ARAHShe let out a shaky breath, relieved to have finally put some distance between herself and the brutish men. But she knew it wouldn't be long before they found her again—assuming they really did have some weird way to track her. She needed a good hiding spot, and fast. The Horror Maze was still surprisingly up and running, even though there was no one else around anymore. She couldn't tell if the flickering lights were from the chaos or just part of the maze's effects.She stumbled through the hallways, feeling dizzy and out of breath until she found herself in a catacomb-like chamber. Fake skulls lined the walls, and she squeezed into a small cave-like nook. It wasn't the safest spot, but her muscles were screaming for a break. If she didn't stop and rest, she was sure she'd collapse.Her flip-flops had already given out, so she tossed them aside. Dirt, blood, and something yellow—she didn’t want to know what—smeared the teal fabric of her dress. Torn in places, it was a miracle

ARAH“Take,” he rasped.“Take… me?” she blurted, gripping the mannequin tighter. “Kidnap me? Is that it?” Her eyes narrowed as it dawned on her. “Did someone hire you? My family? Gildeon’s family?”“Take.”Frustration welled in her chest. She wouldn't get any real answers from him. She shuffled her feet, moving away from the bald man who had completely stopped thrashing. But his gaze stayed locked on her, watching her every move, waiting.She sat on one of the barrels, trying to calm her chest, unable to even think about running again. She tuned in to the noise outside. People were still crying and shouting, but there were no police sirens yet. What was taking so long?Her thoughts were miles away when the sudden sound of the bald man breaking free from the net and ropes jolted her back to reality.“Kill!” he growled through the fog, rattling her. Did he mean to kill her now? What changed?No time to think. She scrambled to her feet, raising the mannequin in a defensive stance. But he

GILDEONHe couldn’t tell if the cloaked witch was surprised to hear he knew about the coming war. No immediate response, no visible reaction. Even the teenagers remained silent and still.Gildeon put his hands behind him. He was spent—couldn't muster another lethal flame tonight. He could probably still conjure a small fire, just enough to create a distraction.As he prepared to shift a finger, the boy spoke up. “If that time comes, we need to know what you will do, salamander.”“Is this why we’re talking instead of fighting?” Gildeon asked, buying time, aiming to catch the witch off guard. He needed a way to strike without harming the teenagers. They were victims too, and he wasn’t about to use them as collateral damage. Involving innocent lower mortals would only complicate things for him.“Will you interfere?” the girl asked, her voice heavy with the gravity of the situation. Gildeon realized this wasn't a random discussion.This was a warning.“You want me to back off.” It wasn’t