Page 175 of Satan's Spawn
Lights flicker in the distance—sconces I think—and it makes me wonder if they were here from the beginning or if someone installed them.
“Well, in case there is a serial killer down here, at least we can see where the hell we’re going.” I joke, trying to lighten the mood.
“Ha. Like that crazy guy running around the city mutilating people.”
My head tilts his way. “You heard about that?”
He doesn’t seem intrigued. “Yeah, apparently dude thinks he’s the Devil. My Dad heard he goes around carving 666 into his victims.”
My heart leaps into my throat when I hear those three numbers,hisnumbers, but I quickly dismiss the thought. Crayton has a temper, sure, a little crazy, but he’s not a full blown serial killer.
Felix must misinterpret my unease because he leans down and says, “I won’t let anything happen to you, Bex. Don’t worry.” Then he kisses my cheek.
I notice he does this a lot, and I kind of wish he wouldn’t. Or at least ask for permission first.
Kissing is so personal to me. Even if it’s not on the mouth.
I’m sure it’s innocent, though, and probably normal for teenagers who actively try to form relationships. Unlike ones like me who always chose her parents and school over friendships.
Felix holds up his beer for me to cheer, so I let go of my ridiculous apprehension and clink my bottle with his, then take a hefty sip.
“So, tell me,” he continues, “and I don’t mean this in a judgmental way I promise. But why Crayton?” He takes another sip. “I mean, he’s obviously not a good guy.”
Obvious scenarios have never come naturally to me. Unless it included a multiple choice answer on paper.
“I was stupid.” I give him honesty, because I’m finally being honest with myself.
“You’re not stupid.” He encourages me to take another sip with his bottle. “Crayton just has that effect on people. All the Royals do.”
I drag in a deep breath before wrapping my lips around the bottle for another drink. “I guess you’re right.”
“Him and Alexis were always endgame. Everyone knows it.” His words seem harsh, and he picks up on that because he adds, “Sorry, I just mean the guy fucks around with a lot of chicks but always ends up back with her. It’s a vicious cycle girls here with more experience know not to get involved with.”
In other words, girls with common sense.
“Yeah, I see that now. I realize it was all just a twisted game to him.”
Felix squeezes my hand. “It’ll be okay, you have me.” Pointing forward he says, “C’mon, I want to show you something.”
Felix moves us along faster, and I’m grateful for the flip flops regardless of how dirty I’m sure my feet are.
I probably should be more concerned about that. God knows what’s living down here.
We reach a cavity in the stone walls, big enough to fit through, and Felix goes in first, holding out his hand to help me inside.
I hesitate.
“It’s okay, trust me. You’re gonna love this.”
I wrap my hand around his and step inside, the both of us moving carefully enough not to scrape our arms.
I am in a dress for goodness sake. One that is definitely ruined by dirt.
It’s not long before we reach the other side, a huge round area coming to view, similar to the one Stevenson mentioned earlier.
“It’s my shortcut.” Felix winks as I take in the place.
The Pit is set up into sections of stone rows, all surrounding the center floor, almost as if it was once used for some creepy secret society meetings.
