#adamsapple harvest | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

rainforestakiie · 2 months ago

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AdamsApple Month Harvest!

Breeding~

ahhhhhh!

i had so many different ideas for this! i couldn't not pick what i wanted to do! in the end i fell on this idea! it's creepy and i really liked how it came out! please let me know if you like it!

@adamsappleweek

Adam was late. The kind of late that tasted like dread in the back of his throat, the kind that twisted his stomach into knots. He glanced at his watch, and his heart stuttered as he realized that the last train home was slipping away. His footsteps echoed through the quiet, deserted corridors of the office building as he ran, each step ringing like a countdown. Adam’s coworker's warning played in his mind, a whispered caution, “Last train leaves at 11:30 sharp. If you miss it, there’s no other way out of the city." But he’d brushed it off, and now that warning seemed to curl into a cruel smirk at his expense.

Frustrated, Adam cursed his horrible time management. It was as if minutes had slipped through his fingers, stolen by some unseen hand. Twenty minutes ago, it had only been 10:30—or so he thought. He stumbled down the stairs, nearly losing his balance as he hit the last step, his worn-out sneakers slapping against the marble floor. He barely waved to the security guard, who barely glanced back at him. With a sharp intake of breath, Adam launched himself out of the doors into the biting cold.

Winter had hit the city with brutal force, leaving the ground slick with a thin layer of ice, glistening under the flickering streetlights. As Adam skidded around the corner, the frigid air seared his lungs. He knew it was dangerous to run on the ice, but he was desperate. The stakes were rising with each step he took. Just as he reached the train platform, his heart sank—the station was empty, the track silent, the last train nothing but a fading memory in the darkness.

He groaned, raking his hands through his hair, fingers catching in the tangled mess as he paced in growing panic. What was he supposed to do now? He was dead broke, barely surviving on his entry-level salary, clinging to the hope that his first pay check might just cover next month’s rent. Spending a night in a hotel wasn’t an option. The thought of begging the security guard to let him crash at his desk crossed his mind, but even that seemed bleak.

The wind howled around him, and he inhaled deeply, the icy air cutting into his throat, making him cough. The city stretched around him in shadowed silence, a mass of looming, pitch-black buildings that looked like watchful sentries in the gloom. He rubbed his arms against the cold, his skin prickling as he caught sight of his own reflection in the glass, pale and strained, his lips starting to turn blue. With no other options, he turned back toward the office, dragging his feet along the frost-slick pavement.

His sneakers slipped, skidding over the ice, and he flailed, his arms flying out to catch his balance. His hand hit the cold, rough edge of a nearby building, but not before his cheek grazed painfully against the brick. He sucked in a sharp breath, his face stinging, and gingerly pressed his fingers to the scrape.

Maybe he should’ve watched his step more carefully. But then, just as he regained his footing, it happened.

The ground... vanished. One second, there was the familiar cold pavement beneath him, and in the next, he felt a sensation like sinking, like a bottomless darkness swallowing him whole. His vision blurred, a sickening spin that pulled him backward. It was as if the ground itself had split open, sucking him down like a trapdoor opening beneath his feet.

Adam fell, his scream snatched away by the void as he plunged into the darkness.

Adam’s head throbbed as he drifted back into consciousness, each heartbeat a dull, aching drum against his skull. A deep, unsettling fog seemed to settle over his thoughts as he tried to piece together where he was. His fingers brushed over the side of his face, feeling the tender, swollen skin where he must have hit it on his way down.

As his vision sharpened, he was struck by an overwhelming, suffocating sense of color—a relentless, nauseating yellow. Mustard yellow, all around him, pressing in from every side. He blinked, eyes stinging, adjusting to the oppressive brightness. Staring at the walls, he took in the faded, floral pattern etched into the wallpaper, an ugly, dated design that seemed to pulse in the eerie yellow light. The carpet beneath him was wet, squelching under his hand as he shifted, its dampness adding to the discomfort that clawed its way into his skin.

Slowly, he pushed himself to his feet, every muscle aching as he steadied himself in this bizarre, empty room. One of the walls was missing, exposing him to what looked like an endless maze of more rooms just like the one he was in. Each one was a grotesque variation on the same theme: more floral wallpaper, more damp mustard-coloured carpet, more yellow ceiling panels lined with dangling, flickering light bulbs. They hung erratically from above, some buzzing, some eerily silent, casting a pale, sickly glow across the space that seemed to make the shadows tremble.

Adam’s eyes darted to the ceiling, hoping for some hint of the way he’d come, maybe a hole he’d fallen through, anything—but there was nothing. Just an unbroken expanse of yellow, no hint of the world above or any path back. Panic bubbled in his chest as he tried to swallow the dread curling inside him.

“Hello?” His voice cracked, trembling as he called out. “Is...is anyone there?”

The words seemed to fall flat, as if the very air swallowed them up, leaving no echo, no reverberation, nothing but a dead silence pressing against his ears. The stillness was so thick he could almost feel it clinging to him, suffocating him.

Heart pounding, Adam took a few hesitant steps forward, crossing from one yellow-stained room into another. The transition was seamless, only the strange, floral patterns on the walls shifting slightly, like variations on a dream he couldn’t quite wake up from. There were no doors, no windows—just the never-ending labyrinth of oddly shaped rooms with their damp floors and relentless yellow hue.

As he walked, the dampness of the carpet seeped through his shoes, cold and unpleasant. The stale, humid air clung to his skin, making it feel like the walls were breathing with him, the moisture seeping into his bones. His green eyes darted left and right, taking in the unnatural sterility of the space, the endless stretch of faded, dreary yellow that seemed to go on forever. With each step, the lights above him buzzed in a slow, menacing hum, casting his shadow in distorted shapes on the walls.

“Hello?” he tried again, his voice barely more than a whisper now.

The silence responded in kind—nothing. Not a single sound, not even the faintest creak or echo. It was as if he’d been dropped into a place where sound didn’t exist, where he could scream and scream, and still, no one would hear him.

Adam moved through the rooms, his mind a spinning reel of questions and terror as the bizarre maze unfolded around him. Each turn he took led him to more empty spaces, more cold, damp carpet beneath his feet, more walls without any sign of a way out. The rooms seemed to twist and connect at random angles, creating narrow hallways that funnelled him deeper and deeper into this strange mustard-yellow void.

Every fibre of his being screamed to turn back, to find an exit, but each direction was just more of the same—the dizzying, endless monotony of yellow walls and silent lights, draining him of hope with every step.

Adam muttered to himself, his voice barely a whisper against the incessant buzzing hum overhead.

“Feels like the back of a retail outlet... like I’m about to walk into storage and see endless racks of unsorted stock.” The flickering lights above seemed to mock him, casting erratic shadows that made the rooms feel like they were shifting, breathing.

The buzzing was louder than any normal fluorescent hum he’d ever heard, an unyielding drone that drilled into his thoughts. Each bulb sputtered at irregular intervals, casting faint pulses of sickly yellow light across the faded walls. The wet carpet beneath his feet squished unpleasantly as he moved, the smell of mildew thickening in the air with each step. He instinctively avoided touching the strange dampness—it didn’t feel or smell like water, and something about it sent a quiet warning up his spine.

Yet as he continued deeper, oddly, he felt his initial panic start to wane. The quiet emptiness around him held an unexpected calm; it was eerie, yes, but also strangely still, like the endless maze posed no direct threat. A dark realization settled over him: there might be no immediate danger here, no lurking menace—only the creeping terror of isolation. He could survive here for a while, but the silence, the hunger, the solitude—that would be his downfall.

Then he noticed it. In the corner of an otherwise empty room sat a silver suitcase, its metallic sheen a stark contrast to the yellowed walls. Adam’s stomach twisted as he approached, his steps slower, warier. He crouched down, fingers grazing the cold metal as he peered inside.

A single file lay within, aged and smelling faintly of must, as if it had been sitting there, undisturbed, for years. Glancing around once more, he saw no one. He picked up the file, its weight oddly reassuring in his hands, and unclipped the two greyish sheets inside. They appeared official, the type of documents you’d expect from a government office. He squinted at the title at the top: “Level Zero.”

The first page detailed the level, confirming what he’d already felt—a place resembling the back rooms of a retail outlet. He read with increasing unease:

Class One. Safe. Secure. Minimal Entity Count. Level 0 is a non-linear space, resembling the back rooms of a retail outlet. All rooms appear uniform, yet no two are identical. The walls are decorated with yellowish floral wallpaper, the carpet damp, and the flickering lights buzz at a constant frequency. The substance saturating the carpet remains unidentified and is unsafe for consumption.

Adam swallowed, his heart sinking as he absorbed the words. The page explained how this place defied navigation; walking in a straight line could lead you right back to where you started, only with different rooms. Every corner held the potential to deceive him, to disorient him even further. He flipped to the second page, the edges brittle under his fingers.

Hallucinations are common in Level 0:

The hum from the lighting may amplify to deafening levels, only to cease abruptly.

Doors or stairs may appear but will vanish when approached.

A sense of déjà vu, movement in peripheral vision resembling insects crawling under wallpaper, and chittering sounds have all been reported.

A rise in CO₂ levels is noted, though its cause and effect are unknown.

Entities: None are known to exist within Level 0. If you see another person, it is not human.

Adam’s throat went dry. No other people, yet others had been here, too, trapped in this unending maze, all alone. And some had never found a way out. His eyes skimmed to the section marked Entrances and Exits.

Exits Exiting Level 0 is only possible by “noclipping,” which will lead to Level 1. Those unfamiliar with the Backrooms must adapt quickly to the environment to escape. Entrance to the Manila Room is rare but achievable by traveling a significant distance in any direction. Here, wanderers may meet freely; however, the room serves only as a temporary refuge.

Adam’s mind reeled. Noclipping? The Manila Room? The concepts felt surreal, detached from reality, yet here he was, standing in the evidence of their truth. He wasn’t just lost in some abandoned building. He was somewhere else entirely, and the rules he knew were meaningless here.

He set the file back in the suitcase, his gaze lingering on the room around him. The silence now felt heavier, weighted with the knowledge of what lay in wait—only the droning hum and the distorted, flickering lights as his companions. The buzzing had grown louder, pressing into his ears like a warning, almost as if mocking his hope of escape.

Taking a shaky breath, Adam steeled himself and started walking again, the damp carpet squelching beneath his feet. And as he ventured deeper into the endless maze, one thought pulsed in his mind: he had to keep his bearings.

Adam leaned against one of the yellow wallpapered walls, the stale scent of mildew lingering in the thick, stagnant air. His head bumped softly against the wall, the dull thud breaking the silence. He squinted down the corridor, his fingers tapping an uncertain rhythm on the wall beside him. Had he been here before? It felt the same—the same smell, the same dull yellow light, the same suffocating silence. That file he'd read—how long ago? Days? Hours? He had no sense of time here. But it said that Level Zero was alive, aware, watching him.

He exhaled slowly, his breath barely audible in the stale air. Maybe... maybe it was listening too.

"Hi?" His voice felt strange, out of place. There was no echo, no answer, only the hum of the lights overhead. Adam shifted, clearing his throat. "My name is Adam. I guess you could say I'm... a wanderer. Or maybe a prisoner. I don't really like either of those labels, honestly."

Silence. A quiet that swallowed every word he uttered, sinking them into some void. He half-laughed, half-sighed and leaned harder into the wall, the yellow paper crinkling beneath his shoulder.

"Well, I suppose you're not much of a talker." He rubbed the back of his neck and continued, his voice growing more conversational, as if speaking to an old friend. "So, here’s the deal. I'm Adam. Twenty-six. Bit of a nerd, yeah. Still single, if you can believe it. No luck with girls—or guys, for that matter."

He chuckled softly. "I’m into Star Wars and all that, you know? I like to grow things. Flowers mostly—camellias, carnations, roses... it's peaceful. You’d be surprised how soothing it is. It’s kind of like meditation."

