The Spider's Game
A twisted tale of love, hate, and deception.
I awoke with a splitting headache, still in a confused daze. Earthen walls surrounded me, holes and tunnels scattered throughout. As I tried to move, I felt my body being pulled back. As I looked around myself, I realized I was trapped in a gigantic spider web. I went into a panic, struggling with all my might to break free, but unfortunately that only made matters worse, as I only got myself even more entangled.
"You're only making things worse, dear." a voice called out.
I looked up to see a girl lying on one of the webs above. She appeared to be in her early to mid twenties, about my age. She was a stunning young woman. Her long, golden hair was tied into two wavy pigtails. It glistened and shimmered in what little light did penetrate the depths of the cavern.
"Are you alright?" I called up to her.
She turned her head and stared down at me sleepily.
"I think you should be more worried about yourself." she said as she rose to her feet.
"So, who might you be?" she asked, her face now mere inches from my own.
"Lucas, and I should be the one asking you that." I replied.
"Lucas... how dreadfully common. You're probably wondering why you're here."
"Could you at least tell me who you are first?"
She simply ignored me, and continued speaking, as though she was unaware I had said anything at all.
"I was bored and needed some entertainment. My last plaything recently outlived his usefulness." she continued as she began toying with her hair.
I felt a welling sensation of fear begin to grow within me, and I began to wonder what she meant by "outlived his usefulness".
"And who are you to abduct people for your own enjoyment?" I asked, feeling a bit uneasy.
"I thought you'd never ask."
"I did, twice."
"My given name is Alice, but you can refer to me as master." she whispered arrogantly.
"Alice will do just fine, now where am I and what do you want?" I asked, irritated at her attitude towards me.
"I was getting to that, and I think you forget your place. You already know what I want from you, but as to why I chose you..."
"You chose me?" I asked, a bit confused as why she would want to choose me, a stable hand from the middle of nowhere.
"Yes, I've been watching you for some time. You're smart, for a farm boy anyway. I like that in a man, makes this all the more fun. Theres one other reason I chose you though, do you know what that might be?"
"How would I? I can't read minds."
"You're aracnophobic, right?"
"What does that have to do with anything?" I said as I nodded my head in agreement.
"Oh, did I forget to mention who I am?"
"No, you told me, you're Alice."
"I mean my title, dear. Please try to keep up, one sided conversations can be so droll. I am the queen of spiders."
I felt my heart practically stop as she uttered those final words. I couldn't move, not that being stuck in a giant web helped any to begin with.
"Don't be afraid, I don't bite." She whispered, with a seductive smirk.
I breathed a sigh of relief, feeling safe for the moment.
"...but my pets do." she continued.
A massive spider crawled out of one of the tunnels, its body barely squeezing through. Its beady eyes stared at me as my body froze up in terror. As it approached, I began to feel feint. It started rubbing up against my leg, and thoughts of a horrible death started racing through my head. Alice was giggling all the while.
"Aw, how cute! I think he likes you." she squealed in glee.
Alice climbed onto the creature's back and pulled me up with her, despite my desperate attempts to break free of her grip. As I sat up, I felt her wrap her arms around my waist. She rested her chin on my shoulder, her long pigtails falling over my chest.
"Alright Andre, lets show our guest around." Alice said cheerfully as she gave the spider a pat on the back.
The spider began taking us through one of the tunnels. I started to get more and more afraid as we moved farther into the tunnel. I quickly saw my chance and tried to bail. Apparently I didn't give Alice enough credit, since she knew I would try to escape. Before I could even get out of arms reach, she tightened her grip and pulled me closer to her. She was a lot stronger than I expected.
"What's wrong? Don't you enjoy my company?" Alice asked, a malicious gleam in her eye.
Afraid of what she had in mind for me if I tried to escape again, I reluctantly let her hold me tightly against her body. It wasn't as bad as I originally thought, and she had an almost comforting demeanor about her then. Unfortunately, her comfort wasn't enough to keep me from going into another panic. There were spiders swarming about the cavern carrying various webbed bundles. I was curious as to what they were carrying, but I decided it might be better if I didn't know.
