Page 132 of Dark Souls

“Wow,” I breathed as I made out the intricate sprawling labyrinth of high, ivy-covered stone walls that created twisting pathways which often doubled back on themselves. Some stopped abruptly, creating dead ends, while others weaved for miles like snakes in long grass. So Murder Maze wasn’t just a catchy name, huh?

“Photographic memory?” a voice interrupted my moment of awe as I turned to see a man who looked around my age standing next to me. His orange eyes gave away his fae magic, but I could also sense that he wasn’t just fae. Possibly a hybrid, but not one of equal powers.

“Uh, no. I was just taking a look at the maze.”

“Ah,” he chuckled, folding his arms across his chest. “First time?”

“Yeah,” I answered, staring at his side profile as he scanned the maze with a secret smile. He was quite attractive with shaved hair and dark skin and even though he seemed friendly enough, he definitely gave off an unnerving vibe. As though he’d be happy to stab you in the back as he helped you through a door kinda guy.

“Words of advice. Don’t bother trying to figure out a route to the chapel. The maze is basically alive. Constantly shifting and changing, making it near impossible to navigate.”

In the distance, a half-collapsed chapel loomed over the twisting maze, offering a vantage point, but I knew it would be a mission to reach it. A deadly one.

“Oh, I’m not here to take part in whatever this is. I am just looking for someone,” I explained, which caused him to turn and face me.

“You’re a member, though, right?”

“Yeah. I just… I’m going to sit this one out tonight. Here to watch.”

He burst out laughing, shaking his head. “I don’t know who informed you that was an option, but you have just been played. There is no watching. If you choose to come here, you’re taking part. There is no way out but through that maze.”

I frowned. “Or I can just leave the way I came–” I turned to point towards the narrow pathway I’d taken that led me to the estate grounds but froze when I realised it had completely vanished. I spun in a circle in search of it as the fae laughed louder.

“Oh, I do love a newbie. So innocent.”

“What the… What is this place?” I asked myself, noticing iron gates attached to a fence that surrounded the estate. A magical fence that most definitely wasn’t there ten minutes ago.

“Who knows? Who cares? We pay for the experience, no questions asked. However, I was going to ask if you wanted to pair up. Members who tend to stick together to combine their strengths have a better chance of making it out, but now I know you’re fresh meat. I think I’d be better off taking my chances alone. You’d only hold me back.”

Charming.

He saluted me and walked back down the hill towards the other members and I raced forwards.

“Wait! What do you mean ‘a chance of making it out’?”

Stopping to turn to me with amusement, he clarified, “Making it outalive.”

I halted as my eyes widened, and he chuckled, continuing to walk forwards. I quickly caught up with him.

“I thought Murder Maze meant that we, the members, would do the killing? Like hunting prey or something?”

“We do.” He smirked. “We hunt each other. And, of course, there are other deadly surprises to keep it interesting.”

I looked around at the other members, who were giving nothing away with their stoic expressions, but also some who were conversing in a somewhat friendly manner, just like the fae and me. Yet they were about to try to kill each other?

“Why?” I asked, realising I was looking more and more suspicious, so I pulled my spine straight and tried to hide my shock.

“Why not? You must kill or be killed. The world we live in now likes to pretend we are all civilised creatures, but beneath the surface, we crave the thrill. It’s in our natures. This event allows us to feel both. To be the hunter and the prey. It’s genius.” His eyes shimmered with evil intent and I frowned. “Also… whoever makes it to the chapel alive will get a share of the winnings.”

“Winnings?” These members must have signed up for this and paid a large amount to enter. “So, we get a share of everyone’s payments if we survive?”

“I will,” he laughed, looking me up and down once. “Not sure about you though, shorty.”

I scoffed, folding my arms across my chest. He had no idea who he had just insulted. I was born for this shit and my entire training with my brothers was about surviving any elements of surprise. I’d definitely make it to that chapel. Wait. Was I really considering doing this?

‘Hells to the yes!’Rue encouraged.

No. I needed to find Luka. I stood on my tiptoes, scanning the crowd for any sign of him. He’d stand out a mile in this lot with his towering build, striking appearance and deep red hair. But I couldn’t see him. Shit.