The Maze from Hell: A Backrooms Tale--Chapter 5 Aleena's Plight

 

(excerpt from The Maze from Hell:  A Backrooms Tale, chapter 5. Aleena continues her journey through the mysterious Backrooms.)

Aleena roamed through the maze for what felt like days, navigating its twists and turns with no end in sight. She was incredibly thankful for the backpack she found, as it offered a place to store any essentials she might come across. Along the way, she discovered another crate filled with almond water, but unfortunately, there were no energy bars to be found.  With a deep breath, she pressed on, feeling the weight of her surroundings. She suspected that the food she had discovered could be her sole sustenance in this nightmarish Hell. As she moved forward, she noticed a door that stood out, lacking the usual neon red "Exit" sign above it. Taking a moment to gather herself, she prepared to approach it.

 "Should I go in?" she pondered. After a moment of contemplation, she nodded to herself, setting her backpack down at her feet. She unzipped it and pulled out the knife. It is a substantial blade, and although the handle showed signs of wear, it remained a formidable weapon. Earlier, she had heard something eerie, and unnatural. Deep down, she understood that any noise she makes would likely draw whatever it was toward her. She isn't hesitant to wield a knife, but she often wishes she owned a handgun. Her father, a military veteran, taught her the basics of using a firearm, yet she has always been reluctant to purchase one for her own safety. She swung the door open and stepped into a sprawling, vacant warehouse. It was a chilly and musty environment. The atmosphere of her new environment sent a wave of unease through her. She turned quickly, only to discover that the door had vanished. This revelation didn’t shock her; she had encountered similar strange happenings before in the yellow maze.

 She pondered, "I wonder if this place will change and shift as well," recalling how the walls in the yellow labyrinth would transform. She moved a few steps ahead, her heart pounding and fear evident in her eyes. With a tight grip on the knife, she pushed further into the eerie environment that awaited her. She observed a peculiar mist hovering near the concrete floor of the vast, empty space, unsure if it was a warehouse or an underground parking lot, perhaps it was a mix of both. As she moved forward, a foul odor filled the air, and a chill wrapped around her. She regrets not bringing a jacket or something similar. “As if I could have predicted I’d end up here,” she chuckled quietly to herself. Odd, dark puddles are dotted around the place. She paused a short distance from one of them. She pondered, "I wonder if that water is real," and stepped a bit closer.

While gazing into the puddle, a grey, claw-like hand suddenly shot out and grabbed her hair. Startled, she screamed and lunged at the hand with her knife. A loud wail echoed from deep within the puddle.  The monstrous hand released her hair, and she quickly sprang to her feet, dashing away in the opposite direction. 

A quick look over her shoulder revealed a terrifying creature, towering at around 7 feet with grey, grotesque skin, relentlessly pursuing her. It seemed to have emerged from the puddle or perhaps it was the puddle itself, transformed into this nightmarish being that was now in fierce pursuit.  Dashing from one area to another and racing down the hallways, Aleena felt her hope dwindling. Her heart pounded in her chest, and as she veered into yet another corridor, she looked back to find that the creature had mysteriously stopped chasing her. She eased her pace until she finally halted. Leaning against the concrete wall, tears began to roll down her face.

 "No, I won't give up," she gasped for air. "I will find a way out." She continued onward and spotted three wooden crates—two piled on top of each other and one positioned beside them. Hurrying over, she attempted to lift the lid of one crate. It suddenly toppled open, causing her to gasp as she quickly glanced around, anxious that another Eldritch creature might have been alerted by the noise. She rummaged through the crate and discovered three bottles of almond water and two energy bars. 

At the bottom, she came across a white T-shirt, stained and it smelled a bit, but it is still usable, along with an olive-green Bomber jacket that has a pin at the front. The jacket is a bit dirty, yet acceptable to wear. She put on the jacket and shoved the T-shirt into her backpack. With a heavy sigh, she pressed on. After what felt like an eternity of roaming through the hallways and stark concrete rooms, she stumbled upon a corridor lined with metal doors and tried to open them a few times but to no avail. The doors were painted a bright blue and as she walked down the lengthy hallway, she spotted puddles here and there. She stopped for a second, her forehead creased with concern, a worried expression crossing her face as she let out a sigh. She looked up and noticed some water dripping from the ceiling.

“I have to tread lightly,” she mused. As she moved with caution, she noticed a door that was slightly ajar. Out of nowhere, a low, menacing growl emanated from behind it, causing her to freeze in place. Her heart pounded in her chest, beads of sweat formed on her brow, and she gripped the knife tightly in her hand. 

