The Modern Queen

don't let go

Ava wasn't sure why she'd let her brother talk her into this. She had never been big into haunted houses. Never understood the appeal of specifically going somewhere to get scared. Her brother dragged her to one every year, though. Specifically to the one that Tali helped build.

This year, she'd worked on it with Alinora, which meant... well. Which meant it was going to be pretty damn scary. The two of them never should have been introduced.

Anyway.

Lyr had talked her--and Effie--into going to the haunted house together. It'll be a bonding experience, he said. Ava knew that he was hoping one of them would end up clinging to the other, so then they could have a sweet, romantic moment. Deny it as he might, her brother had a romantic streak. Just. One that translated to encouraging other people, instead of looking for it himself.

They were hand in hand as they walked inside. Ava handed their tickets over. Effie squeezed her hand tighter.

"Having second thoughts?" Ava asked quietly, as they passed through the door.

"No!" Effie said. "Are you?"

"Mhmmm," Ava hummed. "And third. Fourth. Fifth. I'm having all the thoughts, honestly."

Effie laughed a little. "I hate horror," she confided. "But your brother made it seem like such a good idea..."

"He's good at that," Ava said with a nod. "Him and his best friend both. They can make a terrible idea sound like the best one you've ever had... until it comes time to carry it out. Or until the consequences hit."

Effie laughed again. She squeezed Ava's hand. "Promise you won't let go? I do feel a little safer with you here."

"Only a little?" Ava teased, smiling a bit. She bumped shoulders with her. "I promise."

And even when a bucket full of red slime was dropped on them--complete with fake body parts--causing them to run like hell out of the house, Ava still didn't let go of Effie's hand.