The Labyrinth of Horrors

"C'mon, it's gonna be fun!"

"Ya know I'm not a big fan of that horror crap, besides... the vibe at that place seemed a bit... off, it gave me a bit of the heebie-jeebies."

"Ay! Stop being such a killjoy! I doubt it's gonna be that scary, if at all... I mean it's probably just a mirror labyrinth, how scary could it be?" mused Sam "Besides, you did enjoy the show with the half naked masked men, now, didn't ya?"

Sam nudged Camille, who smiled sheepishly as her dark cheeks tinted slightly.

"I have no idea what you're talking about!" Camille tried to shield her bashful face with her hands.

"Hmm, is that so? Weren't you drooling over the guy with the ghost face mask on or was it the guy with curly hair and hairy chest?" Camille tried to hide harder to no avail. Sam on the other hand was having a blast considering she was screeching from laughter, while passersby stared at them for causing a ruckus.

"Shush already, people are staring at us..." Camille also found it quite funny how her best friend was an absolute idiot. But if anything, she knew how to have a good time.

"Ah, that was so good it hurt," she dried the tears from her eyes, "who would've thought you'd be into burly manly men..." Sam cackled. "Should've asked for their numbers, they seemed pretty into you as well, with all the attention they were giving you..." Sam kept on throwing knowing silly glances at Camille.

"Oh my fucking God, shut up already!" Camille burst out in irritation, "But yeah... maybe I should've..."

"Should've what?" She was playing dumb on purpose.

"Should've gotten their numbers..." Camille's voice trailed down until it was almost incoherent.

A deadly screech left Sam's mouth.

"Bitch! We need to go back! Like, right now!"

Sam started dragging Camille by the elbow.

"Nope! Not a chance! Wait! Stop dragging me!" She tried to resist. "Didn't you wanna check that labyrinth over there first?"

Camille pointed towards the *Labyrinth of Horrors*. Sam halted for a moment, thinking.

"Fine!" She relented, "but after that, we're going back to the haunted hotties' show!"

Sam and Camille walked towards the Labyrinth and as they did so, a strange, sweet smelling fog enveloped them.

"Why does it smell of flowers?" Camille scrunched her nose at the overpowering scent surrounding them. Once inside, they noticed the waiting area was dim but cozy.

"Good evening ladies and welcome to the Labyrinth of Horrors." The Host greeted them warmly, "I am Pietro Gagliardi, but you may call me Pietro."

In front of the the two young women stood a pale man. Awe-stricken at the unexpected sight of the raven haired beauty in front of them, they remained silent, marveling at the sight.

"Yes! Hi! Hello!" Sam snapped from her trance, embarrassed, "I'm Sam, and this is Camille, it's a pleasure to meet you... uh sir Pietro."

"Just Pietro is fine," he flashed a warm smile, "and the pleasure is all mine."

Neither of them could help but blush at the suave and deep voice of the Host.

"I believe it is time for you to enter my labyrinth and face your darkest fears."

He beckoned them to enter the open door with wine red velvet curtains draped on each side.

"Perhaps after which maybe we can get a drink or two, hmm? Would you be up for that?"

Camille resisted to urge to roll her eyes, seeing as her friend was making a fool out of herself yet again. But truth be told, Camille couldn't keep her eyes off of the Host, either. Pietro, on the other hand, chuckled in delight at his guests' curiosity and shameless advances.

"That is quite forward, Sam, more so than I am accustomed to." he gave a sigh, "and while I appreciate your interest in me, I am afraid I am far too old for you."

"That's alright, I prefer my men older anyway." She winked at him, not quite getting the hint.

Camille having remained quiet throughout the interaction between the two, could not help but be mesmerized by the appearance of Pietro. It was like nothing she had ever come across. There was something that wasn't quite human about him, something ethereal, not of this world. He was beautiful. Not handsome, not cute. Beautiful in a way one would describe the colours of dusk, the serenity of early morning fog or the sound of water flowing. It was a type of beauty that was indescribable unless you have experienced it for yourself. He adorned a pair of small oval glasses with a thin silver-coloured frame and a white blouse with a plunging v-neck. On his right ear dangled a golden earring in the shape of a snake, while on his left, several golden studs littered his earlobe. His eyes were sharp and focused, but they also exuded warmth and patience. One could definitely get lost in those eyes of his...

Camille didn't snap out of her little trance until he prompted them to enter the labyrinth once again.

"Now, if you both wish to enter, this moment would be most opportune to do so."

Sam and Camille glanced at one another.

Did they wish to enter the labyrinth?

"Sure," chimed Camille "can't be that bad, right?"

Pietro smiled a knowing smile.

"That depends entirely on you."

Neither of them understood quite what he meant.

Camille and Sam made their way towards the entrance of the labyrinth. But before marching into the darkness waiting for them on the other side, they turned to look one last time at the Host, who was waving and smiling at them.

And so, off went Camille and Sam into Pietro's Labyrinth of Horrors.

***

It wasn't long after a group of four teens entered the premises of the labyrinth.

"Hello and welcome to my Labyrinth of Horrors."

Do I have your attention now?