Alice continued giving me a guided tour of her lair, even though my reactions made is clear I just wanted out of this horrid place. At long last, Andre came to a halt. I found myself in a small chamber. There was an old and tattered Victorian style bed against the wall, neatly fitted with black sheets that seemed to make the room even darker. There were some old cedar cabinets and a chest of drawers against the side wall, one of which was beginning to rot. There was a small curtain hung along the left wall, also black. The room was actually pretty depressing.
"This is where we will be staying." Alice said as she dismounted Andre.
I scrambled off of the massive beast as fast as my body would allow.
"I'm surprised you're letting me stay in such a nice room, but where will you be staying?" I asked.
"Right here with you. What do you think I meant when I said we?"
I was starting to get nervous, feeling uneasy about her intentions.
"Don't worry, I'm only doing this so I can keep a close eye on you, nothing more. I hope you didn't get the wrong impression. Anyway, you must be feeling tired after such a long day. Why don't you get some rest?" Alice asked me as she prepared the bed.
"I'll take the floor. I wouldn't want you to give up such a comfortable bed." I said, already starting to get comfortable on the cold, hard floor.
"Oh don't worry, there's room for two." Alice replied cheerfully, pulling me up off the floor.
I lied down on the bed, plotting my escape while staring at the ceiling. I was so deep in thought that I didn't even realize Alice was changing into something warmer than the short nightgown she was currently wearing.
"Most men I bring down here try to watch me change, but you're different. You can still think straight, despite my vexing beauty." Alice said as she climbed into bed next to me.
"I guess this means I'll have to be even more protective." she whispered into my ear.
I feigned sleep, still trying to devise a way to escape. She had to fall asleep eventually, so I thought it would be best if I waited her out. I finally felt her arms relax as she drifted off into sleep. I waited a little while, just to be safe. I was positive she was asleep, so I began peeling her arms off of me, trying not to wake her. Freedom was so close I could taste it! All I had to do was roll out of bed and make my way to the hall, but as I started to move, Alice quickly pulled me to her, nearly giving me a heart attack in the process.
"Did I mention I'm a very light sleeper? By the way, I wouldn't advise leaving this room without me. I'm the only thing that keeps my pets from ripping you limb from limb." She whispered.
"You could have just told me about the spiders before and skipped this whole charade!"
"But things are just more fun this way. Now just relax and go back to sleep."
"I'll take the floor now if you don't mind." I said as I started to roll out of bed.
"Please stay. I could use the company." She pleaded as she pulled me close to her again.
"Why should I stay! You've done nothing but torment me ever since I met you. Give me one good reason I should stay and I might consider it." I protested.
"Well, It's obvious you don't care about my feelings right now, so I have one reason that just might convince you. Lets just say it's in your best interests to keep me entertained."
I decided it was for the best that I stay with her. What scared me more than what she could have meant or what she was planning was that sinister grin plastered on her face when she said it. Just thinking about it sent chills down my spine. Her unpredictability was starting to get to me as well, and I figured the only way to be safe around her was to figure her out, and fast. I still was unable to sleep. Just knowing she had something in store for me was enough to keep me up.
"What's the matter, can't sleep?" Alice asked as she began massaging my shoulders.
"Who are you?" I asked, getting frustrated with her.
"You already know who I am, I'm Alice."
"Not that. I mean who are you, really? You put on so many acts to hide your true self."
"You're even smarter than I thought, but you've only just scratched the surface. You're far from figuring me out. Now why don't you relax and just go back to..."
Alice paused for a moment, and quickly turned away.
"And now you're not talking to me. Why am I not surprised." I said, even more angry with her.
"I feel ill. Sleep on the floor. I know you've been dying to get away from me all day so now you can." Alice said intermittently between coughs.
As I rolled out of bed and lied down on the floor, I noticed the color run from Alice's face as she began to tremble. I watched as she tossed and turned, groaning in pain. She hung over the side of the bed, coughing and gagging.