He tapped his fingers against the wall, feeling an odd, half-felt connection in the silence. "I cried like a baby during Titanic, if you’re curious about my softer side—"

Suddenly, the wall behind him vanished, and Adam stumbled back, gasping as he tumbled onto his back, blinking wildly. The yellow wallpapered corridor was gone. Instead, he was in a square room, the faint hum still vibrating in the air. But here, four walls and a wooden door greeted him, the first door he’d seen in this endless maze. The wall he’d fallen through now seemed solid again, as if it had never disappeared.

Shakily, Adam pushed himself to his feet, his eyes scanning the room. A wooden table stood in the centre, flanked by two simple chairs. His gaze fell on the table, where a beige folder lay waiting for him, stamped with a message: "Congratulations. Level Zero has allowed you to enter the Manila Room. You will always be able to find this room now."

"So... talking to you worked?" he whispered, his heart racing. Curiosity sparked in his eyes as he pulled the folder closer and opened it. Inside, he found three faded pages.

The first page held a brief description:

The Manila Room is a small, isolated room within Level zero, often seen as a safe point. Its thick, beige walls enclose wanderers in its protective silence, a rare sanctuary from the shifting nature of Level zero. Though minimal, the furnishings here vary, sometimes consisting only of a table and chair. Despite the isolation, wanderers may find solace in knowing they are not alone—others have left traces, faded memories marked on the worn surface of the table.

Adam glanced around, a small shiver running down his spine as he wondered how many others had sat here, reading these same pages, caught in the same strange in-between. He turned to the second page, marked simply as "Anomalies."

While Level zero exudes a hum that burrows into your senses, the Manila Room is no different. Here, the lighting mirrors that of Level zero, a faint, grating hum that fluctuates, leaving the room in total darkness at times. Knocking and banging sounds from the walls—though the source is unknown—are heard in these dark periods, as if something is just beyond, reaching, waiting.

The words seemed to pulse, drawing his mind to every creak and crack in the walls around him. He could almost feel something watching, something that just... hid. He flipped to the final page, detailing levels beyond this one, their descriptions cold and impersonal.

Level 1 – A sprawling, endless warehouse, safe and stocked with essentials. Next stop, wanderer.

Level 2 – Dark and cramped, a series of maintenance tunnels where heat and danger lurk in the shadows.

Level 3 – The gauntlet, a perilous level of electrical stations and barred hallways where survival is not guaranteed.

Level 4 – Safety and solace. A quiet office realm with supplies and rest for weary travellers.

Level Fun – A trap as deceptive as its name. Party decorations and fatal tricks await in every room. Beware the welcoming arms of the Partygoers.

The End – An endless library, promising exit but delivering a deeper trap. The path is layered with illusions, designed to lure and hold.

Adam exhaled, closing the file, his pulse quickening as he placed it back on the table. A chill ran through him as he sat back in the chair, the eerie quiet pressing in from every corner.

"So..." he murmured, his voice barely a whisper, "Where do we go from here?"

Adam blinked at the document, the sterile, clinical language doing little to reassure him. "Level Fun" was not somewhere he wanted to find himself, despite the deceivingly friendly name, and the notion of "The End" seemed like a final, malicious joke—a labyrinth made to trap him forever. He shuddered at the descriptions of twisting maintenance tunnels, ominous party rooms, and endless electrical stations swarming with entities, all waiting somewhere beyond this strange, quiet sanctuary.

Setting the file down, he looked around at the dim, beige walls of the Manila Room. For the first time since he’d arrived, he was in a room with a door—solid, heavy-looking wood, contrasting sharply with the unnerving yellow surroundings outside. It stood defiantly closed, as if daring him to open it. Every detail, from the humming light to the odd silence broken only by occasional faint, muffled bangs within the walls, kept him on edge. He glanced back at the file, feeling the weight of his situation settle deeper.

“Congratulated for entering a safe room…” he murmured. “Right, well, thanks. Guess I'm really supposed to be grateful for beige walls and a couple of chairs.”

Despite his sarcasm, a flicker of hope had rooted itself in his chest. Somehow, the Manila Room felt like a lifeline—a place where he could catch his breath, even if just for a moment.

A loud, echoing bang sounded from somewhere inside the walls, followed by an eerie silence. He froze, his eyes widening. For a room designated "safe," it didn't exactly make him feel secure. Even the comforting stability of the Manila Room felt oddly vulnerable, like a momentary illusion.

After a long, shallow breath, Adam focused on his choices. Okay, so the file says the door leads out… or to more danger, he thought, biting his lip. He could stay, cocooned here, waiting for something to happen, but a part of him knew that was pointless. Nothing would change, and eventually, he’d just have to leave, searching for Level 1 or any safe exit from this bizarre prison. The instructions had even warned him: adapt quickly.

Summoning his courage, he stood, resting a hand on the cold doorknob. "

If anyone’s listening… here’s hoping Level 1 is better than Level Zero," he whispered to no one in particular, just the invisible walls and the unblinking light above.

Turning the knob slowly, he pushed the door open. The stale air from the Manila Room mingled with a faint, distant scent—one he couldn’t place—seeping in from the other side. The hallway beyond was dimly lit, the yellowish glow of the backrooms casting sinister shadows across the threshold. He took a step, each movement echoing like a footstep into an empty, cavernous world.

Adam gripped the doorknob, fingers twitching with the weight of his own hesitation. He didn’t know where the door would lead—he didn’t know where any door would lead, if he were honest—but still, he felt a pull, like this was the only way forward. With a slow inhale, he took a step, ready to let the room swallow him again.

But then, a voice, smooth as silk and warm as candlelight, drifted from behind him.

"I wouldn’t go out that door."

Adam froze, his breath caught in his throat as he turned, finding himself face to face with a man seated at the table he’d just left. It was impossible—he had been alone. His eyes settled on the stranger’s face: a strikingly handsome man, his blonde hair framing a face as sharp as it was beautiful. Cherry-red lips curled into a broad smile, and his intense blue eyes flickered with a strange light as he leaned back in his chair.

“Uh… did… did you just… say something?” Adam stammered, unable to peel his gaze away from the man's unearthly face.

The man’s smile widened, and he inclined his head. “I said, I wouldn’t go out that door. I would go out that one instead.”

He pointed to a wall across from Adam, where another door had appeared—one that hadn’t been there before.

Adam blinked, glancing back and forth between the doors, uncertainty seizing him. “That… wasn’t there before.”

The man chuckled, leaning forward and resting his chin on his hand, his gaze unbroken. "I know. Even in the safety of the Manila Room, the Backrooms like to play their tricks. They are alive, after all."

Swallowing, Adam let go of the doorknob and stepped back into the room, closing the door with a soft click.

“The… Backrooms?” he echoed, trying to process the stranger's words. He was aware of the pulse in his chest, of the steady beat that grew louder the longer he held the man’s gaze.

The man gestured to the chair. "Why don’t you sit back down and talk with me?"

His smile was still gentle, but there was something almost teasing in his tone. "Trust me, you’re going to want to sit down for this."

With nothing else to do, Adam nodded, nerves fluttering in his chest as he returned to his chair. He settled in slowly, his eyes meeting the stranger’s, held by the man’s piercing blue gaze. They shimmered, almost crystalline, reflecting the dull light of the room in strange, glimmering patterns, as though holding secrets of their own. Adam’s heart thrummed faster under the stranger’s unrelenting stare, every beat drawing him deeper into those dark, glassy depths.

“So…” the man began, his voice low, soft, and oddly comforting, “You’re Adam. You just fell in here, didn’t you?”

Adam’s mouth went dry. “Uh, yeah… I think I… noclipped, or whatever the term is?”

The man tilted his head, his smile never wavering. “Yes, that’s the term. You’re a newcomer, still figuring out which way is up.”

He chuckled. “And already talking to the Backrooms themselves. Bold move.”

Adam flushed. “I didn’t think it would actually… I mean, I didn’t expect you to show up.”

The man’s laughter was soft, filling the air like a soothing hum.

“Oh, I’m not the Backrooms,” he said, a hint of mischief sparking in his eyes. “Just someone who’s been here a long time. And I know the tricks it likes to play. If you’re not careful, it’ll twist you in knots you can’t untangle.”

Adam shifted in his seat, feeling both unnerved and inexplicably drawn to the man. “And you… live here? Or… are you, like, stuck too?”

The man smiled, a slight, wistful look crossing his face. “Stuck. Or maybe… chosen. It’s all perspective, don’t you think?”

He leaned in closer, his blue eyes gleaming with a strange, magnetic intensity. "Sometimes it’s easier to stop fighting the walls and to let them guide you. They have a way of giving you what you need if you know how to listen.”

Adam’s gaze darted toward the wall where the new door had appeared. "So… you think I should go through that door, instead of the other one?"

“Precisely.” The man folded his hands, his stare unbroken. “The Manila Room wants you to go through that door. The other will just bring you back here, over and over again until you stop resisting.”

Adam cleared his throat, glancing from the man’s bright blue eyes to the table between them. “Uh… I’m Adam,” he introduced himself, unsure if it even mattered in this strange, surreal place.

The man’s smile widened slightly, his eyes shimmering with a knowing gleam.

“I know. But it’s nice to meet you officially, Adam,” he said, folding his hands on the table. “You can call me… Lucifer.”

Adam blinked, taking in the name. Somehow it fit, and yet Lucifer looked nothing like the fiery, ominous figure he might have imagined. He looked like any regular guy: white hoodie, simple blue jeans, a t-shirt. It was all so casual. But as Adam’s gaze lingered, he realized there was something subtle, something almost magnetic, that set him apart. Maybe it was his eyes—bright blue but so strange, so alive in contrast to the dull, humming lights of the room.

Lucifer leaned forward, breaking the silence with a gentle, almost pitying look. “So, Adam, let’s cover the basics. This place you’ve found yourself in—the Backrooms? It’s vast. It has thousands of levels, some worse than others, but nearly all of them come with dangerous entities. Many will try to kill you. Some for food, others… just for fun.”

Adam gulped, his grip on the chair tightening. “Th-That’s… that’s awful. Are they all dangerous?”

Lucifer shook his head, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “No, not all. Some are harmless, maybe even friendly. Some are lonely, others want nothing more than to be left alone. But if you keep moving through the Backrooms, from one level to another, you’ll meet all kinds. And some encounters, you’ll wish you could forget.”

Adam’s mouth went dry, his thoughts racing with questions he didn’t know how to ask. Finally, he mustered a whisper, “How… how do I get out?”

Lucifer’s gaze darkened, and a small, humourless laugh slipped from his lips. “Get out? The easiest thing to do is to forget about that. The Backrooms don’t like to let anyone go. Any human who enters… well, they’re fair game. For the entities, for the levels themselves. Surviving here takes luck and… a bit of creativity.”

He leaned back, his eyes softening. “The only way out is by sheer accident. Very few actually find an exit.”

Adam’s shoulders slumped, the weight of the reality sinking in. “So… I’m trapped here? Forever?”

Lucifer shrugged; his expression unreadable. “That’s how it works here. This place doesn’t play fair, and it doesn’t have mercy.”

Adam’s eyes grew misty, and he had to bite back the surge of panic building in his chest. Forcing himself to look Lucifer in the eye again, he managed, “How… how many levels are there?”

Lucifer’s face went distant, his gaze drifting upward as though recalling some buried memory. He tapped his chin thoughtfully. “Nine hundred ninety-nine. Give or take.”

Adam’s jaw dropped, his mind stumbling over the number. “Nine hundred and… ninety-nine?”

Lucifer laughed, the sound strangely comforting in the oppressive silence. “Yes. Quite a lot, isn’t it?”

Adam gawked. “You don’t think that’s… overwhelming?”

