No Way Out

Chapter 12: Spin

Chapter 12: Spin

Reixel's P.O.V.

"Pesteng ahas naman 'yan," Ally exclaimed, her voice laced with frustration.

We were all staring at the key nestled inside the wooden box, the serpent coiled protectively around it.

Paano na ba 'to? We needed that key!

"Sige, dito muna kayo. Hahanapin ko lang 'yung isang susi," Honey said, offering a quick solution. With a determined nod, she walked towards the other side of the clearing, disappearing behind a thicket of bushes.

"Guys, check this out," French called out, a wide grin spreading across her face that was quickly plastered with triumph. He held up a length of metal rod.

"That's good," Ally said, her tone a mixture of relief and anticipation, which was a little too much, considering the situation.

I took the rod from French, peering cautiously at the snake inside the box. It was difficult to see it clearly, thanks to the twigs, leaves, and other natural debris littering the bottom of the box.

"French," I called out.

"Ops?" She replied, turning and approaching me cautiously.

"Pakidampot nga ng susi," I instructed, keeping my eyes glued to the box. I didn't want to spook the snake.

"Ano?" French exclaimed, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Ako? I don't want to! Ally, ikaw nalang!"

"Nge, ikaw nga ang inuutusan ko," Ally retorted, wrinkling her nose.

Celestria, who had been silently observing the exchange, gently tapped my arm, then pointed to herself, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Oh, tama na 'yan," I intervened, preventing the argument from escalating. "Si Celestria na ang kukuha." I gave Celestria an encouraging nod.

I carefully moved closer to the box, positioning myself so I could react quickly if the snake decided to strike. Celestria, meanwhile, began counting under her breath, a concentrated look on her face. Ally, true to her word, started walking away from the scene, towards where Honey had disappeared.

"Okay, 'di ako titingin," Ally muttered, covering her eyes with her hands as she moved.

"One, two, three!" Celestria swiftly reached into the box, snatched the key, and pulled back her hand. A collective sigh of relief escaped our lips. Mabuti na lang at hindi siya natuklaw.

"Nakuha na namin!" I called out to the others, feeling a surge of triumph.

"Nahanap ko na rin 'yung isa!" Honey announced, holding a matching key aloft.

We had both keys! The next task: finding the two boxes marked with an "X."

"Kahon na may 'X' naman ang hanapin natin," Honey said, her voice business-like.

We split up again, scattering across the room, our eyes scanning the surroundings for the tell-tale "X." I noticed Celestria suddenly stop and emit a soft groan. I rushed towards her, concern etched on my face.