I, Ache Vol. III

Obsession | Labyrinth

Written by RM020316

2016

Rose leaned forward to look at the polished obsidian and smiled after seeing her reflection on the black stone. She was reading the description when her friend came running in.

"We're in a museum, Lisa. Don't run!"

The woman rolled her eyes. "Whatever. I'm leaving anyways. This shit is freaking me out."

"But we just got here! I haven't seen-"

"Because you're spending an hour per piece!" Lisa exclaimed. "I don't know, Rose. I'm getting serious bad juju from this place especially inside the Labyrinth-"

"That's the best part though."

Lisa laughed, "Only you would think a maze of mirrors as the best part, Ms. Katop... trophilia?"

"Katoptronophilia," Rose quietly corrected.

"Yes!" She looked at Rose coyly. "You and your mirror fetish."

"Lisa!"

"What? The only other person here left five minutes ago." Lisa teased, "Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me."

"You're so annoying."

Lisa laughed before she walked away. "I'll check out the other exhibits. I'll see you later."

Rose looked at her watch and frowned when she realized the museum is about to close. She needs to quicken her pace if she intends to see all, including a maze of mirrors built in the early 20th century called the Labyrinth. However, when Rose stepped inside, she found the room disturbing. Like Lisa said, no one else was around but she feels another presence inside. She started to feel uncomfortable and wanted to leave when she saw the next display, an array of polished copper mirrors and got distracted.

4000 BC. Copper. Crafted in Mesopotamia.

She read the description and instantly remembered the obsidian mirrors from earlier. She compared both, and found Mesopotamia's copper better. Afterwards, Rose looked at the next set and saw dull, flattened stones. She read the description below and frowned, unimpressed with the collection.

2000 BC. Assorted rocks. Crafted in South America.

"How is this-"

She reeled back, startled when she saw a figure standing behind her on the rock. She turned to check if anyone was behind her but there wasn't. Rose sighed and chalked up what she saw to her imagination and Lisa's paranoia. She shook her head, approached the next display and gasped.

2000 BC. Bronze. Crafted in China.

"It's so advanced even though they're from the same time period," Rose said. "Maybe they don't have bronze there?"

"Actually, they do. Chile has one of the largest-"

She screamed, and turned around so fast that she lost her balance and slipped. Rose started to fall when strong, large hands grabbed her waist and pulled her back on her feet.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."

A man, at least six feet in height stood before her. He has dark, green eyes, a tall nose, and strong, firm mouth. He was staring at her in concern, his lips moving as he asked about her condition. Rose was only jarred away from her stupor when the hands gripping her waist started stroking her side. She reddened at the sensation and pulled away.