Quickly, we check out the other themed rooms, which are all equally as tacky. The last one, the Crimson Carousel room, looks like it’s been inspired byMy Little Pony.The coffin bed is covered in red velvet and trimmed with white ruffles. Overhead is a chandelier made of dangling glow-in-the-dark plastic horses. There’s a plush purple chaise longue shaped like a rearing unicorn with a mane of cheap synthetic fur, which is shedding pink glitter all over the floor.
Butit’s the only one with an actual wardrobe. A narrow thing painted silver with a padded black velvet interior. Weirdly, there are a number of children’s party dresses hanging inside.
Floss, Elliott, Sadie, and I climb in. But when Damian tries to get in too, the door won’t close.
‘I guess I’m doing the honours with the stake,’ he says, not looking too keen.
‘It makes sense’, says Sadie, ‘since you’re holding it andyou’ve got some medical training. You’re more likely to stab his heart on the first go.’
Damian nods, and Floss gives him a kiss for luck. He stations himself behind the chaise longue near the door, and we shut the wardrobe.
‘These are giving me the creeps,’ says Elliott, pushing the party dresses away from him.
‘Some men like the baby doll look,’ Sadie tells him. She pouts and twirls her hair. ‘We can role-play it at home if you want.’
Elliott shudders.
‘I’ve got a bad feeling about this,’ Floss murmurs. ‘I should be out there with Damian.’
‘Shhh,’ hisses Sadie. ‘I can hear voices.’ She holds a finger to her lips, and we freeze.
The door swings open, and Alexander strides in, talking confidently over his shoulder. ‘Now I’m expecting this room to be one of our most popular. It’s what I like to call “luxury childhood nostalgia”—’
His voice cuts off; and there’s a scuffling noise, grunting, and gasping. Then a loud scraping noise, like a piece of furniture is being shoved across the room.
The wardrobe door flies open, and before we can do anything, we’re plucked from the interior and compelled to stand frozen in place. The bedroom door slams shutof its own accord.
The outcome of our ambush is painfully clear. The stake is lying uselessly on the ground, and Alexander has Damian in a headlock over by the cotton candy–pink curtains. Alexander is smirking. Damian looks terrified.
‘Well well well. Last-minute guests. How wonderful!’ Alexander says smarmily. ‘I can tick one thing off my to-do list now.’
He tightens his arm around Damian’s neck, and his eyes bug out.
‘No, please!’Floss screams.
Alexander looks at her and loosens his hold slightly. ‘Your loyalty is very touching, my beauty. I wonder ... Will you swap places with him?’
Floss nods.
Oh shit. It’s her that Alexander really wants.
He shoves Damian to the floor, and he shuffles over to us on his knees with a hand clutching his throat.
Alexander tilts his head at Floss.
‘Come then, we have a date with destiny. The rest of you can go. Even your boyfriend since I’m feeling generous tonight. I just have a bone to pick with you.’
He reaches out his hand to her, and Sadie cries, ‘Don’t do it, Floss!’
Floss looks at her steadily. ‘I have no choice.’
She gazes down at Damian and chokes, ‘I love you so much.’
‘Floss, no! I can’t exist without you,’ Damian pleads.
‘You’ll be OK, babe. Try to be happy when I’m gone. I’m sorry I got you into this mess.’
She smiles sadly at Elliott. ‘Look after him for me, El.’
