House of Trap

14 | Find The Pair (Part 1)

Jay held the silver key in his hand, observing the tiny item as if a secret was hidden beneath it. How many doors could it open? Would it lead to their ultimate freedom?

"I know where it is," Ethan uttered. His index finger tapped the X mark indicated on the map. "It's close to the door leading to our freedom."

They had assumed the door that required seven letters was their escape route. Based on the architectural design, Ethan had suggested another basement to be located there. They were playing along to these sick and twisted games in order to open that one cursed lock.

"Are we going there now?" Natasha questioned hesitantly. The fear clothed her trembling voice.

Instead of gaining sympathy, Ashlyn mockingly scoffed at the girl. Every action by Natasha was met with disapproval.

"Can't we wait?" Maddie questioned, seeing Natasha's face brighten a little at her suggestion. She wasn't the only person who was mentally unprepared. Though they had defied death once, playing another round of the game usually led to the loss of someone's life. And Maddie was closer to finding out the truth now the diary was in her possession—she couldn't let this chance pass.

Ethan's weakness had always been her. Along with what had happened last night, and the way Maddie's eyelashes seemed to flutter everytime her eyes landed on him, he became more self conscious.

"Yes, let's wait," he agreed, much to the relief of others.

Jay was about to put the silver key back on the table, but a swift motion grasped the key away from his fingers in a jiff. He had no time to protest and only the remnants of Ginny's giggles resonated in his ears.

"Hey!"

But Ginny was already hopping her way out of the dining room. Apparently Damon had already been waiting for her, and the two headed to the indicated room.

"Hey! We decided to go there later," Jay called out. He should've known it was a useless attempt. Those two were probably the ones too stubborn to argue with. When put together, none were bound to change their mind.

"Huh, might as well play the game now," Ashlyn shrugged, flashing a shrill look towards the girl she despised the most. "The faster we get rid of nuisance, the better."

No one had to think twice to know she was referring to Natasha. Ashlyn strode off ahead while the others gave reassuring smiles to their friend.

"She's still upset over what happened. Please bear with her," Bree tried reasoning. She was a neutral party, trying to keep things in balance as much as she could despite knowing Natasha's sin. Shirley would've done a much better job at this, probably knowing what to say to Ashlyn to calm her down. But without her, there was no one to calm the rising calamity.

"It's gonna be okay." Jay took his friend's hand in his own, squeezing her palms gently. He let her hold unto him during the entire walk as they migrated out of the kitchen to follow Ethan.

They walked through the long corridor that extended all the way west of the vast mansion. They passed the large painting of the Last Judgement, along with other smaller ones on the wall that bore similar gruesome messages.

Bree couldn't help but pay attention, wondering why the painting was in one way or another, always depicting victory and defeat, loyalty and betrayal, rising heroes and the falling enemy. Could all these paintings perhaps lead to a bigger idea she was unaware of?

"There it is." Ethan stretched his arms forward to point at the three who were standing in front of the door. He remembered passing through these doors multiple times, always finding it locked. But now, Damon was inserting the silver key inside the olden style lock.