A strange and grotesque creature gradually emerged from behind the door, its pale white eyes glinting beneath tangled hair. She instinctively stepped back, her heart racing as the creature came fully into view and a gasp escaped her lips. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she took at its Eldritch Horror form. It bore a striking resemblance to a dog, but its elongated snout and unsettlingly human-like features gave it an eerie presence that was hard to shake off. The creature's thick, matted black fur hung in disarray, obscuring much of its face and adding to its menacing aura. Its limbs, though slender, exuded a sense of latent power, each ending in sharp, claw-like appendages that hinted at a predatory nature. The combination of its wild appearance and those unsettling pale grey eyes made it a terrifying sight to behold.

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Flare: Chapter 2-The Date- an excerpt

 

(This is an excerpt from Chapter 2: The Date)

Cher started her day by enjoying a delicious breakfast before heading off to work. As she assisted customers at her job, she couldn't help but notice Dolan entering the shop. He had a confident aura about him, dressed in a stylish black leather jacket, a white tee shirt, jeans, black high-top Reeboks, and sunglasses. A flirtatious smirk played on his lips, “I will have her,” he thought to himself as his eyes gazed at her curiously.

His intuition proved to be right, as Cher's hidden desires were not so hidden after all. Once the customer left, Dolan took the opportunity to approach Cher. “Wow, it’s a small world isn’t it,” she said, as she nervously chuckled, referring to Dolan's unexpected presence in the shop. However, deep down, she couldn't shake off the feeling that his appearance was not a mere coincidence. Unbeknownst to her, Dolan had done his homework and strategically chose to show up at her workplace occasionally, believing it would make it easier to persuade her to go out with him.

Cher's uncertainty about Dolan's intentions weighed heavily on her mind, leaving her feeling nervous and on edge.

"What time do you get off?" he asked.

"I get off at six," Cher replied, flashing a sly grin.

"I was thinking of taking you out for dinner. Would you like that?" he asked, almost as if seeking her approval, reminiscent of a vampire seeking permission to enter a home. He removed his sunglasses, revealing eyes that seemed even greyer than usual. Cher brushed off the peculiarity, assuming he wore colored contact lenses. Little did she know, Dolan requires a virgin; it had been a decade since he last had one. 

A virgin's purity rejuvenates him, and the energy she emits would help replenish his vitality, his youthfulness. Dolan, who is one-hundred years old, has spent a lifetime hunting and siphoning human energy. Many women who crossed paths with him found themselves ensnared in his intricate web of deception. By the time they recognized the dire situation they were in, escape was but a distant dream, forever out of reach. Among the countless women he encountered, he had the power to transform some into energy vampires, while others met their untimely demise. Cher, with her enigmatic aura, could potentially follow the path of those unfortunate souls. Yet, there is an inexplicable allure that captivates him whenever he is in her presence. During their dinner, he will probe her with thought-provoking inquiries, attempting to unravel the depths of her being. Should she exhibit qualities of value, he will contemplate the possibility of bestowing upon her the gift of eternal life as an energy vampire.

 "I accept your offer for dinner," Cher murmured softly, a faint smile playing on her lips. A rosy blush crept up her cheeks, betraying her shyness. Dolan, with a keen sense of smell, detected her innocence and purity. Thoughts swirled in his mind, contemplating the possibility that she could be the one he had been searching for. A satisfied smirk danced across his face as he casually slipped on his sunglasses. "I will be at your place to pick you up at seven," he declared confidently. Cher reached into the pocket of her blue apron, retrieving a notepad to jot down her address. She handed it to him, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty. Dolan's smile widened, resembling that of a predator ready to pounce on its prey. "I can’t wait for tonight," he said, just as another customer entered the shop. Stepping back, he allowed Cher to attend to the newcomer, a smirk lingering on his lips.

Before she could finish with the customer, Dolan had vanished into thin air, leaving her with a sense of disappointment. "And just like that, he disappears," she muttered under her breath, a hint of amusement in her voice. Cher couldn't shake off the mysterious allure of Dolan, wondering what the night would bring. As soon as her workday ended, she made her way home and decided to give her friend Maddie a call.

"Hey, you won't believe what happened!" she exclaimed excitedly.

 "What's going on?" Maddie asked eagerly, curious to hear Cher's news.

 "Dolan came by my workplace and asked me out. Isn't that amazing?" Cher shared her joy, though Maddie couldn't shake off her doubts about Dolan.

