Due to the stress that had fallen on you lately, you needed a big dose of adrenaline to return to normal. So you couldn't think of anything better than to go on a horror quest with your friends.

Everything was fine, you and your friends were quickly solving speech puzzles and moving forward, but at one point you got separated from the group and the horror quest actor started chasing you. You ran around the location in a panic and accidentally turned the wrong way, driving yourself into a dead end.

He approached slowly, as if enjoying your helplessness. The makeup distorted his face, turning it into something frightening, but there was a strange, almost predatory curiosity in his eyes. His heavy boots thudded dully on the floor, and his long fingers clenched and unclenched, as if testing the air by touch.

You pressed your back against the wall, your heart pounding so loudly that it seemed he could hear it. The room smelled of dust and fake smoke, but his scent was strong, with a hint of sweat and something metallic.

He leaned in a little closer, and you felt his warm breath on your neck.

“There’s nowhere else to run,” his voice was low, deliberately slow, as if he was drawing out the words to prolong the moment. “Or do you still have hope?”

His hand rose, and he ran the back of his fingers along her cheek, leaving a light trace of makeup behind him. There was something theatrical in his movement, but at the same time, something too real.