"Are you alright?" I asked.
"I'll be fine." she wheezed.
"Are you sure? Do you want me to..."
"Leave me be!" She screamed.
Her eyes shot open in pain as she looked at me. She quickly turned her head back towards the floor as she started to gag, her body breaking out in a cold sweat. A long, fleshy red tube emerged from her mouth as she coughed. A silver silky sludge began spraying out of the tube. I turned my head, but still felt sickened by the splatter on the floor. Alice wiped the blood and silk from her mouth as she looked back up at me.
"Damn, I thought I had more time." she muttered.
I was in total shock. I was more afraid now than I had ever been in my entire life. Actually, spiders weren't even all that scary after what I had just witnessed.
"I wish you hadn't seen all that. If you want nothing to do with me I'd understand."
I looked at her in a state of complete bewilderment. She wasn't even making sense anymore.
"You thought I actually wanted something to do with you in the first place? I've had enough of your twisted game!"
"Are you sure that's what you want? Think rationally Lucas, are you absolutely sure you want that?"
I took a deep breath and calmed down. She didn't want it to end, but I couldn't help but feel like she was daring me to end it.
"Fine, I'll play your game a while longer."
She walked over to me and gave me a pat on the head, half mocking me and half praising me it seemed, though with it she sent a distinct message. I was under her thumb, completely powerless.
"At this rate, you might actually stand a chance. Now come on back to bed, I could use the company." She said with a smile.
I reluctantly obliged, though it did feel nice to be on the comfortable bed again instead of the cold hard floor. I found staying awake to be increasingly difficulty, my lack of sleep finally catching up with me. I eventually dozed off.
I awoke a few hour later, and to my surprise I was alone. I brushed a few thin strands of web from my body and climbed out of bed. I began searching through one of the drawers, hoping to find something I could use to learn more about Alice. Aside from her dreadfully morbid attire, I found nothing of use. As I tried to close the drawer, it wouldn't close all the way. I quickly removed the drawer to find a small box propped up against the back of the dresser. I opened it up to find a small silver heart shaped locked inside. I carefully undid the latch and opened it. Inside was a picture of a gallant young man. His raven black hair glistened in the light, and his eyes shone with a caring passion.
"I turn my back for a second and you're already searching through my possessions, why am I not surprised." Alice said, slightly irritated.
I quickly put the locked back in the box, hoping she wouldn't notice.
"I see you've found my mother's old locket." she continued as she walked towards me.
I cringed as she put her hand on my shoulder, expecting the worst.
"Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you. I'm surprised it took you this long to even find it really. Most of the time the men I bring here look for other things." Alice said with a laugh.
Alice looked up, eyes sparkling with joy as she began reminiscing about her father. She went into a long winded speech about her childhood, talking so fast that I didn't even bother trying to keep up. She started talking faster and faster as she got more and more excited. I mostly wondered how long she could keep going before she finally had to breathe. Alice suddenly stopped talking and grew quiet.
"I wish he were still here." She said, her eyes welling up with tears.
I instinctively wanted to comfort her, but restrained myself, still unsure if this was all part of her elaborate game. She suddenly burst into tears, pulling me to her, holding me close. Now certain of her turmoil, I wrapped my arms around her trembling body. She rested her head on my shoulder, tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Ever since he died, I've lived on my own down here. He used to protect me when I was a young girl, but that's a story for another time." she continued.
She dried her eyes and began sizing me up.
"You're getting better at this, adapting to me that is. I knew you wouldn't let me down."
She went to walk away, but stopped.
"I just remembered I need to go to the surface today and get some supplies. Would you care to join me?"
"You trust me enough to be sure I won't run away?"
"That and I know where you live, and have eyes everywhere. It shouldn't be too hard to track you down if you do happen to escape."
"Fine, I'll join you, but there has to be some kind of ridiculous catch to this, right?"
"No, none at all. Is it so wrong that I show a little appreciation for you every once in a while?"
"Coming from you, yes."
"Oh come now, but what if this is the real me finally showing through?"