 "I'm happy for you Cher but just be careful. There's something about him that doesn't sit right with me," Maddie cautioned. Cher was feeling perplexed by Maddie's disapproval of Dolan. She couldn't understand why Maddie thought he wasn't a good match for her. "I can't explain it, but I just have a feeling," Maddie replied, trying to convey her concerns without revealing the real reason behind her unease. 

Maddie had seen Dolan chatting with a woman with blonde hair, and they appeared to have a close relationship. She didn't want to alarm Cher, especially since this was her first real date, and she had been sheltered by her parents for far too long. Cher had always carried an air of reserve when it came to interacting with men, displaying a clear shyness that was hard to miss.

This intriguing combination of traits has played a significant role in her remaining a virgin up until now. Moreover, her parents deeply ingrained conservative values have further reinforced this decision, as they firmly believe in the sanctity of marriage before any sexual encounter with the opposite sex.

Adding another layer to the equation, Cher's upbringing was heavily influenced by her parents' Catholic faith, which has undoubtedly shaped her perspective on relationships and sexuality. Maddie expressed surprise upon hearing that Cher and Dolan were going out that night.

“Well, just be careful, not just physically but emotionally.” Cher acknowledged Maddie's concern and assured her that she understood the importance of setting boundaries. "Well, I guess I get it. I haven't exactly had any experience in that department, so I'm not entirely sure how to handle things if it does happen," she admitted with a touch of sarcasm. "I just hope he's understanding enough to realize that.”

"If he doesn’t, then just forget about him," Maddie advised. Cher rolled her eyes and replied, "Wish me luck then," before hanging up the phone. With her parents both working late shifts, Cher knew she had a small window of time to make it home before her mom returned around midnight, followed by her dad at four in the morning. She plans on closing her door just in case she didn't make it back in time, hoping her mother would assume she was asleep and not open her door to check on her. Since Cher is the only child, her parents had always been protective of her. 

Cher prepared for the dinner date by putting on a stylish cotton silk black mini dress. To accessorize, she added a gold choker necklace adorned with adorable heart-shaped charms. Her matching gold dangle earrings swayed gently from her ears, while two black and white bangle bracelets adorned her wrist.

She added a pair of black three-inch heeled shoes on her feet and complementing the look was her gold Timex watch, a graduation gift from her parents years ago.

Dolan arrived punctually, adorned in a fashionable black leather jacket that exuded an air of sophistication. Beneath it, he wore a blue button-up shirt that perfectly complemented his attire, along with sleek black jeans that accentuated his masculine figure. With an air of confidence, he led the way to his pristine white Acura Integra RS, a symbol of his refined taste. Together, they drove to a charming Asian restaurant nestled in the heart of Garden Grove. As they entered the restaurant, the host greeted them warmly and guided them to a secluded corner, ensuring their privacy and intimacy. 

The ambiance of the restaurant was enchanting, with soft lighting casting a warm glow upon the elegantly set tables. Dolan pulled out a chair for her, a gesture that spoke volumes about his chivalry, attentiveness and charm. They settled into their seats. As the dinner progressed, Dolan’s gaze towards Cher became increasingly intense, filled with a mysterious desire that Cher couldn't help but notice. 

She would occasionally avert her eyes, feeling a shy unease under his penetrating stare. Little did she know, Dolan's suspicions about her innocence were right on the mark. A sly smirk played on his lips, revealing his hidden intentions as he continued to fixate on her with a lascivious hunger. Cher, curious to unravel the enigma that was Dolan, wanted to gain insight into the man who was not only ten years her senior but also sought something more profound than a mere date.

 The silence was shattered when she asked, "Tell me, what do you do for a living?" In response, he simply stated, "I'm a security guard in Long Beach," without divulging any further information.

This lack of transparency left Cher feeling unsettled, as she couldn't help but wonder what he was hiding. Dolan, sensing her unease, decided to alleviate her concerns by sharing a fabricated detail.

 "I've actually been with the security company for about five years now," he added, hoping to ease her apprehension. A warm smile spread across her face, instantly dispelling any lingering doubts he may have had about her trust in him. In a gentle gesture, he reached out and delicately touched her hand, causing a faint blush to grace her cheeks. With a captivating gaze that seemed to hold a mysterious power, he confidently suggested, "You are truly beautiful. Would you like to come to my apartment after dinner?" The intensity of his gaze seemed to have a mesmerizing effect on her, as if it was pulling her towards him, tempting her to give in to his irresistible charm and join him in his apartment. However, Cher was unlike any other woman he had encountered before. Despite his attempts to seduce her, she remained strong-willed and refused to succumb to his charm.

