Halloween Treats

I released the entire story Halloween Treats story on Amazon, but have chosen to add a few more chapters here for your enjoyment while I work on part 3 of the overall story, Christmas Surprise. Enjoy

---

Joining the group, I caught the tail end of their conversation about a recent video.

Alex, his voice tinged with excitement, shared, “The video was fantastic and received a lot of views on the first day. Chris and Blake were ecstatic all day long. It’s all they could talk about. I had to retreat to my office,” he said with a laugh.

Calvin joined in with a joke, “Half those views had to be Chris and Blake themselves, with how many times they watched it. I mean, how many times can you watch a full-length tutorial on putting together a Thanksgiving feast with minimal effort, especially when it’s your own video?”

Alex continued, “And they have three more videos that Josh is still editing. They plan to release one each week.”

Ethan, chuckling, added, “And that explains why we've been seeing so much turkey in the lunchroom lately. They've been giving the kitchen all the cooked turkeys, right?"

Calvin nodded in agreement, “Honestly if I see another turkey sandwich anytime soon, I might just turn vegetarian for a while.”

Lance rejoined us, glass in hand, a pineapple mojito. The same drink I had. I noticed the similarity immediately and couldn't help but wonder if there was a hidden meaning in his choice. Was it a mere coincidence, or something more intentional? Given Lance's earlier interactions and the subtle undercurrents of flirtation, it seemed likely that this was another of his understated gestures, a way to establish a private connection amidst the public setting. It was a small detail, but in the complex dance of social cues and professional networking, even such nuances could carry significant weight.

Lance positioned himself right beside me, with Ethan on my other side. The proximity to both of them. Ethan, my partner, and Lance, with his enigmatic aura, were slightly overwhelming. Once again, I felt that familiar weakness in my knees, a physical response to the intensity of the moment. 

Lance's presence was commanding, and his proximity felt almost magnetic. Sandwiched between him and Ethan, I was acutely aware of every subtle movement. The occasional skin-to-skin contact between Lance and me was impossible to ignore, especially given that his Ares costume left him bare-chested. Each accidental brush of his arm against mine sent a jolt of awareness through me, heightening the already charged atmosphere.

The texture of his skin against mine was a stark contrast to the fabric of my costume, creating a sensory experience that was both unexpected and unsettling. Lance seemed unfazed, his demeanor casual and confident, but for me, these brief contacts were disconcerting yet strangely thrilling. It was a dance of proximity and subtle cues, adding another layer of complexity to our interactions. The night was proving to be not just a visual spectacle but a tactile one as well.

As the room buzzed with conversation and subtle exchanges, the lights suddenly flickered, drawing everyone's attention. A hush fell over the crowd as a voice boomed over the loudspeakers, "Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to reveal tonight's game."

Intrigue and anticipation rippled through the room. The voice continued, "Welcome to the Labyrinth of the Underworld. Tonight's game is a maze, but not just any maze. We have four, each with its level of difficulty. Each labyrinth presents its unique challenges. Choose wisely, for the path you pick might change your fate for the evening."

An army of dead soldiers moved in unison, pulling back curtains around the room. This dramatic gesture revealed four distinct entrances, each marked by a different symbol that hinted at the difficulty and theme of the maze it led to.

The crowd murmured with excitement. The mazes were an unexpected twist, adding a layer of adventure and mystery to the evening. Everyone knew there would be a game of some form. The maze explains why Liam needed the extra space in the warehouse. 

The voice over the loudspeaker continued, "Prizes will be awarded for the fastest times through each maze. However, you may only pass through each maze once. But be advised, this isn't just about speed. To claim your prize, you must answer a question about your maze – something you would only know if you kept your eyes open and observed carefully."

This announcement sparked a flurry of whispered strategies and speculations among the guests. The challenge now wasn't just about navigating the maze quickly, but also about being observant, about paying attention to the details within each labyrinth.