A smirk crept across Lucifer’s face. “I’ve been here a long time. After a while, even this place gets boring.”

Adam didn’t know how to respond to that, so instead, he blurted, “So what am I supposed to do? Just… survive?”

Lucifer’s amusement deepened, a glimmer of something dark dancing in his eyes. “The best thing you can do is join a group. Find others who fell in like you. It’s easier with allies… even if trust can be scarce.”

Adam tilted his head. “A… group?”

“Groups,” Lucifer explained smoothly, “Are made up of wanderers who’ve fallen in and, somehow, survived. There’s The M.E.G., The Black Knights, The B.N.T.G., The Eternal Repository… the list goes on. Each one claims to have a grand purpose, but to me, they all seem quite the same.”

Adam hummed thoughtfully. “How do I… join one?”

Lucifer chuckled, and he gestured to the door beside him. “By going through that door. It’ll take you to a canon, a sort of liminal space between levels. If you’re lucky, someone else might already be there. If not, you’ll have to wait for another wanderer to show up.”

Adam frowned, the dread returning. “Sort of safe?”

Lucifer’s laugh was quiet, tinged with that same dark humour. “Don’t worry too much. You’ll be fine. Just keep your wits about you.”

Adam took a steadying breath, his fingers hovering over the door handle. But before he could turn it, he glanced back at Lucifer. “Will I… see you again?”

Lucifer’s gaze softened, a flicker of something almost sympathetic flashing in his eyes.

“Maybe,” he replied, his voice dropping to a low, resonant whisper. “Or maybe I’ll just be another ghost in the shadows.”

He leaned back, watching Adam with an enigmatic smile. “Good luck, Adam. You’ll need it.”

With a final glance, Adam turned the knob and stepped through the door, the echo of Lucifer’s words lingering in his mind as the room faded into the endless unknown beyond.

Adam stepped carefully into the canyon between the two levels. It was disorienting, as though he stood on the lip of a metal chasm, darkness yawning beneath him, darkness pressing above. He was utterly alone, and Lucifer’s words taunted him in his head: If no one was here, you’d have to wait for someone to enter.

With a resigned sigh, Adam sat down, curling his knees to his chest and resting his head on them. He could almost laugh—just hours ago, he’d been hunched over his desk at the company, working into the dead of night for barely enough to scrape by. And now, here he was, trapped in some bizarre yellow maze, somewhere beyond his understanding. His eyes stung, his throat tightened. It felt like the cruellest of nightmares.

Exhaustion weighed on him, and his eyes began to drift shut. But just as the shadows started to claim him, he felt it—a faint tremor beneath him, the vibration of footsteps on the metal ring. His head jerked up, heart pounding. Standing within the canyon, eyes on him, was a stranger—a woman with short, snow-white hair, her gaze sharp and unreadable.

Adam’s breath caught, his green eyes widening as he met her stare.

Adam’s heart was still pounding as he scrambled to his feet, half from excitement, half from sheer exhaustion. He hadn’t thought anyone would actually show up—he’d half-believed he’d sit there until the dark around him swallowed him whole.

“Oh, thank God,” he breathed, his voice shaky as he took in the woman before him. “You’re… you’re really human?”

He searched her face for any hint of familiarity, comfort, something solid to hold onto. “I’m Adam, and I—I want to join your group. I’ll work hard, I swear! I’m… I’m good at… well, I mean, I’m good at, uh, following directions, and I won’t weigh anyone down.”

The woman, with her short, stark white hair and piercing gaze, stared at him in silence, her expression unreadable. Adam felt his confidence falter but forced himself to continue, words tumbling out in a rush.

“I, um… I don’t really know how long I’ve been here. Time, uh, kind of just… blends together.” He bit his lip, searching for the right words, but all he could think about was how he’d been ripped away from his regular, mundane life.

“I was just working late, trying to make ends meet, and then… and now I’m here, and it’s…” He trailed off, his voice catching.

The woman’s eyes narrowed, and she interrupted him, her voice cutting through his ramble like a knife.

“My name is Lute,” she said, her tone flat, “And I’m part of the Exorcist group.”

“Exorcist?” Adam echoed, the word strange but somehow hopeful. “Can I… join you?”

Lute frowned, clearly weighing her response carefully. “The Exorcist is… primarily a female-only group.”

Adam’s face flushed, and he shrank back a little, mumbling, “Oh, sorry… I didn’t know. I, uh—”

Lute’s expression softened slightly, though her gaze remained sharp. She let out a small snort, almost amused.

“Of course, you wouldn’t know. You’re new here, and you’re obviously…” she hesitated, her eyes flicking over him with an unreadable expression, “Not exactly cut out for this place.”

Her voice was blunt, but her stare lingered as if she saw something in him she hadn’t expected.

Adam’s heart sank, but before he could process her words, she sighed, shaking her head. “Look, I don’t know what it is, but something tells me not to leave you here like this. You look pathetic, honestly.”

His eyes widened, and he felt a surge of gratitude rush over him.

“Thank you,” he blurted, nodding rapidly as he moved to follow her. “Thank you, really—”

“Don’t thank me yet,” Lute interrupted, already turning toward the other side of the canon, her footsteps confident and precise. “I’m not making any promises, and I can’t guarantee they’ll welcome you in. I’m just… letting you tag along for now.”

Adam practically stumbled after her, words of thanks tumbling from his mouth anyway as he hurried to match her stride. Lute moved quickly and purposefully, her steps echoing around them as they crossed the canon. She didn’t look back, and Adam tried to steady himself, pulling himself together as best he could. He knew he’d have to prove himself if he had any hope of joining her group—and more importantly, of surviving.

“Just keep quiet and follow my lead,” Lute added, her tone dropping to a low murmur. “You’ll need to learn fast if you want to survive here. The Exorcist group doesn’t have much room for dead weight.”

Adam nodded, swallowing his nervousness. “Got it. I’ll do my best.”

Lute cast him one last, assessing glance before facing forward again. They moved in silence, the oppressive dark around them seeming to press in closer with each step. But with Lute’s steady form in front of him, Adam felt, for the first time since he’d stumbled into this nightmare, a glimmer of hope.

Adam’s heart pounded as he stepped into the cavernous room where the Exorcist group had gathered. True to Lute’s word, every pair of eyes on him belonged to a woman. They moved with a cautious efficiency that made him feel, for all his promises, painfully out of place. He forced a nervous smile, his hands fidgeting at his sides, and cleared his throat, trying to seem more confident than he felt.

“Uh, hi. I’m Adam,” he started, shifting from foot to foot as their gazes drilled into him. “I… I just wanted to say, I’ll pull my weight. I’m here to help, and, um, I know I’m new, but I’m a fast learner, I promise.”

He forced a chuckle, hoping it would lighten the mood, but it fell flat against the silence.

The women glanced at each other, their expressions impassive, communicating silently with one another in a way that made Adam even more uneasy. He felt like an intruder, desperately trying to find his footing. The silence grew thicker until one of them finally spoke, her voice dripping with scepticism.

“Lute,” she said, not looking at Adam, “mind telling us what’s going on here?”

Lute rolled her eyes but gestured toward him with a tilt of her head.

“Look at him. He’s like a damn lost puppy,” she said bluntly, a trace of annoyance in her voice. “If I’d left him out there, he’d have been toast in a day. Maybe less.”

She shrugged, giving him a sidelong glance. “Figured I’d give him a shot.”

Another woman, tall and broad-shouldered, folded her arms and raised an eyebrow.

“You know we’re not exactly… open enrolment.” Her tone held a trace of something soft, but her gaze remained wary.

Adam swallowed, trying not to shrink under her stare.

“I know I don’t really… fit the criteria,” he stammered, “But I’ll work hard. I’m not just here to slow you down.”

One of the younger women leaned over and muttered to another, “He does look kind of pathetic.”

Lute snorted, crossing her arms and tilting her head back as if sizing him up. “Yeah, well, he won’t stay that way for long if he’s with us. Look, he’s here now. Either we kick him out or we train him up. Your call.”

A tense silence lingered as the women exchanged glances, debating among themselves. Finally, the broad-shouldered woman let out a sigh and stepped forward, extending a hand.

“I’m Rhys. You can tag along, but this isn’t a free ride, got it?”

Adam nodded quickly, relief washing over him as he took her hand. “Thank you, really. I won’t let you down.”

Another woman with close-cropped dark hair crossed her arms and gave him a wry smile. “Welcome to Exorcist, Adam. But don’t get too comfortable. We’re not the hand-holding type.”

Adam managed a weak grin, nodding again, but the gravity of her words sank deep. He had so much to learn and knew he was still at the mercy of this strange, labyrinthine place. For now, though, he had allies—and that alone was enough to keep him going.

Rhys leaned back, looking him over once more. “You’ll start by carrying supplies. Let’s see if you can at least handle that without getting lost.”

As the group turned to go, Adam fell into step, glancing at Lute with a small, grateful smile. She didn’t return it, but there was a glint of something in her eyes—something almost like approval.

Weeks passed, and the tense, silent looks from the Exorcist group gradually gave way to something warmer, though it was subtle, unspoken. Adam noticed it in the way they would share rations with him or smirk at his half-nervous, half-genuine jokes. Lute, in particular, became his closest friend. The two shared a bond forged through trial and—on more than one occasion—outrunning danger together.

"Come on, rookie," she’d say, a mischievous glint in her eye, "Think you can keep up this time?"

It was a line he’d heard often and one that always made him laugh.

They were both runners, the fastest in Exorcist, and that edge had saved them and their team more times than Adam could count. There had been one close call on Level 38—a narrow corridor riddled with pulsing lights that disoriented even the steadiest runners. They’d gone in for supplies, but something had gone wrong, the walls started to shift and twist, trapping half the group.

Lute had grabbed his arm, pulling him forward, her voice sharp in his ear, "Run now. Don’t look back."

Adam had pushed forward, adrenaline drowning his fear, and managed to make it out just in time to loop around and pry open an exit from the other side, allowing the others to escape.

The relief on their faces as they emerged said it all. After that, the women began treating him less like an outsider and more like one of their own. A few even clapped him on the back or tossed him the odd compliment. His quick feet had made a difference, and now he knew they trusted him.

One evening, back in the Manila Room, Adam slumped against the wall, catching his breath after a long supply run. Lute dropped down next to him, throwing a smirk his way.

"Not bad for a newbie," she teased, elbowing him. "I thought I’d finally worn you out this time.”

Adam chuckled, leaning his head back and closing his eyes. “You’ll have to try harder than that.”

She snorted. "Keep it up, and maybe one day you'll actually pass me."

She looked at him, eyes softening just a little. "Not that I’m complaining, though. You’re useful to have around, Adam."

"Hey, coming from you, that almost sounds like a compliment," he grinned.

"Don’t let it get to your head," she shot back, but the faint smile tugging at her lips said otherwise.

Their camaraderie didn't go unnoticed. Rhys, ever the cautious leader, would often assign the two of them to scout new levels together, trusting their combined speed and Lute’s sharp instincts. Adam felt a surge of pride each time they were called forward—like he was finally part of something, like he was building something in this strange, surreal world he now called home.

It was on one such scouting mission, as they crossed into a newly discovered level, that Adam felt a shift in the air—a subtle dread. He and Lute exchanged a glance, their playful banter falling silent as they surveyed the strange terrain ahead. The walls were slate grey, punctuated by slits that cast narrow beams of dim light, and the floor was a checkerboard of glossy and matte tiles, each producing a different echo with every step.

“What do you think?” he whispered.

Lute scanned the shadows, her eyes narrowed. “This place feels… wrong. But we’re here now.”

She looked back at him, something serious in her gaze. “Stay close. I’d rather not have to rescue you if this goes sideways.”

Adam nodded, his pulse quickening. “Wouldn’t want to make you go through the trouble.”