 "Um, I would love to come to your apartment but," she hesitated, her voice trailing off. "But what?" he asked, gently grasping both of her hands in his. Cher shyly averted her gaze, unable to meet his intense stare. "Tomorrow, I have to do something that demands my attention, I’m sorry," she whispered, her voice tinged with unease.

Her heart yearned for reassurance, fearing she may have distanced him. Yet, he remained unyielding, undeterred by a single setback, relishing the chase akin to a predator in its prime. "How about we make plans for this upcoming Saturday? I'd be more than happy to help you with your homework and perhaps we can delve deeper into getting to know one another." She nervously chuckled, "Absolutely, let's consider it a date, or rather, a study date." A smug grin spread across his face, radiating a sense of self-satisfaction. Afterward, he escorted her back to her place, and as she gracefully stepped out of his vehicle and made her way towards her front door; his eyes fixated intensely on the alluring contours of her body. In that moment, he could perceive the vibrant aura surrounding her, pulsating with a concealed longing for intimacy. The desire to taste the forbidden fruit surged within him, yearning for her presence, yet he exercised restraint, for he knew that patience would ultimately grant him the pleasure he craved. Cher ascended the porch stairs and walked into her house. 

Chapter 11

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FLARE: Chapter 11: The Perfect Ending Excerpt

 

(This is an excerpt from my book, FLARE-Chapter 11 The Perfect Ending)

Trigger warnings: Sexual content

Cher was busy preparing a banana float for a customer, but once the customer left, she noticed Dolan sitting quietly at a table in the corner. Her brow furrowed and she let out a sigh before walking over to him and taking a seat.

"What brings you here," she asked, her eyes reflecting a hint of sadness. Seeing him brought back the heartache she felt when she saw him with Olivia in her vision.

 "I wanted to see you," he responded, feeling a sense of awkwardness. "I never received an answer from you about the people you've been associating with lately. Perhaps we could meet somewhere and talk about it."

“Dolan, I am unable to disclose that information to you. I am fully aware that I am an energy vampire, but through no fault of my own," she stressed. "Nevertheless, I am committed to preventing others from falling into the same fate as me." She gazed at him with sincerity in her eyes. His gaze was fixed on her, a mixture of concern and confusion evident in his expression. He feared that he may have made an error in turning her into an energy vampire. However, he realized that if he had chosen to end her life, he would have never experienced the joy of being with her. “Cher, I understand your frustration, but the reality is that you are now one of us, and that cannot be undone. I urge you to cease your crusade against our own kind. If the blood suckers you attacked discover that you have been targeting them, it will only lead to conflict between our kind and theirs." As his hand extended towards hers, she quickly pulled away, a clear sign of her discomfort. His expression softened as he spoke, revealing a sense of urgency in his request, “I am your maker, please I insist you visit me tonight.” Despite his plea, she avoided making eye contact, her gaze fixed on something in the distance. With a gentle touch, he guided her face to meet his, his eyes filled with determination and authority, demanding her attention. In that moment, she decided to reveal a secret that had been weighing heavily on her.

 “Do you know why I joined the Hunters in attacking the vampires?” He waited for an explanation. The truth unfolded as she explained how her cousin had fallen victim to a vampire attack, sparking a personal vendetta against the blood-sucking creatures. “My father, a diligent police officer, had been looking into a string of mysterious deaths that seemed to be vampire-related, but he believed they were the work of a deranged individual. However, I knew the truth behind those killings.” She paused and went on to explain, "Tomas, whom I had been dating for a few months, but I hadn’t yet slept with him, discovered my secret when we finally engaged in sex. He discovered I was an energy vampire when I unknowingly tried to feed on him, only to be repelled by a religious tattoo on his back. It was then that he caught a glimpse of my monstrous face. In that moment, I came to terms with what I am and the need to make amends. I begged him not to end my life, revealing that I had been turned into a creature of the night against my will. He felt sorry for me and in exchange for sparing my life, he proposed teaming up to track down other monsters, given my ability to identify them. The reason I spared Leena's life is due to a pact we made together."

 "What kind of pact?" Dolan asked. The question lingered in his mind, unsettling him. “I can’t tell you,” She paused and stood up. “Dolan go home, and I will be by tonight.” She gave him a reassuring smile. He left and later in the evening she went to his apartment. As he swung the door open, their eyes locked in a fiery gaze. The intense feeling of desire washed over them, and she sauntered into the room. They found themselves wrapped in each other's embrace once more, their bodies intertwined on Dolan's waterbed. Cher couldn't help but take note of the unconventional choice of bed, but it didn't hinder their passionate encounter.