Ethan and I looked at each other, a sense of competition stirring within us. It was clear that this wasn't going to be a simple walk through a maze. It was a test of speed, memory, and attention to detail. The thought of winning added an extra layer of excitement to the challenge ahead. We knew we had to be swift, but also sharp and attentive. The night was shaping up to be an exhilarating mix of physical and mental adventure.

“Let's not forget a quintessential element of any Halloween celebration, the costume contest. Tonight, your judges are none other than your hosts, the seven Princes of Hell.” The seven princes stepped out of the maze entrances.

The seven princes stood together dressed in suits befitting their station as the princes of hell. But not the traditional kind. They had heavy Assassin’s Creed influences, ready for battle while maintaining a princely level of elegance. The horns on each were a masterful touch. No two were alike. 

“Your challenge is to identify which prince is which. But beware. They know you are out to find their identity. Around the venue, you will find seven kiosk stations, to log your votes. Good luck.”

The suits shared a base of dark, rich fabrics, but the colors and adornments varied subtly, hinting at the sins they represented. Gold accents, shimmering patterns of wealth, deep reds suggesting burning passions, hints of shifting green, and relaxed fits alluded to the different vices. The suits were tailored to perfection, each one a masterpiece of both combat readiness and princely stature.

I recognize Liam of course, TJ, Talon, and Noah too. Josh must be the one standing to Liam’s right, with TJ on his left. The two slightly older ones must be Blake and Chris. Alex said they would be with Liam. TJ’s outfit had obvious greens. Does that mean he is the prince of Envy? Doubtful, they would never make it that obvious. 

The announcement took an unexpected turn, adding another layer of excitement to the evening. "And finally, it wouldn’t be an uprising, a battle where you are forced to choose a side. You can side with the united Princes or those they wish to overthrow, the Gods."

A hush fell over the crowd as this new twist sank in. All eyes shifted to Alex, Calvin, Lance, and Kaitlyn. Now, their significance in the night's theme became apparent. And with my proximity to them, along with Ethan, we too found ourselves at the center of attention. Hell, us standing in a group like this makes it look like we have already thrown our lot in with the gods. 

The voice continued, "Each god and prince will choose a champion. Will tonight's uprising be successful, or will the gods banish the princes back to their levels? Loyalty is rewarded. the champions on the side with the largest army will also win a prize. Choose your allegiances wisely!”

This new information sent a ripple of strategy discussions throughout the room. Guests began to weigh their options, considering whether to align with the Princes of Hell or the Gods. The added incentive of a prize for being on the winning side sparked a playful yet competitive atmosphere.

Around me, people started forming groups, whispering about alliances and strategies. It was fascinating to see how the party had transformed into a lively battleground of mythical proportions. The idea that we could influence the outcome of this 'uprising' by choosing sides and gathering the largest army made the event not just interactive but also thrilling. 

I wondered if Liam would have the ability to track the progress. Normally I would say yes, but, Alex is on the other side. Would he allow it? Would he have the edge over Liam? Or would they both be able to see? 

Ethan and I exchanged glances, silently questioning which side to join. The room was alive with the energy of a friendly yet ambitious competition, each guest now a 'champion' in a grander narrative. The night, already filled with surprises and entertainment, had now become a game of wits and alliances, promising an unforgettable Halloween experience.

I reviewed the list of the seven princes in my head. Lucifer the Prince of Pride. Mammon the Prince of Greed. Asmodeus the Prince of Lust. Leviathan the Prince of Envy. Beelzebub the prince of Gluttony. Satan the prince of Wrath. And Belphegor the prince of Sloth.  

---

As I surveyed the room, taking in the spectacle of the seven Princes of Hell being meticulously inspected by guests, I made a mental note to revisit this puzzle later. Each Prince, intriguingly costumed and guarded by a 'dead soldier', seemed to invite a challenge, but my attention was drawn elsewhere.

Turning away from the princes, I focused on the mazes. Four doors, each a gateway to a different labyrinth. Each one promised its own set of trials and adventures. Above each door hung a TV, displaying a dashboard that seemed to pulse with the heartbeat of the competition. It showed a waiting list, the names of those currently inside the mazes, and the top times achieved so far.