"It can't be. If you enjoy all these complex head games, then why would you make the answer so obvious?"
"If you insist. I think it's time we should get going."
Alice quickly changed into a long black and crimson dress with the inside lined with black fur, completely ignoring my existence as usual;
"You really don't think much of me, do you?"
"Of course I do! I think of you just like all my other pets."
"That's what I was afraid of."
She opened the small wooden door and called to Andre. The giant spider came barreling down the hallway. Alice climbed on his back, and I followed in suit. Andre began crawling through the subterranean labrynth, slowly making its way higher and higher towards the surface. Alice wrapped her arms around me, and unfortunately noticed I was stiff with fear.
"Loosen up, Lucas. There's nothing to be afraid of." Alice whispered into my ear.
"You know damn well I have plenty to fear, you being at the top of the list!" I retorted spitefully.
She quickly let go of me with a sigh of disgust. Andre walked into a massive chamber, sunlight pouring down from the sky above. A long staircase spiraled around the walls of the room. Alice and I dismounted Andre and made the long climb to the top.
"What exactly do you need from the surface?" I asked.
"Not much, just some medicine." she replied.
"What kind of medicine?"
"It's normally used to treat simple colds."
"But for you it's different..."
Alice grew quiet, walking in silence. We emerged from the caves deep in the woods. Alice led the way towards a small town off in the distance.
"Do you make this trip often?" I asked, hoping to break the awkward science.
"Usually about once every few weeks." she replied.
As we walked through the forest, the animals scattered as Alice approached, sensing that death followed close by. We soon reached the small village. There were a few stone buildings positioned in a circle around the town square. She led me to one of the buildings on the outskirts of town. The old man behind the counter smiled as Alice came through the door.
"That time of month again, Alice?" He said with a smile.
"So it would seem. It even caught me by surprise this time Sal." she replied.
Sal called to the stock boy in the back, telling him to bring out the medicine. A young boy of about sixteen walked out holding a medium sized wooden box. He handed the box to Alice and turned to make his way into the back room. He noticed a small spider and crushed it under his boot as he walked by.
"Mind if I knock some sense into that stock boy of yours?" Alice asked, eyes burning with rage.
"It's not like I can stop you. If I've learned anything over these past few years, it's to stay out of your way." Sal replied.
As Alice started walking towards the back room, I tried to stop her, but Sal grabbed my shoulder, the look on his face telling me to leave her be.
"Don't you know what she's going to do to that kid? She'll kill him!" I protested.
"I gave him plenty of warning before hand, and it's not like I can stop her. You probably know how she gets by now."
"Why don't you say anything!"
"I guess it's because I pity her."
"Pity her?" I asked in confusion.
"Well, it's a long story. Her father and I were close friends you see. He was a good man, honest, sincere, a wonderful friend and an even better father. He would do anything for Alice, which is why he asked for my help in the first place. When she was about thirteen, she fell severely ill. Her condition was nothing like I'd ever seen. She developed a persistent cough, and eventually began to cough up a thick silvery sludge. After a little experimentation, I found that a simple cough serum seemed to alleviate her symptoms. After advising she take it daily, things returned to normal...."
"And this is why you pity her?"
"Oh, no. I guess I started to ramble on a bit. Her father died soon after I helped cure her. He just up and dropped dead, right out of the blue. It's a real shame. Alice was crushed. She closed herself off from everyone around her, and eventually disappeared completely, aside from her monthly visits to pick up her medicine. It must be tough for her to have been living alone for all these years."
"What about her mother?"
"I never met her. Come to think of it, neither Alice nor her father ever talked about her. They even avoided the topic if it ever came up in conversation."
"Did you ever figure out what it was Alice was coughing up?"
"I think that's enough questions for one day sir, unless you can prove you have some real deep connection with Alice. I wouldn't want to go blabbing all this to someone who's just going to end up hurting her after all this is through."
Alice walked out from the back room, wiping blood and webbing from her mouth. The stock boy crawled out of the back room coughing and wheezing.
"I suggest you get a new stock boy in a few weeks." Alice said coldly as she passed by Sal.
