Ace looks back once, but I draw away from the door before he can see me. He pulls the lever for the lift and it starts descending.
Knowing his insistence on always closing the door, he must be paying a very short visit, hence the open door.
I tiptoe across the hall, wondering how I’d use the lift - it screams louder than a truck’s horn. Get full chapters from novel·fiɾe·net
The gear snaps in place loudly, signalling that the lift has reached the bottom.
The only way down would be to slide down the wire.
Just thinking of the risks involved makes me want to turn back and forget about the whole thing.
But, my curiousity clouds my better judgement and I find myself gripping the sturdy wire with my arms and legs.
The friction pulls painfully at the skin of my hands as I descend slowly.
The next problem is; how would I climb back up? I can’t risk getting caught - it would only spoil the fragile relationship I have with Ace.
By the time I land on the roof of the lift, I am cursing and swearing indistinctly.
I jump down, pausing to listen for sounds of life.
When I hear none, I navigate my way to the mask shelf.
Then, I think better of it and go without the mask.
I pause mid-way when I start hearing indistinct words. Ace, definitely. The Presence sounds very different - like an entity instead of a man or woman.
I lean against the wall, straining my ears to hear as much as the sturdy walls would permit.
"There’s no deal!" I hear Ace saying.
A soft laugh erupts, mocking and belittling.
"I don’t offer anything without a price." The Presence says.
Voices from below draw my attention.
The voices are muffled, but they still strike me as familiar.
Is there another floor beyond this one?
Torn between eavesdropping and curiosity, I remain rooted to the spot.
Footsteps start approaching. Closer and closer.
It’s too late to run - I won’t make it far.
I glance up at the ceiling. I have enough time to climb up.
Bracing myself against the wall, I climb upward, hooking my body perfectly along the arch.
Ace walks past. He starts slowing down. I curse under my breath. I won’t be able to hold the pose much longer.
He looks over his shoulder. I close my eyes, fearing that I would be discovered.
Surprisingly, he just rubs the back of his neck and walks off.
He seemed very troubled.
As soon as he is out of earshot, I jump down, barely landing on my feet.
My feet slap loudly against the stone floor.
I take a second to catch my breath before moving away from the wall.
The voices below are more insistent now.
It sounds like it is coming from exactly below me.
I tap the ground with my feet.
The voices suddenly cease.
Then, whispers erupt.
I move along the dark hallway quietly. I had not bothered carrying a torch and I deeply regret it now.
My mind keeps playing tricks on me, causing me to jerk every now and then.
At the end of the hall, a firetorch glows brightly.
Why is he still here? What is he waiting for?
He lays the torch on the ground and places his ear close to the ground. He’s also heard the same voices.
How the hell am I supposed to get out of here now?
I’m not even bothered about climbing the lift’s cable as much as I am bothered about the creepy darkness.
Then, Ace picks up his light and starts walking back - towards me.
I back away slowly, not knowing where to run.
My hands are still bruised from climbing the wall and descending the lift’s cable, I’m not sure they would survive another onslaught.
His strides are quick and measured, his shoes clicking loudly against the stone floor.
The lights casts shadows across his features and along the walls.
He is getting closer to where I am. There’s nowhere to run.
At times , I wish I could perform a cloaking spell like Angela does.
Maybe not a cloaking spell, any spell at all.
My breathing almost stops, my heart goes on hyper mode.
Then, he just walks past me like he doesn’t see me. His headphones are on, but knowing Ace, that wouldn’t stop him from being aware of his surroundings.
He keeps walking on, his steps purposeful.
I don’t know if I should be worried or relieved.
If Ace really didn’t see me, that would mean only one thing - he is distracted by something else. And if the Presence is involved, the distraction is definitely not going to be a good one.
I decide to follow him, throwing away my golden chance at escape.
He stops in front of the cell, his glass mask reflecting the rays of the firelight.
"Back again so soon. You can’t even keep to your own word". It says, sounding casual and almost cheerful.
Ace mutters something indistinct.
"There is only one way to spare yourselves the inevitable end of the world. You can come out Karim, we both know you’re listening". The Presence calls out.
It takes a while before I realize that it is referring to me.
Realizing how foolish it would be to keep hiding, I step out of the shadows.
"Turn to your back!" Ace yells.
I spin immediately, remembering that I have no mask on.
It laughs loudly, scraping its nails along the bars.
The smell of burning flesh fills the air.
"How long did you think it would take before he called you to the meeting?" It asks.
I should have known that Ace would hear me coming.
Then why did he pretend like he didn’t see me earlier?
"Curious? Let me brief you. What is coming is bigger than everybody on earth. You need the services of a god, Karim".