I didn’t want to be the first one to go through each maze, I had no idea what to expect times-wise. 

“What are you thinking?” Ethan asked.

“Where to start?”

“Let’s get another drink and talk about it,” He said, motioning for me to lead the way. We got another round of drinks. 

“Sides. First.” I stated. “The gods or the princes? Same time.”

“Gods,” I answered at the same time Ethan said “Princes.” 

“Ok, what’s your reason?”

“It’s their party.” He replied, so matter of factly. 

“Yes, but. Let’s remember not to take anything at face value.” 

“Fair enough.”

“What do we know so far?” I asked. 

“The upstart princes want to overthrow the gods.” 

“They want to overthrow the Greek gods,” I replied. “The gods who never play fair. The gods overthrew their own parents to gain power. The gods who have no problem manipulating others to do their bidding.”

“Ok, you got me there,” Ethan replied. “But Lucas, who’s missing?” he asked. “Zeus. The gods don’t stand united. Zeus is the one who saved his brothers Hades and Poseidon. The one responsible for it all. So why is he missing?”

“Even if he were here, he would never side with the princes.” I countered. “Besides, are we sure he won’t show up? In the stories, Zeus has a way of doing things his own way, on his own timetable. No one tells him what to do.” 

“While he tells everyone what to do,” Ethan paused, “Hold that thought.”  He was looking around the room for something or someone. “Zeus is going to show up. Guaranteed.”

“What makes you so certain?” I asked. 

Ethan leaned in close and whispered in my ear, “Connor and Ryan aren’t here. YET.”

Okay, that’s an important piece of information. I had to admit. I knew Conor and Ryan were like Family to Liam, Alex, and Calvin. There is no way they would miss this event. 

“We choose the gods,” Ethan replied. “You’re right.” 

“As for the maze, I don’t want to do them just yet. I want to wait till later. Maybe people will start talking about what to expect inside, it might prepare us better.”

“Good idea. So that just leaves us with figuring out which prince is which. The only way to do that is to get a look a them.”

“There’s gonna be more to it than appearance alone. Maybe the things they say or do matter. How they behave. Hints they drop. Something.” 

“You’ve thought about this.” 

“Yeah, kinda,” I admitted. “Let’s go say hi at the very least.”

---

Ethan and I made our way towards the area where the Princes were gathered, the atmosphere thick with anticipation and the grandeur of the night's theme. Ethan, fully embracing the roleplaying aspect of the evening, approached Liam with a theatrical air.

He executed a slight bow, a gesture that combined respect with a touch of playfulness. Reaching out, he took Liam's hand and, with a flourish, kissed it, saying, "Greetings, my prince," in a tone that was both formal and slightly embellished.

His actions drew a smile from Liam and a few amused glances from others nearby. It was clear that Ethan was not only enjoying the spirit of the event but also adding to its theatricality. Standing beside him, I couldn't help but be drawn into the spirit of the occasion, the blend of roleplay and reality making the evening all the more immersive and enjoyable.

Following Ethan's theatrical approach, I decided to play along and add my twist. After Ethan's respectful bow and hand kiss, I stepped forward, echoing his bow but then gently kissing Liam's cheek instead, a gesture of familiarity and camaraderie. 

"Friends don't follow such formalities with each other," I said with a smile, slightly teasing yet sincere in my sentiment.

Liam chuckled at my gesture, the amusement clear in his eyes. He appreciated our involvement in the night's theatrics and the light-hearted banter added to the jovial atmosphere. This exchange, playful and spirited, was a testament to the friendship and comfort we shared with Liam, and it perfectly captured the essence of the evening, a blend of formal roleplay and genuine, friendly connections. His costume while predominantly black, had subtle accents of white throughout. 