"Alice, you didn't..."
"I did what I had to do Sal, end of story."
"You used to be such a sweet girl, what happened to you? Ever since Henry died I've been worried sick about how you would take it..."
"My father's death has nothing to do with this. I only have her to blame. Come Lucas, I'm finished here."
Alice picked up the small box of medicine and walked out the door, myself fearfully following behind her. We walked through the forest in dead silence. Hoping to break the still air, I decided to speak up.
"So, Sal was a friend of..."
"Shut up and keep walking." She snapped.
We made the rest of the trip in silence, and I dared not open my mouth again until I was sure Alice had calmed down. Alice gulped down one of the vials of medicine from inside the box and climbed on top of Andre. We rode through the corridor, but rather than holding me close as she usually did, Alice stayed as far from me as possible.
"What's wrong? Why won't you talk to me?" I asked.
There was no reply, just a chilling glare that made me fear for my life.
I finally snapped. I couldn't take her mood any longer. I can't believe it, but I longed for her random personality shifts, anything but this constant irritability.
"Damn it Alice, I'm just trying to help! What's with the silent treatment!"
"I don't need your help and it's not of your concern, now leave me be!" Alice yelled, her voice shaky from crying.
Andre came to a stop as he reached the bedroom. Alice dismounted and walked behind the curtain into the side room. I decided to lay down on the bed and organize my thoughts. She was definitely acting differently that day. I began reviewing the day's events, trying to pick out something that might account for her foul mood. Unfortunately, I couldn't come up with anything. It was then I heard a loud, pain filled groan coming from the other room.
"Are you alright?" I called to her.
"I'm fine, my body is just a bit sore. This warm water feels so good though."
"What warm water?"
"Didn't I tell you about the underground spring? Come in and see for yourself."
I pulled back the curtain and walked down the long, dark hallway. A thin veil of steam surrounded a small pool of warm water. Alice waded facing the edge of the pool, her back towards me. She motioned for me to join her.
"I can wait till you finish." I said.
"You haven't bathed since I brought you here, maybe longer. Also, I have something I would like to discuss with you. Now join me."
I reluctantly disrobed and carefully climbed into the pool, Alice keeping her back to me the whole time.
"First of all, I apologize for how I've been treating you lately. It's not your fault I'm under so much pressure, but I can't help but take my frustrations out on the closest thing to me, which just so happened to be you." Alice said softly.
"What do you mean you've been under so much pressure."
"I'd rather not get into it. It's... well... complicated." She said with a sigh.
I suddenly got the feeling that something wasn't right. I felt as though we weren't alone.
"You sense her too, don't you? I'm surprised, you're almost as perceptive as I am." Alice whispered.
"Who are you referring to when you say 'her'?" I asked.
"Come over here and keep your voice down. Follow my instructions without question and things will be fine." Alice whispered.
I quickly made my way over to her, awaiting her next command.
"Massage my back."
"You aren't serious, are you?"
"I'm dead serious, and what did I say about asking questions." She snapped.
I slowly began rubbing Alice's shoulders, starting to wonder how far she was going to take this.
"Lower."
"Why are we doing this again?"
"I'll explain later, now be quiet."
She turned her head towards me and started kissing me. I pulled away and tried to escape, but she quickly pulled me back to her.
"What are you doing? Do you want to blow our cover?" she whispered angrily.
I was starting to get sick and tired of her nonsense, and my frustration finally had gotten the better of me.
"What cover! Who are we even hiding from!" I yelled in a rage.
"You IDIOT! You've ruined everything!" she yelled as she climbed out of the spring.
"We're alone again, but thanks to you I've lost the upper hand." Alice said as she dried off and slipped into a crimson nightgown.
"Would you mind please filling me in on what the hell is going on?" I asked, now confused.
"After what you just pulled, you're lucky I'm even letting you live! You can sleep in here. I need some time to think, so stay the hell out of my way." She snapped as she walked out of the room.