They shared a brief smile before slipping into the shadows, side by side, knowing that whatever lay ahead, they'd face it together. The dim, oppressive corridors stretched endlessly before them, narrow pathways lined with rough, cold metal. The lights, barely flickering above, cast feeble beams that barely cut through the shadows.

“Keep your guard up,” Lute murmured, her voice low. “Entity Three—Smilers—have been reported around here.”

Adam perked up with interest. As one of the newer recruits, he hadn’t encountered all the entities they’d been warned about. He’d never seen a Smiler, and his curiosity flared. Lute shot him a sideways glance, catching his expression.

“Let’s hope you don’t,” she said sharply, her tone making it clear this wasn’t something to take lightly.

They crept forward, cautious but alert. As they reached a junction where a faint light pulsed dimly from down the corridor, Adam moved to step toward it. Before he could, Lute’s hand shot out, gripping his arm with surprising force.

“Stop,” she hissed, her eyes sharp and unyielding. Adam gave her a puzzled look. She nodded toward the faint light.

“Smilers are drawn to light,” she explained in a near whisper. “These tunnels are their perfect hunting grounds, especially for anyone inexperienced or careless. If they spot movement near light, they’ll chase—relentlessly.”

Adam’s gaze shifted across the dark labyrinth with a strange awe, imagining creatures lurking just beyond the shadows. A thrill sparked in his chest, but he held it back. He’d always been fascinated by the Backrooms, by the whispered horror stories of entities lurking within. He knew the others thought he was foolish for his curiosity—especially Lute.

Lute’s gaze was sharp and calculating as she took in the dimly lit expanse of metal tunnels sprawling before them. She glanced at Adam, a slight frown tugging at her lips, catching that glint of curiosity in his eyes—the same look that always unnerved her. Adam was fascinated by the Backrooms in a way that felt dangerous to her. Most people fell into this place wanting nothing more than to escape it; Adam, on the other hand, seemed intrigued, like he was peeking under the veil of some strange secret.

“First off, what we do,” she whispered, her hand still gripping his arm, “is make sure you don’t start daydreaming. These things are no joke, Adam. You can’t treat every entity like some kind of pet you’re hoping to spot. The Smilers? They’re not ones you want to admire from a distance.”

Adam’s face fell slightly, but he nodded, squashing his curiosity for now. “Right, right… No Smilers. Got it.”

Lute released his arm and gestured for him to follow her, keeping to the shadows along the walls. “We’ll need to move slowly, quietly. We’re only here to scout and see if this area’s clear for the others, so no straying from me. Understand?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Adam whispered, trying for levity but earning only a flat look in return.

“Stay behind me.” She moved with practiced ease, glancing around each corner before stepping forward.

Adam followed, careful to keep his steps light, his breathing steady. The air was thick with humidity, making the metallic scent even sharper, and the low hum of flickering lights above sent intermittent pulses of light through the tunnels like a heartbeat.

As they advanced deeper into the level, the silence grew heavier, thickening the air like a fog. Adam felt a prickling at the back of his neck as his eyes scanned the darkness, half-expecting to see the curved white smile of a Smiler grinning back at him from the shadows.

“So… they really only attack if you panic or make noise?” Adam murmured, his voice barely a whisper.

Lute nodded, her eyes fixed ahead. “Yes, but don't count on that saving you if one gets too close. The best approach is to avoid them entirely. Remember what I said—eye contact, and back away slowly if you do see one. But let’s keep it that we don’t.”

They continued moving, the tunnel walls pressing in closer, the ceiling lower. Adam’s heart pounded as he spotted another light source up ahead, dim and flickering in a small alcove. Against his better judgment, he leaned forward, straining his eyes, almost hoping to catch a glimpse of movement—anything to get a sense of the entity that had become something of a morbid curiosity for him.

Lute’s hand shot out, gripping his shoulder this time.

“Focus, Adam.” Her voice was stern, almost a warning. “Curiosity will get you killed here. These tunnels are a Smiler’s playground. If even one of them is around, they’ll know we’re here.”

Adam flushed, pulling himself back into focus. “Sorry. I’ll stay close.”

Lute nodded, though her gaze softened just slightly. “Good. Let’s just get out of here as fast as we can without drawing attention.”

They pressed on, weaving through twists and turns, Adam’s mind torn between fear and fascination as he imagined what lurked behind the shadows. Suddenly, a soft scraping sound echoed through the tunnel—a faint, scratching noise that seemed to come from the metal above them. Adam froze, looking up, his heart pounding as the noise grew louder, like nails dragging across steel.

Lute stopped in her tracks, her face paling slightly. She mouthed, Stay calm. She motioned for Adam to crouch down, and they huddled together, eyes fixed on the shadows above.

A soft, ghostly glow appeared above them, illuminating the faint outline of something tall, with a long, broad smile stretching impossibly wide. Its sharp teeth glistened in the dim light, and its eyes—a pair of small, reflective dots—seemed to flicker like candle flames as it stared down, unblinking.

Adam’s breath hitched, his fascination and terror mixing into a single, overpowering sensation. This was a Smiler, a real one, and it was close enough to see him, close enough to sense any wrong move.

Lute held a finger to her lips, her other hand gripping his arm tightly. Slowly, she began to back away, keeping eye contact with the creature, her steps careful and deliberate. Adam followed her lead, his gaze locked onto the Smiler’s eerie, endless grin.

The entity watched them, its head tilting in an unnatural way, but it didn’t pursue. Slowly, they put distance between themselves and the Smiler, slipping back into the deeper shadows until the creature’s glow faded into the darkness.

Once they were safely out of earshot, Lute let out a shaky breath. She turned to Adam, her eyes flashing with frustration and something like relief. “That, Adam, is why you don’t mess around here. You keep moving, and you keep your head down, got it?”

Adam nodded, swallowing hard. “Got it. I… thanks, Lute.”

She sighed, giving him a small, tired smile. “You’ll learn. Just don’t let your curiosity get us both killed, okay?”

As they navigated the final stretch of tunnels, Adam’s mind buzzed with questions, but he bit his tongue, focusing on the path ahead. The Smiler’s grin lingered in his thoughts, a haunting reminder of just how close they had come to losing everything in a single, miscalculated glance.

Finally, they found an exit, the faint glow of the Manila Room’s doorway up ahead. Lute quickened her pace, giving Adam one last warning look as they crossed the threshold.

“Remember this level, Adam,” she said softly, a trace of solemnity in her voice. “The Backrooms don’t take prisoners lightly. You got lucky today. Next time… stay in the shadows and keep your eyes to yourself.”

Lute and Adam stepped through the Manila Room doorway, and Lute let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Her tense shoulders relaxed as she saw the rest of the Exocists gathered, some waiting with concern clear in their faces. Adam, however, seemed more intrigued than relieved, his mind visibly still caught in the maze of tunnels they had left behind.

The group’s leader, Mia, approached them, her gaze flickering between Lute’s steady demeanor and Adam’s more excited expression. “Everything clear?” she asked.

Lute nodded. “Yes, but that level’s crawling with Smilers. It’s a deathtrap. We’ll need another route next time.” She shot Adam a sidelong glance, raising a brow as he suppressed a flurry of questions. “And some of us still need a reminder about not getting too curious.”

One of the girls chuckled, muttering, “Adam the curious puppy strikes again.”

Adam flushed but managed a grin, shrugging off the teasing with a halfhearted, “Just trying to be prepared.”

The team debriefed quickly, planning their next outing to a new level. This time, they were looking for resources, a stash the M.E.G. team had mentioned was hidden somewhere deep in a lower level. Lute and Adam were, again, assigned to go ahead and scout. Despite her reservations, Lute trusted Adam to keep up, knowing he was fast and learning quickly. His speed had come in handy more than once in getting them all out of close scrapes.

The next day, they stepped into the new level and were met with the heavy, stagnant air of the concrete hallways around them. Dim lights buzzed from above, throwing eerie shadows along the cracked walls.

“Let’s stick close,” Lute muttered, glancing around. “We need to get eyes on those crates and verify the supplies. And remember—stay sharp.”

Adam gave her a quick thumbs-up. “Got it. You lead; I’ll follow.”

They wove through the labyrinth of corridors, the silence thickening around them. Adam’s steps were quiet, but his attention wavered, his gaze darting into each shadowed nook they passed. He couldn’t shake the thrill he felt at being here; every corner hinted at secrets waiting to be uncovered.

After a while, the hallway branched into two paths. Lute paused, squinting down each passage, before turning to Adam.

“We’ll cover more ground if we split up here,” she said, though she looked at him with a hint of reluctance. “If you find anything, mark it on the wall and circle back here in ten. And if anything feels wrong—anything—you run.”

Adam nodded, trying to hide his excitement. “I’ll be fine. I’ll take the left path.”

Lute lingered for a moment, her gaze steady.

“Be careful,” she murmured, and with that, she turned down the opposite hallway.

Alone now, Adam’s footsteps echoed softly as he walked, his senses alert. The concrete walls around him were rough and cool to the touch, their uneven surfaces casting strange, shifting shadows. Every step he took was careful, his movements deliberate as he scanned each crevice and doorway. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was watching him, lurking just beyond his sight.

The further he went, the quieter everything became, as if the level itself absorbed sound. It was disorienting, the way each step seemed to vanish into the oppressive silence. His hand brushed against his flashlight, but he hesitated, remembering Lute’s words about lights drawing entities. He kept it in his pocket, instead moving by the faint light filtering down from above.

After a few minutes, he noticed faint, weathered markings on the wall. Strange symbols etched in chalk, faded and smeared. Someone had been here before him, possibly a group like his own. Adam felt a thrill of excitement mixed with caution. These markings could mean supplies… or they could be warnings.

Adam wandered alone through the dim tunnels, his large green eyes absorbing every detail, from the rusted bolts to the faint lights that barely pushed back the darkness. He was enthralled, even lost, when suddenly, hands shot out from behind, covering his eyes. He froze, his heart leaping into his throat as a shorter figure pressed against his back, guiding him to stumble backward into the corridor he had just left. His hands darted up, gripping the wrists of his unseen captor, and he twisted around, ready to demand an answer.

He was met with a wide, familiar grin.

"Lucifer?" he breathed, his voice barely a whisper. His disbelief was clear as he blinked, his eyebrows raised.

Lucifer chuckled, a soft “shhh” escaping his lips as he leaned closer. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

Adam flushed, his face warming as he mumbled, “I… I thought I’d never see you again.”

Lucifer tilted his head playfully. “Were you worried about me?”

Adam’s face darkened with a deeper shade of red, and he shrugged, his eyes scanning Lucifer as if seeing a ghost. Lucifer looked as pristine as ever, untouched by the horrors lurking in the Backrooms. His hoodie remained a clean, cozy white, his face calm and amused, not a trace of fear on him. The contrast left Adam reeling.

“Adam?” Lucifer’s voice pulled him back to the present, his gaze falling to where Adam still gripped his wrist. Adam’s eyes widened, and he quickly released him, stepping back in embarrassment.

“S-sorry,” he muttered shyly. “But… what were you doing?”

Lucifer’s grin widened as he took a step closer, “Saving you.”

Adam frowned, confusion twisting his features. “What do you mean?”

Lucifer gestured for him to follow, slipping silently to the edge of the corridor and leaning against the wall, his finger pointing toward a dimly lit patch across the open area. “See that?” he whispered, indicating a yellowish potato sack lying half in the shadows.

Adam squinted, a puzzled frown settling on his face. “Yeah… but it’s just a sack?”

Lucifer flashed a knowing smile. “That, Adam, is Entity 121—the Bone Thieves.”

Adam’s stomach turned, and he glanced warily back at the bag. “But it looks… like nothing.”

“They do,” Lucifer murmured, “until you get close. They’re massive, potato-shaped creatures with bumpy, sickly yellow skin—almost impossible to damage. They look harmless to lure people in.”

