Brian, its tentacles wrapping around his head. Brian screamed as it bit down on his face, its razor-sharp teeth tearing into his skin. Blood sprayed from the wound, one of Brian's eyes quickly becoming a bloody mess.

"Get it off! Get it off!"

Brian cried out, frantically clawing at the creature. Aaron and Matt rushed forward, but it was fast, slipping off Brian's face and disappearing into the shadows. Brian dropped to his knees, clutching his face in agony, blood pouring between his fingers. Ava rushed to his side.

"Brian!"

Norman quickly took off his outer shirt.

"Here, let me help!"

He said, kneeling next to Brian. Norman worked swiftly, wrapping the shirt around Brian's head, trying to staunch the flow of blood. Brian winced with every touch; the pain almost unbearable.

"Hold still."

Norman muttered; his hands steady despite the fear gripping him. After a few tense moments, the bleeding slowed, and Norman tied off the piece of clothing.

"That should do it, but we need to keep moving. We can't stay here."

Brian, his face pale and slick with sweat, nodded weakly.