I just stared at her in confusion. Apparently this mind game was deeper than I originally thought, and I wasn't the only one playing. I once again got the feeling I was being watched. I noticed a small alcove in the far wall. I walked over to investigate, and found that it led to a long, dark tunnel. I felt my way through the darkness, tripping over myself numerous times. The dark corridor finally opened up into a large, near pitch black room.
The nagging sense of paranoia became a reality as I became certain there was something else lurking in the darkness. I turned just in time to see a hand reaching for me. I quickly pushed it away, straining my eyes in vain to see its owner.
"Impressive. Not many people can sense my presence, and even fewer can fend for themselves." A voice whispered from the darkness.
The voice had a striking resemblance to Alice's, but it was stronger and more sinister, yet also soothing in the same token.
"From what I've seen, you look like a promising young man. I think it's very well time we tested that." the voice continued.
I tried to pinpoint where the voice was coming from, but with the echoes resounding off the cavern walls, it was no use.
"Show yourself!" I yelled.
"And give up my advantage? You wish!" the voice called back.
Before I knew it I was being lifted off the ground. I flailed about hoping to break free, but to no avail. I was suddenly flying through the air, and landed in a large, sticky web. My eyes darted around in a panic trying to locate my assailant.
"Calm down, I just want to talk." the voice said.
"Fine, but first I want to know who you are."
"I don't want to reveal that right now. If you knew, well, you'll find out later. So, what do you think of Alice."
"To be brutally honest, I can't stand her. I just go along tolerating her games to survive."
"And if she didn't toy with you, then what?"
"I'm not entirely sure. I haven't figured out who she's hiding behind all those masks, so to speak."
"And what if I were to help you see through her illusions, what would you give in return?"
"I'd give almost anything!"
"A man willing to take risks, I like that. What do you think Alice thinks of you?"
"You seem to know a lot about me, so why don't you tell me?" I replied.
"Because if I answered for you, there would be no point in this at all. You need to learn to read Alice, or else you will inevitably fail. Now answer me Lucas."
I thought for a moment, and realized I had absolutely no idea what Alice thought of me. I didn't know fact from fiction, truth from lies conceived only to perpetuate the game.
"Just as I thought, you've just been predicting her, and completely forgot the motivation behind her actions in the process. I know you so well Lucas, I knew how you were going to answer before we even began."
"So why did you even waste my time?" I asked, irritated.
"Because I wanted to hear it from your own two lips. Now, I want to show you something."
I felt myself being lowered to the ground. I was led by the hand to another corridor. As I entered, I felt her hand leave me. I continued through the hall alone. The end of the corridor opened into a large light filled room.
"Up here." the voice called down to me from above.
I cocked my head back to finally see who I had been talking to. Under any other circumstances, her appearance would have come as a complete shock, but after all I had been through, I wasn't surprised at all. Her body was bent back so she could face me, as she was hanging upside-down. Her straight, black hair ran down across her bare chest, only bringing even more attention to her pale complexion and silky smooth skin. As I looked farther up, her hips widened into a large, bulbous and black spider-like body, a red hourglass shape imprinted in its center. Her body was suspended on a massive strand of web.
"I would think it's safe to assume you're Alice's mother. How I ironic, I widowed widow." I said sarcastically.
She gave me a smirk as she began lowering herself to the ground.
"Smart, handsome, and a sense of humor. If Alice wasn't my daughter I'd seriously consider stealing you away in a heartbeat." she said as she ran her fingers down my chest.
"I'm surprised, you look a lot younger than I expected. Hell, you look even younger than Alice."
"Why thank you. Flattery will get you everywhere, Lucas." she replied as she wrapped her arms around me.
"And speaking of which, why are you letting me get so close to you? You're either very trusting, or incredibly stupid. I could kill you right now if i so desired."
"But you won't. You enjoy these games just as much as Alice. Why would you spoil things for both of you by eliminating your only source of entertainment."
"Sharp as a tack. You've yet to disappoint me. You're definitely something special, Lucas."
"How so?"