He forcefully lifted her, positioning her legs over his shoulders, and plunged into her dripping, eager center, thrusting with unbridled intensity. They were consumed by desire and lustful moments. He implored her to arch over the bathroom counter, and he thrust into her from behind with vigor and velocity. Despite her lack of experience with anal sex, he was resolute, and she was eager to please. Gradually, he slid into her snug anus, and with delicate motions of his sizable shaft, she climaxed as he teased her clit with his fingers simultaneously. They engaged in sexual activity in various areas of his apartment, including on the breakfast table. As they reclined on Dolan’s bed in the aftermath of their intimate moment, Cher’s thoughts began to drift. She pondered her future and the harsh reality that she would never be able to have children, because she is an energy vampire. A twinge of bitterness crept into her heart as she rested her head on his chest. Listening to his slow, steady heartbeat, she couldn’t help but wonder if he was truly alive.

 “But of course he is,” she mused to herself, “he breathes just like I do. So, what sets us apart from regular humans? Perhaps it’s the fact that we can live for centuries, much like traditional vampires. However, like them, we can also be killed.” Sensing Cher’s distraction, Dolan asked, “What’s on your mind?”

“Oh, nothing much,” Cher replied, “I was just thinking about the two of us.” He embraced her tightly, planting a gentle kiss on the top of her head. The room was filled with the melodic sounds of David Bowie's "Let's Dance" playing from the radio in the background. "Cher, please reconsider your pursuit of our kind," he pleaded, hoping for a response that never came. The silence unsettled him, causing him to question whether his life was in danger. Despite his concerns, he knew deep down that Cher would never harm him. In fact, he was certain that she harbored feelings for him, and he couldn't deny that he may have developed feelings for her as well. Throughout his centuries of existence, she was the closest he had come to finding someone who resembled his beloved late wife, Cestra. 

It had been a whole week since Dolan last laid eyes on Cher. After searching for her at her workplace with no luck, he decided to pay a visit to Maddie at her home. Standing at her front door, he patiently waited for her to invite him in, as he couldn't enter without an invitation. “Alright, you can come in,” Maddie finally relented and allowed him to enter, closing the door behind him. Dolan, with his hands in his pockets, made his way to the couch and took a seat, while Maddie settled in a recliner across from him. With a sigh, she asked, “What brings you here?” He responded, "I was hoping you might have seen Cher.”

 Maddie was taken aback by Cher's failure to inform Dolan about her weekend plans, assuming that she would share the news with him. Dolan's expression hinted at his confusion, prompting Maddie to provide an explanation for Cher's absence.

 “She went to see relatives out of state, I think she said Oregon, something like that,” she paused. “Do you want anything to drink?” Dolan declined the offer, “No, I just wanted to know if you’ve seen her.”

“I saw her two days ago,” Maddie revealed.

Maddie cautiously asked him about the status of his relationship with Cher, expressing genuine interest in their well-being. “So, how are you both doing? Is everything okay?” 

Dolan chuckled and grinned, “Define, okay?” He paused, “Besides the intimate moments, she barely opens up to me, in fact, she keeps parts of her life hidden." Maddie understands but refuses to disclose more than she already knows.

Cher doesn’t disclose much to her, especially since joining forces with the Hunters. Cher doesn’t want her to get involved. Maddie chuckled softly and said, “Did you know that they call her Flare? The Hunters gave her that nickname.” Dolan, intrigued by this revelation, raised an eyebrow in surprise.

 "Flare?" he repeated, trying to wrap his head around the unexpected moniker. Maddie simply nodded in response, a hint of concern lingering in her expression. Dolan's face took on a thoughtful expression as he took in this new information. It was clear that he was already formulating a plan on how to address the situation with Cher, showing his genuine care for her well-being.

"Thank you for sharing that with me, I appreciate it. When Cher returns, I'll ask about her nickname," he chuckled before getting up from his seat. Maddie accompanied him to the door, and as Dolan stepped outside onto the porch, he glanced back.

"Take care," he bid farewell before walking off. Maddie closed the door behind him and made her way to her bedroom. Once there, she reached for the phone and dialed the room number where Cher is staying. She is currently residing in one of the motels in Seattle, Washington. The group of Hunters are staying at the same motel, waiting for further instruction. Olivia's penthouse is the prime target, situated in a building owned by Olivia herself. Among the residents are a group of elite energy vampires, along with some regular humans. A team of more than 25 skilled hunters are prepared to eliminate the head Mistress and her followers, ensuring that no innocent lives are harmed in the process. Cher picked up the phone and answered it.

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