Page 30 of Insanium
“I wanted to paddle,” I muttered, scanning the lake and the tree line beyond.
“I think it’s on rails,” Liam remarked dryly, trying to spot the mechanism but finding nothing but dark water.
As our boat quietly slipped through the water, I noticed the others settling into their own, each moving in a similarly slow, deliberate manner. I seized the chance to fill Hael in on my conversation with Eryx and Rafe. It wasn’t the best place for this kind of discussion, but I didn’t think I’d be granted a time out to whisper secrets, and I couldn’t very well leave him out in the cold. I kept my voice low, careful not to let the others overhear, especially considering the sensitivity of the topic.
“So, Eryx and Rafe have formed some sort of pact with us,” I murmured to Hael, watching his expression closely. “Apparently, they’re ready to play guardian angels if things go sideways.”
Hael’s eyes narrowed slightly, processing the information. “Guardian angels or watchdogs?” he asked, his tone laced with skepticism.
“Could be a bit of both,” I admitted with a shrug. “They’ve got their own agenda, but for now, our paths align. They cleared a path for us to get here and helped me with a little problem, and promised to be our backup, in so many words.”
Hael looked out over the water, his jaw set in thought. “And we trust them? Just like that?”
He sounded like Aisha. “Do I look that gullible?” I laughed softly. “Trust is a strong word. Let’s just say it’s a mutual understanding for now. They might need us as much as we might need them.” I paused, glancing around to make sure no one else could hear. “They’re playing the game just as hard, maybe even harder.”
He nodded, still not fully convinced but accepting the necessity of the situation. “All right, but I’ll be watching their every move. If they do anything that doesn’t sit right or puts you at risk, this is done.”
“Agreed.” I reached over and took his hand.
“I’ll be watching, too,” Aisha chimed in.
Aisha’s confirmation added a layer of solidarity that I found comforting. It wasn’t just about alliances—it was about the people I trusted most having my back. I squeezed Hael’s hand, flashing Aisha a grateful smile. “And the other part?” I nudged Hael, curious about his take on the personal assurances between us amidst all this chaos.
He responded with a tender gesture, his thumb caressing the back of my hand. “I meant what I said. You’re mine, exactly as you are, and I’m yours.” He leaned closer, his voice a low rumble. “And since I’ll always be the favorite, I have nothing to worry about.”
“All valid points,” I conceded with a grin.
The boat approached the other side of the lake, and we turned our attention forward.
“You and Draven? And the Syndicate’s Golden Boy?” Liam questioned jokingly as the boat slowed and angled toward a docking station. “How’s that going for you?”
His teasing tone earned him a genuine smile from me.
“Oh, it’s blooming like a poisonous nightshade,” I quipped back, appreciating the brief levity.
As the boat glided to a gentle stop, I glanced up the hill, catching sight of what awaited us—a carnival, but not the kind you’d want to visit on a sunny Sunday. No, this one looked like it had been ripped straight from a horror film, complete with dim, flickering lights and an eerie silence that promised anything but fun.
“Looks like we’ve arrived at hell’s fairground.”
Hael stood and gently pulled me up with him. “It’s festive in a ‘welcome to your nightmare’ kind of way.”
Maya, still wiping the last traces of tears from her eyes, gave a shaky laugh. “At least it’s not subtle. I’ll give them that. Creepy carnivals are classic.”
“Think they’ll have cotton candy that tastes like regret and existential dread?” Aisha joked.
“Only if we’re lucky,” I replied, the corner of my mouth twitching upward. “But I’m betting on something a bit more interactive.”
We carefully disembarked our paddle boat and collectively stared for a moment. “I suppose we need to get up there.”
As we reached the top of the embankment, the eerie stillness of the carnival settled around us like a cold mist. The rest of the group caught up, and we all paused at the entrance, facing a tall, menacing fence with its gates thrown wide open, almost invitingly so. To the right, a ticket booth housed a silent clown who waved mechanically at us before pointing ominously toward the interior of the carnival. Inside, the entire place was meticulously set up, yet disturbingly deserted. No attendants manned the games or rides, adding to the ghostly atmosphere. A large sign stood out, directing us with unmistakable clarity: “Continue to The Maze of Misery forJudicium.”
“Sounds fun,” Juno commented, her voice betraying her nerves as she sidled up to the rest of us.
One of the girls from the back, who had kept mostly silent until now, started to freak.
“I know damn well they don’t seriously want us to go in there,” she muttered under her breath.
I followed her gaze, and my eyes landed on the large, garish sign looming above the entrance to what was our next challenge.