"I think you still fail to realize how easily Alice loses interest in things. Most men she brings down here are the same old thing, either mad with fear or vexed by her beauty, and they rarely last the night because of it. I was almost certain you would fall into the prior, but you didn't. She saw something in you, something that sets you apart from all the others."
She pulled me close to her, resting her chin on my shoulder like Alice would do.
"I'm so jealous. For just one moment, I wish I could have you all to myself." she said as she began gently sucking my earlobe.
"I don't think I ever got your name." I said, gently trying to squirm free.
"Thats right, you didn't. Just call me Arachne for now."
"That isn't your real name, is it?" I said skeptically.
"You can read me like a book, so why is Alice giving you so much trouble? I'll tell you, it's her spontaneity. Her personality shifts throw you off. Maybe I'll give you a hand, later, but I think you should get going. She's probably going to come looking for you soon to apologize, and if she knew we had met..."
"If she knew, then what?"
"Well, she must not find out. A little incentive to keep this our little secret, if you thought Alice could be scary at times, just think of where she got it from." Arachne said with an evil grin.
"I'll keep that in mind." I said with a shudder.
"Good boy, now run along back to Alice, but before you go..."
She pulled me to her, locking me into a forceful embrace. Our tongues entwined for a brief moment, and then it was over. As she let go of me, Aracne's face brimmed with a lustful gleam, while I on the other hand felt disturbed and violated.
"Sorry, I couldn't help myself. Well, you should get going." she said as she led me out of the alcove and back to the spring.
No sooner did I enter the spring was I greeted by Alice's somber gaze. She walked over to me, head bowed in shame.
"I shouldn't have lashed out at you like that earlier. You weren't even completely aware of the situation. I'm really sorry." she said, crying bitter tears of self loathing.
"I'm used to it by now, I just want to know whats going on."
" I.....I'm sorry, but I don't want to get you caught up in all this. I have my own demons to conquer. For your own safety just trust me on this, please." Alice pleaded.
"This has to do with your mother, doesn't it?" I asked.
"How would you know about my mother? I only mentioned her to you when you found her locket..."
"Sal told me a little about you while you were in the back room. He mentioned that neither you nor your father liked to talk about her. She is the only one you could be referring to with such disdain and hatred."
Alice breathed a sigh of relief.
"I was getting worried for a minute there. I thought she had gotten to you. She can be even more deceptive than I am, and considering you still haven't figured me out, I doubt you'll have any chance against her."
"You really think so?" I replied.
Alice grew quiet, and I could tell she was definitely worried about something now.
"You've met her already, haven't you? Why would you question what I think of my mother unless you have your own ideas about her capabilities. This is bad, really bad."
Alice started going into a panic.
"It's okay, I think I can read her pretty well..."
Alice quickly cut me off.
"Are you stupid!? She's the one who taught me everything I know, and I still can't read her at all. She's toying with you, playing the fool to lull you into a false sense of security. How could you not pick up on that!? I don't want to lose you Lucas..." She said as she began to cry.
"I held her in my arms, completely in shock. Was this just another part of her game, or was she finally revealing herself out of desperation and fear. For the first time since we had met, I trusted in her completely. I ran my fingers through her hair, comforting her the best I could for her own sake. The pieces of the puzzle were finally fitting into place, but as to the danger I was in, I severely underestimated.
"I'm glad I finally got that all out in the open. I'm going to get some sleep. Feel free to join me when you're ready." Alice said as she left the room.
I collected the shattered fragments of my theories and once again found myself starting from square one. I soon became lost in thought, wondering if it was possible she had just shown her true self, if only for a moment. I thought it was a good time to pay Arachne another visit, this time with a few questions of my own. As I turned to join Alice, I noticed a large shadow looming over me. I instinctively turned and threw a quick hook. I watched as my fist connected with Arachne's jaw, her body crashing down into the spring. She rose to her feet, rubbing her cheek in pain.
"Damn, twice in one day, and you actually hit me this time. I'm impressed, but too bad I'm not here to play around."