Just then, a chilling sound filled the air, the sack emitting a series of human-like cries, rising into anguished moans. Adam’s eyes widened in horrified fascination as he watched the bag shudder, as though in pain.

“The Bone Thieves,” Lucifer continued, his voice barely audible over the cries, “Mimic voices. Their sounds are so accurate that they lure their prey in close, paralyzing them. And if you’re unfortunate enough to look into their eyes…”

Lucifer trailed off, letting the implication settle. “That’s why one of the rules of the Backrooms is to never trust what you hear.”

Adam gulped, pressing himself back against the wall as the moans intensified.

“H-how do they kill?” he asked, his voice trembling. “Why are they called Bone Thieves?”

Lucifer’s eyes flicked toward a corridor across from them, his smile fading. “Watch closely.”

In that instant, a stranger, drawn by the mournful cries, came running down the hallway toward the sack. Adam gasped, watching as the man, transfixed, stumbled to a stop directly in front of the Bone Thief. Then, in a heartbeat, his entire body crumpled, collapsing like a sack of liquid, folding onto the ground in an unnaturally smooth descent.

“W-what just happened?” Adam whispered, his knees buckling as he clutched the wall for support.

Lucifer leaned in close, his shoulder brushing against Adam’s. “The Bone Thieves can silently extract every bone from a body with one look, leaving them a boneless husk. The poor soul falls, completely limp. Once they’re done, they swallow the body whole, slurping it up as if it were nothing. The bones? They teleport those away, instantly removed the moment a person makes eye contact.”

Just as Lucifer finished speaking, the Bone Thief stretched its ghastly neck toward the limp body, extending a thick, rubbery tongue that coiled around the corpse, pulling it into its gaping maw. With one audible gulp, it slumped back to the floor, its eyes closing as it settled into stillness.

“It’s safe now,” Lucifer murmured, straightening himself, his tone almost casual. “As long as we don’t disturb it. But if I hadn’t stopped you, you’d have walked right out there. And I can’t let that happen.”

Adam exhaled shakily, rubbing the back of his neck, his pulse still racing from what he’d just witnessed. “Thanks… really. I think I would have.”

Lucifer only smiled, giving Adam a gentle nudge. “Try to stay curious and careful, Adam.”

dam and Lucifer continued down the dark tunnels, Lucifer’s footsteps light and almost playful, while Adam moved cautiously, his eyes flickering over every corner but always drifting back to Lucifer. Unbeknownst to Adam, faint figures with wide, eerie grins watched from the shadows, their ghostly smiles locked on the pair as they passed by, but for now, they simply observed, content to wait.

Lucifer broke the silence with a gentle hum. “So, tell me, Adam—what entities have you come across so far?”

Adam’s shoulders slumped a bit.

“Not many,” he admitted, pouting. “I want to see more, but my group isn’t exactly on board. They all think it’s too dangerous, especially Lute. She barely lets me out of her sight if there’s even a hint of something risky.”

Lucifer snorted, amusement flickering in his eyes. He swayed back and forth as he walked, and when he stumbled, Adam instinctively reached out, steadying him. Lucifer flashed him a bright smile, his eyes gleaming. “Nothing wrong with curiosity, Adam. It’s completely normal. Actually, I’d say it’s a good thing.”

Lucifer leaned against Adam’s chest, grinning as he wrapped his arms warmly around Adam’s waist. Adam felt his cheeks heat up, but he couldn’t bring himself to pull away. Lucifer’s voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “If you want my opinion, the best entity around here is Entity 27.”

Adam blinked, his curiosity instantly rekindled. “Entity 27? What’s that one?”

Lucifer gave a low chuckle, pressing himself closer. “Guess.”

Adam’s mind whirled as he tried to imagine the most terrifying creature possible. “A—a monster that could tear people apart, maybe something demonic… or invisible, that strikes without warning?”

Lucifer laughed, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Oh, you really want to know, don’t you?”

“Of course I do!” Adam exclaimed, his curiosity fully piqued, almost forgetting about the tunnels around them.

With a glint of amusement, Lucifer stretched up onto his tiptoes, leaning in so close his breath brushed Adam’s ear.

“Entity 27 is…” he murmured, drawing out the suspense as Adam leaned in, his eyes burning with excitement.

“…Athenian ducks.”

Adam’s jaw dropped. “Ducks? Like… blood-sucking ducks?”

Lucifer grinned wider, shaking his head. “Nope. Just… ducks. Skittish, jumpy little things that run at the slightest hint of danger.”

Adam stared, both incredulous and fascinated. “That’s it? Just… normal ducks?”

Lucifer shrugged with a smirk. “Not every entity in the Backrooms is out for blood, Adam. Sometimes, they’re just here to make you laugh.”

Adam chuckled; his curiosity undiminished. He couldn’t quite picture these odd, harmless creatures among the horrors of the Backrooms, but then again, with Lucifer at his side, it all felt like a surreal dream anyway.

As they wandered deeper into the dim tunnels, the shadows danced around them, but Adam’s attention was wholly absorbed by Lucifer. He could barely focus on the surroundings, lost in the mesmerizing aura that Lucifer exuded.

“Hey, Lucifer,” Adam began, glancing sideways at him. “What about you? What entities have you seen?”

Lucifer hummed thoughtfully, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. “Oh, I’ve probably seen them all. It’s hard to avoid them when you’ve been here as long as I have.”

Adam’s eyes widened in awe. “Really? Can you tell me about them?”

Lucifer snorted, his grin widening. “Alright, but don’t expect me to make it exciting.”

He began to recount, his voice casual yet tinged with an undercurrent of knowledge. “For starters, there’s Entity 33. You might know it as The King of the Clouds, The Animated King, or just The King. It resides in the uppermost level of the Castle of Transparent Mountain within Level 94.”

Adam listened intently, imagining the regal figure. “What’s he like?”

“He’s highly intelligent and literate in many fields, but honestly? He’s pretty boring.” He whistled softly, shaking his head. “If you ask me, he’s just confused and blind to his own powers.”

Adam smiled, picturing this majestic yet unremarkable king. “What else?”

“Then there’s Entity 79, often referred to as a ‘Wanderer.’ That’s what happens to people who consume Almond Water. They transform, and it’s pretty much inevitable. The only way to slow it down is by diversifying your diet. But good luck avoiding Almond Water entirely—its allure is strong, and almost everyone drinks it at least once.”

Adam nodded, intrigued. “What about other entities?”

“Ah, Entity 130, the Growlers,” Lucifer continued, the names rolling off his tongue like a well-rehearsed list. “They’re massive and hulking, always slouching due to their tentacular limbs. They come in various colours and are highly dangerous.”

Adam’s eyes widened further, the images flooding his imagination. “And what about the Howlers?”

“Entity 415,” Lucifer said, glancing at Adam. “They’re tall, usually around eleven feet, with glowing green eyes and black rock merged into their bodies. They constantly emit low growls that can be heard from quite a distance. If you hear one, you’d best head in the opposite direction.”

“That sounds terrifying!” Adam gasped, adrenaline coursing through him.

“Oh, and then there’s Entity 999,” Lucifer added nonchalantly. “It refers to a specific array of extreme hallucinations and pathogens that affect solitary wanderers. It appears near isolated areas, infecting food and supplies. It’s tricky because it’s hard to identify due to its unnatural appearance. Interestingly, it seems to show some kind of sentience.”

Adam listened intently, his heart racing at the thought of these formidable entities. Each detail drew him deeper into a world both fascinating and terrifying. But as Lucifer continued to list them off, he noticed a hint of boredom creeping into Lucifer’s tone.

Feeling bold, Adam came to a stop and grabbed the back of Lucifer's hood, gently pulling him to a halt. Lucifer blinked owlishly, the sudden motion catching him off guard. Then, as if awakening from a daydream, he cuddled back into Adam, his face beaming with mischief.

Adam found himself instinctively hugging Lucifer back, warmth flooding through him.

“Do you have a favourite entity?” he asked, genuinely curious.

Lucifer pouted slightly, resting his head against Adam’s chest, listening to the steady thump of his heartbeat. He melted into Adam’s embrace, a dreamy smile spreading across his face.

“I don’t have a favourite… but do you want to hear about the most dangerous entity in the Backrooms?” His voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “The one you must never upset or disappoint?”

Adam’s breath caught in his throat, practically vibrating with excitement. “Yes, Luci! I really do!”

Lucifer gasped, the nickname igniting a flicker of delight in his eyes. He squeezed Adam tightly, nuzzling his face against Adam's chest, an almost affectionate purr escaping him.

“Alright, but be warned—this one is no joke. It’s not just a creature; it’s a force to be reckoned with.”

Adam leaned in closer, captivated, eager to hear the story behind this dangerous entity that had stirred such emotion in Lucifer. The air between them buzzed with anticipation, the darkness of the tunnels fading into the background as their shared curiosity ignited a light of its own.

Lucifer’s voice dropped to a hushed, almost reverent tone.

“Entity 1000,” he began, “Is the Game Creator, the master of all stories. They are extremely dangerous, and nobody has lived to tell the tale.”

Adam’s brow furrowed, a pout forming on his lips. “But you said there were only 999 entities,” he pointed out, curiosity swirling in his large green eyes.

Lucifer smirked, a glimmer of mischief in his gaze. “That’s because nobody knows if Entity 1000 is real or not. It’s hard to explain. They’re like a god, I guess.”

He paused, leaning slightly closer, the warmth of his presence sending shivers down Adam's spine. “They’re like all the entities merged together, able to do anything they want. They control the Backrooms. Some believe they even created the Backrooms themselves just to entertain themselves.”

Adam hummed thoughtfully, his mind racing as he continued to hold Lucifer close. The blonde-haired man felt warm against him, and Adam shivered again when he felt Lucifer's lips brush against the centre of his chest.

“But you’ve seen them?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Lucifer chuckled softly, a hint of something strange in his tone.

“Bingo,” he said, tilting his head back to meet Adam’s gaze. “It’s said that Entity 1000 was once an angel of God.”

Adam found himself entranced, unable to look away from Lucifer’s intense eyes. His heart began to beat louder, each pulse resonating in the silence around them.

“What happened to this angel?” Adam asked, his curiosity piqued.

Lucifer leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “He was God’s favourite angel, the most powerful and beautiful one of them all. God doted on him, showering him with love and affection. But one day, God created something new—humans. And in doing so, he began to neglect his angel.”

A chill ran through Adam as he absorbed the weight of Lucifer's words.

“The angel got jealous,” Lucifer continued, “Angry at God for focusing his attention on these new creations. He didn’t understand why he had to care for them, so he decided to prove to his father that humans weren’t as perfect as he believed. He tricked them into taking the apple of life, but it unlocked the sins of the world within them.”

Adam’s breath hitched as he processed this dark turn in the tale.

“And God was furious?” he asked softly.

Lucifer nodded, his expression growing sombre. “He punished the angel cruelly, casting him out of heaven. With nowhere to go, the angel floated in the abyss of nothingness for centuries. His anger turned to boredom, and from that emptiness, the need to entertain himself grew.”

Adam felt a pang of sympathy for this fallen angel.

“So he created the Backrooms,” he murmured, piecing together the narrative.

“Exactly,” Lucifer confirmed, his eyes shining with intensity. “From his six wings, he crafted this labyrinth of horrors, trapping all of his father’s precious humans who fell into it. The entities here are manifestations of mankind’s sins, and he set them free to hunt any and all who dared to wander into his domain.”

Adam pressed his lips into a tight line, staring intently at Lucifer as he processed the weight of those words.

“That poor angel,” he finally said after several seconds, his heart aching for the creature cast out from grace.

Lucifer’s eyes widened in surprise, and he straightened, his head tilting slightly as he regarded Adam.

