Chapter 59: Lyra’s temptation
Eiden and Lyra walked side by side, their bodies so close that half of them were touching, almost like a couple lost in their own world. Eiden could feel the softness of her figure against him the subtle warmth of her body radiating through the thin layers of clothing. And Lyra? She could feel it all too. The tension, the butterflies, the heat. Her heart was racing faster than her steps.
As they continued through the winding haunted house maze, the atmosphere shifted from eerie silence to sudden fright again and again. Sometimes they encountered dead ends, other times they triggered hidden traps spring-loaded ghosts, mannequins with distorted faces, shrieking horror creatures leaping from shadows. Eiden, after a while, had grown mostly used to it. The sudden surprises barely made him flinch now. But Lyra? Her reactions never changed. Every time something popped out, she screamed like it was her first time, clutching Eiden’s arm like a lifeline.
Eiden glanced at her, puzzled. Huh? I thought she said she was okay with horror stuff. Was she just pretending to be brave earlier?
Meanwhile, Lyra’s thoughts were spiraling in a different direction entirely. I’m such a bad girl... I can’t believe I’m taking advantage of Eiden’s kindness. I’ve already gotten used to these jumpscares, but I keep pretending just so I can jump into his arms again. I know it’s wrong... but I just can’t resist... Alright, alright I’ll stop now. For real.
But temptation had a mind of its own. A few more cautious steps into the dim hallway and suddenly Snap! Eiden stepped on a hidden tripwire. "BOOO!!!" A ghostly figure sprang out from the wall beside him.Before Eiden could even blink properly, Lyra had already jumped onto him again, her arms wrapped tightly around him. Eiden blinked, mildly startled by the ghost, but far more curious about the girl clinging to him.
Wait a second... the ghost popped out from my side. Then... shouldn’t she have turned the other way? Lyra, pressing her cheek against his chest, silently screamed in her mind. Oh nooo! I did it again! I said I’d stop and yet...
But her guilt melted under the comfort of Eiden’s presence. The rhythm of his calm heartbeat, the warmth of his chest it was addicting. Her thoughts drifted.
How I wish he’d hug me like this forever...
After a few seconds, Eiden cleared his throat. "Lyra... the ghost is gone now." Reluctantly, she lifted her head, her face flushed as she gave him a small nod. They resumed walking, this time in silence. The path grew less complex now, fewer corners and branching routes signs that they were nearing the end of the haunted maze.
Eiden increased his pace a little, eager to exit, but Lyra, on the other hand, slowed down. She was hoping praying even for just one more jumpscare. One more chance to cling to him again.
But fate had something better in store. Just as they rounded the final corridor, the floor trembled beneath their feet. Panels shifted and clicked, and a loud distorted voice echoed through the chamber:
"ESCAPE BEFORE THE CHAINSAW MAN CATCHES YOU!"
A sudden BLOP! a figure in a grimy apron and metal mask dropped from the ceiling, revving a chainsaw that roared louder than the screams that followed. The floor began shaking violently, making it difficult to keep balance. Eiden and Lyra exchanged a glance one part fear, one part excitement and bolted forward.