She lunged at me, trying to grab whatever she could get her hands on. I tried to run, but the water slowed me down too much and Arachne easily caught up. She landed a swift blow to the back of my head. The room began to spin, and I soon passed out. I can only assume she carried me back into the alcove where we had previously met.
When I awoke, I was hanging upside down, bound in webbing.
"I'm disappointed in you Lucas. I thought you'd be able to keep our secret a secret for at least twice as long as you did. Now Alice thinks I've played a hand in all this, but that might not be a bad thing. The only way we'll know is when Alice comes looking for you." Arachne said.
"So what now? You seem to have gone through a lot of trouble to keep me here. I would have stayed willingly If you had asked, you realize that right?"
"But Alice wouldn't have, which is why it was necessary to do this."
"Anything to perpetuate the game, right? I'm beginning to wonder if I really am as special as you say, or if any guy would do."
"Most men don't survive the first night. That right there proves something. You're actually the ONLY man to survive the first night. By the way, you're incredibly calm for someone who's been poisoned."
"Poisoned?"
"Yes, you should be feeling lightheaded by now."
"I thought that was just the blood rushing to my head."
"Yes, it's probably a bit of both."
"But when, how did you..."
"Remember when I kissed you a while back? Well, the good news is Alice naturally produces the antidote, so I really hope she's fallen for you, for your sake."
"Please tell me you're joking and everything you just said was to scare me, please!"
"I'm sorry, I wish it were so, but things have progressed to a point where I had to step in."
"What do you mean by that? We've been locked in a psychological stalemate for the longest time!"
"Exactly, you're taking too long!"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Oh, you'll find out soon enough."
The poison started to take affect. I felt my fingers begin to go numb, a tingling sensation shooting through my arms as it began to spread.
"What could be taking her so long. If she doesn't hurry you won't even be alive."
I heard Alice's voice calling out to me, but as I tried to yell to her for help, all that came out was senseless drivel, as I began losing feeling in my mouth. I could barely make out Alice's figure as she stormed into the room.
"It's about time you showed up! Poor Lucas has been suffering while we've been waiting." Arachne said.
I tried to speak, but was still unable to say anything coherent.
"You poisoned him!?" Alice yelled in a rage.
"But of course, I had to hasten things along somehow."
Alice quickly ran over to me and practically forced her tongue down my throat. I started to regain feeling in my mouth again as she turned back towards her mother.
"Happy now?" she said spitefully.
"Not in the least. I wonder, do you even realize why I pester you so much, constantly watching who you bring down here?" Arachne asked.
"Because it's you're only source of enjoyment and you love watching people suffer, you always have!" Alice screamed.
"Though it is fun, that's not the only reason. I'm dying Alice. Old age is finally catching up with me, and I don't want the bloodline to end with you. Now stop being so damn picky!" Arachne snapped.
"So that's what this has all been about!?"
You wouldn't have listened if I had put it bluntly anyway, stubborn girl, but regardless it looks like you've finally found someone." she said, looking over at me.
It all finally started to make sense. The mind games, her innumerable facades, it was all to cover for her insecurities, testing everyone she brought down here to make sure they'd stay and endure her no matter what. Most likely stemmed from her father's death.
"Looks like I've held up my end of the bargain, now it's your turn, Lucas." Arachne said with an evil grin.
I already knew what she was going to say, what she wanted me to do in return, but I felt compelled to ask anyway, praying I was wrong.
"What do you want me to do?"
"Stay here with Alice. You don't have much choice in the matter either, being as you are a man of your word... or was I wrong about you?"
I was tempted to refuse, but considering my situation, I had no other option but to stay.
"I have to stay, you'd kill me otherwise, correct?" I replied.
"I'm glad we see eye to eye. I'll leave you two alone for now." Arachne said as she left the room.
Alice looked at me with a sly grin, a grin that led to one last night of pleasures, a night that condemned me to an eternity in this hell. As it turned out, Alice's personality had been evident all along. The facade was simply getting me to think otherwise. So here I lay, at the foot of Alice's bed serving as her obedient lapdog, praying that someone on the surface may find this and save me from this wretched fate.