“Why do you feel pity for him?” he asked, his voice tinged with genuine curiosity.

Adam frowned thoughtfully. “Because he lost his home. He lost his family—all because God was selfish.”

Lucifer swallowed hard, a flicker of something unidentifiable crossing his features. “How was God selfish?” he pressed.

Adam bit his bottom lip, searching for the right words. “Because God ignored his favourite angel. Of course the angel would get hurt over that. He probably didn’t understand why he was being neglected, and it’s no wonder he lashed out.”

Lucifer remained silent for a moment, absorbing Adam’s perspective. The flickering lights in the tunnel cast shadows that danced around them, creating an almost surreal atmosphere.

“You’re different, Adam,” Lucifer finally said, a hint of admiration threading through his voice. “Most people would be too scared to feel anything for the angel. They see him as a monster.”

Adam shrugged, feeling the warmth of their connection deepening. “But he was hurt. You can’t just look at his actions without understanding the pain behind them.”

Lucifer smiled softly, his gaze lingering on Adam with a newfound respect. “You’re right. Maybe there’s more to this place than just fear and survival.”

He paused, then leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “But promise me you won’t let your curiosity lead you to danger, okay? This place isn’t just a story; it’s real, and it can consume you if you’re not careful.”

Adam nodded, feeling the gravity of Lucifer’s words settle within him.

Lucifer's smile becomes more mysterious, as if it held secrets untold. He stretches himself up onto his tip toes and brushes his fingers along Adam’s cheek.

"Do you want to know what entity 1000 is after nowadays?" he whispers, the shine in his blue eyes increasing.

Adam nods, suddenly finding himself unable to speak.

Lucifer purred, "It's said, he's looking for a mate. Somebody to make his own so he can breed."

“Breed?” Adam breathes out in confusion, “You mean he wants to impregnant a women?”

A laugh escaped Lucifer. He nuzzled his face into Adam’s chest, “Ah, Adam, you're so funny sometimes. He is an angel, the god of the backrooms, do you think it really matters of the gender? if he wants to knock somebody up, he will do it.”

“Oh,” Adam flushed, “That makes sense. So, he wants to have kids?”

“A family,” the blonde-haired man whispered, “He wants a family. he's tired of being alone and continuously being bored. he wants people who would never bore him.”

Adam’s mind spun at the implications of Lucifer’s words. The idea of Entity 1000, the god of the Backrooms, seeking companionship sent a strange mix of emotions coursing through him. It was a revelation that seemed so absurd yet profoundly human. He could hardly wrap his head around the concept of an entity so powerful yearning for something as simple and delicate as a family.

“Wait, so… he’s lonely?” Adam asked, his brow furrowing in confusion. The notion that even a god could feel such a fundamental human emotion was almost too much to comprehend.

Lucifer nodded, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief and warmth. “Exactly. Even the most powerful beings can feel isolation. Can you imagine being so mighty yet so utterly alone? It’s a tragic irony.”

He paused, looking thoughtfully at the floor for a moment. “He watches the entities he created roam the Backrooms, and they’re all bound by their nature—tethered to their instincts, to their hunger. It must be so lonely when you’re the one who can’t play the game anymore.”

Adam felt a pang of empathy for the elusive Entity 1000. “But what kind of family would he want? I mean, could anyone truly fill that void for him?”

He pondered aloud, trying to reconcile the image of a nurturing figure with the fierce god who ruled the Backrooms.

Lucifer’s expression softened as he leaned closer, resting his chin against Adam’s chest. “It’s the idea of connection, Adam. It’s not just about creating life; it’s about the bonds that tie us together. Entity 1000 wants to share his existence with someone, anyone, who can challenge him, inspire him, make him feel alive again.”

A shiver ran down Adam’s spine at the thought. “That’s… kind of sad. For all the power he holds, he still craves companionship. It makes him seem more relatable.”

Lucifer chuckled softly, raising his head to meet Adam’s gaze once more. “Exactly! The most terrifying entities in the Backrooms often have the most tragic stories. It’s the duality of existence here—fear and loneliness, power and vulnerability. It’s what makes our experiences rich, even in this dark place.”

Adam nodded, absorbing Lucifer’s words. The Backrooms were more than just a labyrinth of horrors; they were also a reflection of the complex emotions and stories each entity carried. “So, if he’s looking for a mate, does that mean he’s a threat to us? Is he dangerous?”

Lucifer’s smile turned serious, his brow furrowing slightly. “That’s the concern. If he feels desperate enough, who knows what he might do? A god scorned can be more terrifying than any entity lurking in the shadows.”

“But remember, Adam,” he said, his voice softening again, “There’s always a balance. While Entity 1000 might seek something, it doesn’t mean he will lash out at everyone. Sometimes, understanding is the first step to survival.”

Adam took a deep breath, trying to absorb all the nuances of the conversation.

“It’s a lot to take in,” he admitted, feeling the weight of the Backrooms pressing down around them. “I just want to explore and learn more about all of this. But it’s hard when every turn could lead to danger.”

Lucifer’s expression brightened, the mischief returning to his eyes. “That’s the spirit! Curiosity is your greatest asset, but let’s ensure it doesn’t lead you to peril. And speaking of curiosity, do you want to know a secret about Entity 1000? One that might not be so widely known?”

Adam’s eyes widened, filled with eagerness. “Absolutely! What is it?”

Lucifer leaned in closer, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “It’s said that deep down, he can grant wishes. Not just any wish—your deepest desire, something that could change everything. But there’s always a catch, like all good stories.”

The thrill of the idea sent a rush of excitement through Adam.

“What kind of catch?” he asked, his heart racing.

Lucifer’s grin widened, revealing a hint of the darkness lurking beneath the surface. “The price could be steep. Sometimes it takes more than you’re willing to give. Perhaps your sanity, or the very essence of your humanity. You’ll never know until you ask.”

Adam swallowed hard, a mixture of fear and fascination swirling in his chest. The allure of making a wish seemed tantalizing, yet the danger loomed large. “So, it’s like a gamble?”

“Precisely!” Lucifer exclaimed; his enthusiasm infectious. “But isn’t that what life is about here? Taking risks, pushing boundaries, and embracing the chaos? You never know what you might discover about yourself along the way.”

Adam couldn’t help but smile, feeling the spark of adventure igniting within him. “You’re right! Even in this terrifying place, there’s so much to explore and learn. I guess that’s what keeps me going.”

Just then, he heard it—a soft, low scraping noise echoing from somewhere further down the corridor. Adam froze, his heart pounding as he tried to make out where it was coming from. It was faint, yet unrelenting, like something dragging across concrete. He turned his head, looking in the direction he heard the scraping sound but when he turned back to Lucifer, he found him gone.

“Lucifer?” he called in surprise.

Lucifer was no where in sight. Where had he gone?

The scraping sound grew louder, and suddenly, it clicked—whatever was making the noise was directly behind him.

Adam’s breath caught in his throat as he turned, coming face-to-face with a grinning shadow. It was tall, its limbs thin and elongated, and from the shadows, a single, ghastly smile gleamed white against the darkness. A Smiler. Its smile stretched impossibly wide, its eyes small and beady, glowing faintly as it watched him.

Panic surged, and Adam’s instincts screamed at him to run. But he remembered Lute’s instructions: Don’t panic, don’t turn away. Keep eye contact. Fighting the urge to bolt, he took a slow, deliberate step backward, his eyes never leaving the creature’s grin.

The Smiler didn’t move, but its smile widened, the unnatural grin stretching farther than seemed possible. Adam’s heart raced as he continued to back away, each step feeling like a precarious balance between life and death. He reached into his pocket, fumbling for his flashlight. Slowly, he pulled it out, angling it so that he could toss it as a distraction if he needed to.

Just then, another sound echoed through the corridor—a voice, low and firm. “Adam!”

It was Lute. Relief washed over him, and he didn’t dare turn, knowing the Smiler’s gaze was still fixed on him. Instead, he backed up faster, his steps guided by Lute’s voice until he could feel her presence beside him. She gripped his arm and, without a word, led him back toward the safety of the corridor they’d come from.

Only when they were several turns away from the Smiler did she finally release him, her expression a mixture of anger and relief.

“What the hell were you thinking?” she hissed. “That thing would have torn you apart if you’d moved wrong!”

Adam opened his mouth to respond, but the words caught in his throat. He was still shaking, the memory of that grin seared into his mind.

“I… I didn’t see it until it was too late,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Lute’s anger softened slightly, and she sighed. “Look, I know you’re curious about this place. But you have to understand—curiosity here is dangerous. I’ve lost too many people to this place, and I’m not about to lose you.”

Adam nodded, the weight of her words sinking in. “I’ll be more careful next time. I promise.”

Lute studied him for a moment before nodding. “Good. Let’s get back to the others.”

They made their way back through the dim corridors, the silence pressing in around them once again. Adam’s mind buzzed with questions, but for the first time, his curiosity was tempered with a newfound respect for the dangers lurking in the Backrooms.

Time slipped through Adam’s fingers like grains of sand. He couldn’t quite gauge how long he had been wandering the Backrooms with Lute and the others. Days or weeks felt irrelevant in a place where the very fabric of reality twisted and warped. He often caught glimpses of Lucifer, that beautiful blonde man whose presence ignited something warm within him. Each encounter was like a breath of fresh air amidst the stale atmosphere of the Backrooms.

Yet whenever he approached Lucifer and asked him to join his group, the response was always the same—a light laugh, a playful pat on the cheek, and the words, “I’d prefer not to.”

The softness of Lucifer's demeanour made it difficult for Adam to understand why he wouldn’t want to be part of a group that cared about him. Was it fear? A sense of duty? Each time Adam encountered him, he felt a twinge of disappointment but brushed it off, determined to keep asking whenever fate allowed them to cross paths again.

On the other hand, Lute’s reactions to Adam’s stories about Lucifer were less than enthusiastic. She grew increasingly irritated every time Adam mentioned his blonde-haired friend.

“Adam, you need to be careful,” she warned, her tone laced with concern. “What if he’s just an illusion? An entity pretending to be someone he’s not? They can be incredibly deceptive. You could be walking into a trap.”

Adam sighed, feeling the weight of Lute’s protectiveness. She cared for him, he knew that, but it was hard for him to dismiss his feelings for Lucifer.

“He’s not like that,” Adam insisted, a stubbornness creeping into his voice. “He’d never hurt me.”

“Really? And how can you be so sure?” Lute retorted, crossing her arms. “You hardly see him! It’s reckless to trust someone you know so little about.”

Adam shrugged, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “I just know. Luci is my friend.”

Lute groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration. “You sound like a schoolgirl with a crush, Adam.”

The words hung in the air, and Adam paused in thought. A schoolgirl with a crush? Was that what this was? Did he… like Lucifer? The realization sent a flutter of excitement through him, but also a wave of confusion. Was it really a crush if he felt so deeply connected to this enigmatic figure? Every time he saw Lucifer, his heart raced, and a warmth spread through him that felt unlike anything else.

He pondered this new perspective as he wandered through the dim tunnels. Lute's warnings echoed in the back of his mind, mingling with the excitement that came from the thought of his bond with Lucifer. Perhaps it was naïve, but there was something undeniably comforting about their interactions—something that made the endless labyrinth feel a little less daunting.

As days blurred into nights, Adam continued to search for Lucifer. Each time they met, his heart would leap, and he’d feel a rush of joy at the sight of him. Whether it was Lucifer’s playful laughter or the way he seemed genuinely interested in Adam’s thoughts, those moments became a lifeline for him.

Still, the question of Lute’s concern nagged at him. Could Lucifer truly be an entity with ulterior motives? Every encounter felt genuine, yet the Backrooms were filled with treachery and deceit. He wanted to believe in the goodness he sensed in Lucifer, but the words of his friend weighed heavily on his heart.