Liam took a moment to inspect Ethan and me, his eyes sweeping over our costumes with an air of princely appraisal. "Vampire Ghost, I love it," he commented, his tone conveying both approval and amusement. "You will make a grand addition to my armies, leading the way to our victory."

I nodded my agreement, not wanting to reveal that Ethan and I had already decided to join the Gods in this battle. We continued to engage with each Prince in turn. First TJ, Talon, and Noah, as I had already met the three of them. 

Their costumes were immaculate. Each one adorns a different color theme. TJ’s for example had hits of green everywhere, which just screamed Envy. They each wore gold adornments that hinted at the various sins. He wore a Golden Lion pin on his chest, which hits at a Lion’s Pride and what looked to be gold bars as cufflinks. But Noah had gold bars too, only as a pendant on a necklace. His chest pin was that of a serpent. Talon was another combination. His outfit was laced with the color purple. I noticed serpent cufflinks and an Eye, similar to that of Ra around his neck. A lightning bolt pendant on his chest.

As Ethan and I approached Josh, I noticed the heavy blues in his outfit, which stood out against the darker tones typically associated with the Princes of Hell. Ethan, with his usual ease, made the introductions."Lucas, I'd like you to meet Josh," Josh extended his hand in greeting, his outfit catching the light as he moved. I decided to have some fun and mimic Ethan’s bow and hand kiss. “Greetings my Prince.”

Josh smiled. Ethan decided two could play at that game. And kissed Josh’s cheek as I had done with Liam, uttering my own words back. “Friends don’t rely on such formality.” Josh kissed him back. 

This time the lightning bolt was on the cufflinks. The pendant around the neck looked to be a bushel of grapes. This was not going to be easy. So far we had a necklace, a pendant of some form, cufflinks, and whatever else I was missing. 

After our introduction to Josh, Ethan and I moved on to meet Chris. As we approached, I immediately noticed the distinct style of his costume. While Josh's outfit had been dominated by deep blues, Chris's was dominated by reds. Calvin was dressed in red too. Was the color nothing more than a subtle nod to his partner? 

If that were the case, I would expect Blake to be wearing Poseidon Blue, but he wasn’t. He was in green. Their costumes both had the same mixed-up combination of adornments as well. I began to make mental notes of the adornments I had observed. Each seemed to be a symbolic representation of one of the seven deadly sins, but the way they were distributed among the guests added a layer of complexity to the night's puzzle.

The serpent was a prominent symbol, resonating with themes of temptation and seduction, clearly it represented lust. A clever nod to the serpent in the Garden of Eden. 

Then there were the gold bars, an unmistakable representation of Greed. Gold, universally recognized as a symbol of wealth and material desire, seemed an apt choice for this sin.

Grapes, symbolizing indulgence, wine, and pleasure, naturally pointed towards Gluttony. They evoked images of lavish feasts and overindulgence, a fitting representation of this particular vice.

A lion's head was also noticeable among the adornments, a classic symbol of Pride. It embodied the regality and confidence of a lion, the king of beasts, and the concept of a 'pride' of lions.

The Eye of Ra was an interesting choice. Often associated with protection and power, so that didn’t fit. RA was the sun god. So take RA out of the mix, and just look at the eye itself. You can look upon something with lust. But if that were the case, it means my interpretation of the serpent was wrong. And I didn’t think I was. Greed, in the sense of wanting to possess it. But the gold bars, there’s no mistaking that for something else. “The evil eye.” The look you give someone you don’t like. But, it’s also associated with the look of envy. That has to be it.  

The lightning bolt was another intriguing symbol. Often associated with Zeus, a god known for his wrath, it seemed to represent Wrath at the party. It symbolized power and the potential for destruction, a subtle yet effective representation.

Lastly, the hourglass, a symbol of the passing of time and often associated with laziness or procrastination, seemed to represent Sloth. It was a clever way to depict the slow, languid nature of this sin. But the puzzle wasn't straightforward. They all seemed to be wearing them in different ways and locations. I filled Ethan in on what I believed each symbol to mean. He agreed with my interpretation.