“Maybe I do like him,” Adam murmured to himself one evening, his voice barely above a whisper. The thought brought a smile to his face, and he felt a warmth spreading through him at the idea. “…maybe I really do like him, much more then I thought…”

Adam found himself alone on a new level, a space that felt strangely devoid of the usual chaos that characterized the Backrooms. The silence wrapped around him like a heavy blanket, but rather than feeling frightened, he felt a sense of calm. It was a welcome reprieve after the adrenaline-fueled days spent with the Exorcists, who had grown to trust him more than he could have imagined. No longer was he tethered to Lute’s watchful eye; he had earned his freedom to scout alone, as long as he returned by a certain time.

As he settled against the cool, metallic wall, he reflected on the journey that had brought him here. He hadn’t encountered any entities or other humans since he entered this level. It was quiet, almost too quiet, but he didn’t mind. He had heard tales of this unexplored level from another group, and his curiosity had gotten the better of him. He had begged Rye and Mia to let him explore it, much to Lute’s dismay. But in a surprising twist, they had agreed to let him venture out on his own. Excitement had surged through him at the thought of being a true explorer in the Backrooms.

Yet, excitement could only fuel him for so long. The tiresome trek had taken its toll, and now his legs felt numb beneath him. As he took a moment to rest, he leaned back and closed his eyes. The stillness of the level allowed his thoughts to drift, and they inevitably wandered back to Lucifer.

A flutter danced in his chest, a subtle reminder of how much he liked the enigmatic blonde. Adam bit his lip, unable to suppress a smile as he thought of the way Lucifer’s laughter lit up the shadows of the Backrooms, making even the most unsettling environments feel a little less foreboding. In moments where he felt lost or scared, Lucifer’s presence always brought a strange comfort.

He imagined their conversations, the way Lucifer leaned in when he spoke, as if sharing a secret that only the two of them understood. It was those moments that made Adam's heart race, igniting a warmth that spread through him like a gentle flame. He didn’t understand entirely what he felt for Lucifer, but he knew it was something special.

As he sat there, lost in thought, Adam couldn’t shake the lingering worry that Lute’s warnings echoed in his mind. What if Lucifer was just an illusion? What if he was a clever entity that could easily devour his trust? But the thought felt hollow against the backdrop of his experiences with Lucifer. There had been no deception, no malice—only a connection that felt genuine, however improbable that seemed in the Backrooms.

Taking a deep breath, Adam opened his eyes and stared into the empty expanse before him. The shadows shifted as the dim lights flickered overhead, casting strange shapes on the walls. In that moment of solitude, he made a silent promise to himself: he would find a way to prove to Lute that his feelings for Lucifer were real, that the bond he felt wasn’t just a fleeting whim but something worth exploring.

As Adam sat in the eerie quiet of the unexplored level, his mind drifted into a vivid daydream, painting pictures of the one person who ignited his heart like no other—Lucifer. In his imagination, Lucifer came alive, stepping out of the shadows with that familiar warmth that seemed to wrap around him like a cozy blanket.

He could picture Lucifer’s blue eyes, striking and intense, glimmering like sapphires amidst the dim glow of the Backrooms. Those eyes had a mischievous spark, full of secrets and a depth that Adam longed to explore. The way they lit up when Lucifer laughed sent a jolt of exhilaration through Adam, leaving him breathless. He could almost hear the echo of that laughter, a sound that resonated in his soul and made him feel as if the world around him faded away, leaving just the two of them in their own little universe.

With every memory that floated to the surface, warmth spread through Adam, starting in his chest and radiating outward like the gentle heat of a soft ember. He swirled where he sat, momentarily lost in the comforting thoughts. It was as if the shadows of the Backrooms could not touch him when he was thinking of Lucifer. He remembered the way Lucifer would lean closer, his soft blonde hair brushing against Adam’s arm, sharing stories about the entities that roamed their world. Those moments were precious, filled with a closeness that sent butterflies dancing in Adam’s stomach.

He recalled how Lucifer’s smile could brighten the darkest corners, effortlessly cutting through the dread that lurked in every shadow. It wasn’t just a smile; it was an invitation—a promise of safety and warmth in a place that often felt cold and unwelcoming. Adam felt a soft flush creep up his cheeks at the thought. The way Lucifer looked at him, with that blend of playfulness and genuine interest, made his heart race like it was trying to escape its confines.

With each thought of Lucifer, Adam’s resolve to be near him grew stronger. He wanted to share every experience, every moment of joy and fear in this unpredictable labyrinth. He found himself daydreaming about the adventures they could have together, navigating the twists and turns of the Backrooms as a team. He wanted to be the one who brought light to Lucifer’s world, just as Lucifer did for him.

But even beyond the allure of adventure, there was something deeper simmering beneath the surface. Adam felt an undeniable connection, a bond that transcended the dangers surrounding them. He liked how Lucifer’s presence grounded him, how it allowed him to feel things he hadn’t felt before—hope, curiosity, and even love. That realization sent a shiver down his spine, causing him to squirm a little where he sat, caught between the thrill of those feelings and the fear of what they might mean.

Lost in his thoughts, Adam rested his head against the cool metal wall, his heart thumping in rhythm with the warmth spreading through him. He felt almost giddy at the prospect of seeing Lucifer again, and with each breath, he envisioned the moment they would be reunited. There was something undeniably special about the way he felt, and he couldn’t help but smile at the thought of their next encounter.

“Lucifer,” he whispered softly to himself, the name slipping past his lips like a cherished secret.

Adam squirmed as the warmth intensified inside him. He wiggled and glanced down at himself, a troubled pout spreading across his lip. Ah. Oh. A brilliant blush spread across his cheeks as he realized just thinking about Lucifer had set his body on fire. A stiffness began to appear between his thighs and Adam let out a soft whimper, his skin beginning to twitch and shudder with desire.

“Shit,” he whispered, glancing around himself again. It was just as empty and silent as before. “Um…”

Moving his hands wearily across his stomach, Adam peeked down at the hard bulge was beginning to form between his legs. His fingers trembled as he brushed them over the bulge, a gasp escaped him. His eyes fluttered shut as he began to touch himself further, rolling his fingers over the tent, a whimper beginning to leave his tongue.

“Oh,” he moaned, his mind beginning to conjure up the certain blonde that his body reacting like this to begin with.

He pictured Lucifer.

Lucifer against him, touching him, rolling his hips against Adam’s, whispering toe-curling words to him. Adam whimpered and gasped, lightly cupping himself and squeezing. He wished Lucifer was really here, he wished Lucifer liked him the way Adam liked him. He wondered what Lucifer would say or do if he knew what Adam was doing.

“L-Lucifer…” he moaned softly, beginning to press down a little more on his hidden cock.

“Yes?” a sudden familiar voice cooed.

Freezing, Adam’s eyes sprung open, and his breath leaped into his throat. Especially as he titled his head to find Lucifer crouched right next to him. The moment Adam looked at him, mortified that he was here, Lucifer beamed brightly.

“You called, Addie~” Lucifer sang, his blue eyes dark and glassy.

“I-I…” Adam stuttered, his whole body locking up in shock. “I-I, I…”

Lucifer giggled and shifted himself, moving to sit on his knees and his blue eyes sweep down Adam’s body. He gazed at the bulge between Adam’s thighs with a smile, “Do you want help with that?”

“W-What are you doing here?!” Adam let out high pitched, his face growing even darker then ever before.

“You called for me, remember?” Lucifer said in amusement. His hands creeping across Adam’s thighs and beginning to stroke his fingertips across the back of Adam’s hand, “Addie, let me help you. I made your body react like this, didn’t I?”

Mouth opening and shutting, Adam whined unable to come up with a reasonable sentence. His breath hitched when Lucifer moved closer to him, close enough that he felt Lucifer’s boy heat beginning to prickle across his side and making the hairs on Adam’s body stand up on end.

Curling his tender fingers around Adam’s, Lucifer removed his hand from the bulge and held onto Adam’s hand as his other hand began to run up his thigh. A soft hum escaped Lucifer, whimpering it as if to keep Adam calm and relaxed.

“You know I won’t hurt you. I will never hurt you, Addie. I want to make you feel better, please let me~” he sang sweetly, tracing his fingertips over the bulge and making Adam inhale sharply, “Let me help you reach that release~”

Adam stared at Lucifer, his face was still bright red and his green eyes glassy, “…Lucifer? Is…is that really you?”

“What?” Lucifer blinked in surprise, tilting his head upward, “Of course it’s me. Why would you think otherwise?”

“Um…b-because…the entities, an entity could be using you to manipulate me,” Adam breathed out shakingly, “I just want to make sure it’s you and not something else.”

Lucifer's expression softened, and he stepped closer, the warmth radiating from him almost tangible in the chilly air of the Backrooms.

“Adam, I promise you, it’s me,” he said gently, his voice a soothing balm against the unease coursing through Adam’s veins. “I understand your fears; this place is filled with deception and shadows.”

“But look at me,” he urged, reaching up to cup Adam's face with his warm, calloused hands.

Adam felt his heart race as he gazed into Lucifer’s striking blue eyes, those familiar pools of light that always seemed to hold a wealth of secrets. “You’ve seen me vulnerable, haven’t you? You’ve seen my true self, the parts of me that are fragile and real.”

With every word, Adam felt his defences begin to crack.

“Y-yeah, but... you could still be a trick,” he whispered, struggling to keep his resolve. “You know how these entities work. They can wear any mask, twist any form.”

Lucifer’s brow furrowed; his gaze unwavering. “You think I’d allow that? I wouldn’t let some other entity use my face, my voice, to manipulate you.”

“You mean too much to me for that,” he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.

Adam’s breath caught in his throat. The sincerity in Lucifer’s words felt like a warm embrace, wrapping around his heart and squeezing gently.

“Choosing to be here with you. Choosing to connect with you.” Lucifer leaned in closer, their foreheads nearly touching. “You’re not just another human in this twisted place, Adam. You’re different. You see things, feel things that others overlook. Your curiosity, your compassion—those things matter to me. I want to help you.”

The warmth of Lucifer’s breath ghosted across Adam's lips, igniting a thrill deep within him.

“I…I don’t want to lose you,” he admitted, the vulnerability spilling out before he could stop it. “Not like everything else I’ve lost in this place.”

“You won’t lose me,” Lucifer replied softly, brushing his thumb across Adam’s cheek. “I promise I’ll protect you as much as I can. I’m not just some figment of your imagination or a cruel trick of this world. I’m real, Adam. I’m right here.”

The sincerity in his voice began to melt away the lingering doubts in Adam's mind. As they sat there, locked in each other’s gaze, a profound sense of trust began to blossom between them, fragile yet beautiful.

“Okay,” Adam breathed, taking a step back to gather himself. He gulped thickly, “O-Okay…”

“I can touch you?” Lucifer asked.

“Yes,” Adam said bravely, “Please touch me, Luci.”

Lucifer purred, his eyes growing darker and hungrier. He cupped his hand firmly over Adam’s hidden cock and watched intensively as Adam jumped, “Addie, you’re so hard~”

His hand began to caress the cock through the jeans, rolling his fingers purposely. Lucifer’s gaze never left Adam’s face, watching every reaction he made. He slid his hand upward, catching the zipper to Adam’s black hoodie and unzipped it. Lucifer’s fingers then pushed underneath his t-shirt, touching the soft flesh underneath, caressing the sensitive flesh of Adam’s under stomach.

Gasping, Adam trembled as Lucifer rolled his fingers downward, pushing underneath he waistband of Adam’s jeans.

“Adam,” Lucifer’s voice called sweetly, “I’m going to touch you now.”

Adam's eyelids fluttered, a symphony of sensations enveloped him. He whimpered and bit down on his bottom lip, glancing down his body and watching Lucifer’s hand. His body tingled with an electric anticipation, a sweet torment that left him breathless and wanting.

A soft gasp escaped his lips as he felt the heat of Lucifer's touch, a delicate exploration that set his soul ablaze. His chest rose and fell in sync with the rhythm of their shared breaths, a silent symphony of desire echoing in the air.

“Have you touched yourself?” Lucifer whispered, sliding his hands further downward. “Since entering the backrooms?”

Adam bit down on his bottom lip, his nerves dancing as he felt Lucifer’s touch, “No. Not in the backrooms.”

“So you’re backed up,” Lucifer purred, trailing his fingers even further inside Adam’s boxershorts, “What about outside the backrooms? How often did you touch yourself then?”

Lucifer’s hand was slow and delicate, sliding with care over the hair of his manhood. Adam jumped, gasping and tried not too but squirmed despite himself.

“Of course I did,” Adam licked his lips and Lucifer immediately looked at his mouth, “I touched myself, um, often.”

Lucifer grinned, “Good to know you have a healthy sex drive then. Have anyone touched you like this before?”

“No,” Adam’s breath hitched when Lucifer’s hand suddenly touched his cock fully, “I’ve never had any luck with other people. Nobody likes me.”

Snorting, Lucifer frowned and watched as his hand touched Adam finally, brushing his fingertips along Adam’s penis. Lucifer’s own breath became trapped in his throat as Adam’s expression changed from the touch, the greenness of Adam’s eyes deepening in a sign of lust, something Lucifer had been yearning to see.

“Their lose then.”

Adam’s mouth opened but then clamped shit again and his eyebrows creased as if he was trying to dissect this new sensation. It felt so different to his own hand.

When Lucifer curled his hand fully around Adam’s penis, he gasped and moaned out. Lucifer giggled and slid his hand further up the sensitive spots of Adam’s cock, rolling his fingertips back and forth. Lucifer moved his hand slowly and delicately, rubbing his fingers skilfully. He watched Adam’s every reaction to his touch, making sure to burn it into his mind so he would never forget. When Adam appeared to relax further, his muscles unclenching, Lucifer slid his hand all the way up to the tip of the penis and back down repeatedly.

“Does it feel good, Addie?” he whispered, leaning closer to Adam’s face, “Are you feeling good?”

Another moan escaped Adam and looked at Adam, his chest beginning to heave heavily. His hips beginning to rock up into Lucifer’s hand.

“Does it feel good, come on Addie, tell me?” Lucifer cooed, speeding up his touch.

Adam gasped, arching his back. He stared into Lucifer’s lovely and handsome face, watching as a soft blush appeared on Lucifer’s own cheeks. He couldn’t help himself; he leant forward and kissed Lucifer. Pushing his lips against Lucifer’s with another whimper escaping him.

Lucifer’s eyes widened in surprise, having not expected Adam to even attempt to kiss him. He immediately began to kiss Adam back, pushing him further into the wall he was sitting up again, while at the same time, he began to aggressively rub Adam’s cock.

“You’re close, aren’t you Addie~” Lucifer whispered against Adam’s mouth, “You’re so close aren’t you Addie, don’t fight it~”

Adam swallowed thickly; his mouth much too wet all of a sudden. His vision was beginning to blur from unleashed tears.

“Come for me, Addie~”

He pushed his mouth against Adam’s again, pushing his soft tongue into Adam’s. His hand caressed Adam’s cock more, forcing Adam to ride out his climax. Their lips moved together almost desperately, Adam’s tongue having no other choice but to dance with Lucifer’s.

His hips were trembling, Adam felt as if his whole body was quivering. His insides twitching, jolting back and forth, unsure where it should settle. The orgasm hit him all at once. He had never had an orgasm like that before.

“You’re so cute Addie,” Lucifer cooed, withdrawing his hand.

Adam wheezed sharply, practically sobbing from his climax. He pulled Lucifer back into a kiss, his hands cupping Lucifer’s cherry-shaped face and whimpering as their tongues danced.

“Luci, Luci,” Adam chanted, pulling back with a bridge of saliva between their lips, “Can – Can I touch you too? Can I do something in return? Please let me?”

The warmest, sweetest dazzling smile curled across Lucifer’s face. His blue eyes seemed to glint, shimmering otherworldly and gave a sharp nod, “Of course you can, in fact, I would love for you to touch me.”

Touch?

Adam swallowed thickly and began to kiss Lucifer again. From the moment he met Lucifer, he found him too clean, too neat, too soft and angelic. Adam wanted to dirt him up, even just a little. His hands became tangled up in Lucifer’s t-shirt, tugging it upward slightly as he continued to kiss the blonde man.

It was just so Lucifer, fully and completely. He smelt lovely and Adam pushed Lucifer back onto his backside. His hot warm beginning to slide down Lucifer’s throat, running his teeth along the soft pale, flawless flesh. He ran his mouth over Lucifer’s t-shirt and then began to kiss and nip at Lucifer’s exposed stomach.

“Addie,” Lucifer whispered, clocking his head with a delicious pink face, “Oh, Addie, you’re so cute and beautiful~”

Hands tugging at Lucifer’s blue jeans, Adam pulled back to unbutton them and Lucifer raised his hips. Adam gently licked at Lucifer’s hidden cock, feeling it stir underneath his tongue, feeling it begin to harden. Tenderly, Adam eased Lucifer cock out and immediately began to lick at it. His warm lips making soft kisses along the heated skin.

A groan escaped Lucifer, his head flopping all the way back. He spread his thighs further and moaning as Adam began to bob his head, running his lips back and forth along Lucifer’s hard cock. He sucked on the tip and then sunk his mouth back down.

“Addie, you’re such a good boy like this. So pretty and endearing, with your cute lips wrapped around my cock~” Lucifer teased, running his fingers through Adam’s thick hair, “I knew you were the one, the moment I first met you, I know you were mine. You were the one I’ve been waiting for, you’re so special and precious.”

Adam groaned at the words, closing his eyes and just focusing on sucking Lucifer off. He wanted Lucifer to feel good.

“My Addie~” Lucifer purred, arching hips as he felt himself reaching that point, “Fuck, Addie, you’re making me come~”

He froze as he felt Lucifer come. Adam’s green eyes brightened as he pulled and swallowed the bitter liquid in his mouth. He met Lucifer’s eyes and smiled shyly, “Did that feel good?”

“Fuck yes,” the blonde man purred, fixing his cock back into his jeans and then pulling Adam into another kiss. His tongue plugging into Adam’s mouth hungrily, “Addie, you’re so perfect for me.”

Adam’s breath hitched as Lucifer’s warm hand rested on his stomach, his touch soft but possessive, fingertips brushing lightly over his skin as though savouring every inch. Lucifer hummed, his voice low and almost melodic, eyes fixed on Adam’s stomach with a strange, adoring gleam.

“Oh, Addie,” he murmured, stroking slow, gentle circles. “You feel so soft, so perfect. Just imagine… seeing you round and lovely, holding something so precious… something of mine.”

Adam’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson as he squirmed under the touch, his mind whirling. “Luci… I’m a guy, remember? That’s… that’s not exactly possible.”

Lucifer’s grin widened, the warmth in his smile shifting into something sharper, almost otherworldly, as though he were looking at Adam with an unquenchable hunger.

“Ah, but dreams are allowed, aren’t they, Addie?” he whispered, his voice wrapping around Adam’s senses like silk. “And you—you’re like a dream come to life.”

Adam’s blush deepened, his gaze flicking to his stomach as a strange, sweet warmth filled him.

“You… really like the idea of that?” he asked shyly.

With a dazzling smile, Lucifer dropped to his knees, inching closer as he leaned Adam against the wall. His hands framed Adam’s hips, holding him in place, his eyes gleaming with something intense and deep. Gently, he nipped at Adam’s lower lip, the soft pressure of his teeth sending a shiver through him.

“Oh, yes, Addie,” he whispered, his voice like a promise. “I want to see you full, glowing, carrying a part of me. I want you as mine, with a family of our own. And I’ll never let anything take you from me, not now… not ever.”

Adam’s heart pounded, feeling caught in the pull of Lucifer’s strange, intoxicating affection, a warmth that left him feeling claimed and protected all at once, bound by a love that felt timeless yet dangerously unyielding.

Adam’s heart thudded painfully in his chest as he felt the cold realization settle over him. Lucifer’s hand on his stomach, the odd look in his eyes—it all started to make sense in a way that terrified and captivated him.

“L-Luci…” he stammered, feeling the shiver trace up his spine, “Are… are you…”

Lucifer tilted his head, an innocent gleam in his eyes, though his smile didn’t reach them. “Am I what, Addie?” His voice was soft, the tone almost tender, but there was a faint edge that left Adam feeling exposed, as though he were standing on the edge of something vast and incomprehensible.

Swallowing hard, Adam pressed his lips into a thin line. His gaze didn’t waver as he forced himself to meet Lucifer’s eyes, his voice a trembling whisper.

“You’re not human, are you?” Adam breathed; his voice barely audible. “You’re… you’re Entity 1000, aren’t you?”

Lucifer’s smile grew, a slow, almost predatory curve of his lips as he raised a hand, fingers grazing Adam’s cheek with unsettling gentleness. His touch was as warm as it was chilling.

“Oh, Addie,” he murmured, his voice slipping into that familiar, melodic purr, “Does that frighten you?”

His thumb brushed over Adam’s cheekbone in a way that could’ve been comforting, but there was something behind it, an intent he couldn’t quite place. Lucifer’s blue eyes sparkled, the depths of them seeming endless, almost as if they held all the secrets of the Backrooms within their depths.

“Or… does it make you curious?”

Adam shuddered, torn between the part of him that wanted to pull away and the other part, the one that held onto every word, fascinated despite himself.

Lucifer’s grin stretched wider, an eerie gleam lighting up his twisted features as his six, towering wings loomed over Adam. They were far from angelic, looking torn and demonic, with edges that flickered as though glitching in and out of reality. His blue eyes had darkened, swirling with crimson and gold, and from his head sprouted sharp, twisted horns, cracked at the top, forming a hauntingly beautiful yet sinister halo.

Adam’s breath hitched, his eyes wide with terror as he pressed himself back against the wall, heart pounding erratically. The charming smile he’d known was replaced with something terrifying and intense. Lucifer’s entire form exuded an overpowering energy, one that left Adam feeling small, trapped, and utterly vulnerable.

Lucifer leaned in close, his twisted grin revealing rows of glittering, razor-sharp teeth.

“Are you frightened, Addie?” he whispered, his voice curling around Adam like a shadow, chilling and entrancing all at once. “I wanted you to see me as I truly am.”

Adam swallowed, his entire body trembling. He nodded faintly, his mind racing with what Lute had warned him about—Lucifer was more than just a friend, more than a mysterious companion. He was an entity, the most powerful, and everything he’d ever feared in the Backrooms. He created this endless nightmare to amuse himself. A small whimper escaped Adam’s lips.

“Were you just… using me for entertainment?” he asked, his voice cracking.

Lucifer cupped Adam’s face, his touch both unsettlingly gentle and possessive.

“No,” he cooed, his voice softening as he gazed into Adam’s terrified eyes. “I didn’t use you, Addie. I felt you the moment you entered the Backrooms. You called out to me, remember? You introduced yourself, and I knew then—you were mine.”

Adam’s pulse quickened, panic mixing with an odd feeling he couldn’t quite place, something that left him speechless.

“W-What do you want?” he stammered weakly, unable to break away from Lucifer’s intense gaze.

Lucifer’s smile twisted into something darkly possessive, his eyes glinting with an otherworldly hunger.

“I want to make you mine completely,” he whispered, his voice dropping to a guttural, dangerous tone. “I want to breed you, Addie, to fill you with my essence and create something that’s ours.”

“I-I-“

“Addie, I’m going to breed you, now.”

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