Chapter 8: Hu Tao's Antics and a Reunion

The silence was broken by the faint sound of hurried footsteps echoing through the maze. Lumine straightened, her flashlight trembling slightly in her grip as she peered into the darkness.

“Did you hear that?” she whispered, her heart beginning to race.

Hu Tao popped another candy into her mouth, entirely unbothered. “Hear what? The sound of our impending doom?” She grinned. “Or maybe it’s just our friends finally finding their way.”

Before Lumine could respond, the haunting wail of the lady filled the air, growing louder with each second. Lumine froze, but Hu Tao’s face lit up with excitement.

“Oh, it’s her!” Hu Tao said with a laugh, hopping to her feet. “Let’s have some fun, shall we?”

The lady emerged from the shadows, her eerie form moving swiftly toward them. But instead of fear, Hu Tao wore a mischievous grin. She darted toward the lady, weaving in chaotic circles and making exaggerated gestures as if playing a game of tag.

“Catch me if you can!” Hu Tao teased, her laughter echoing through the corridors.

The lady let out a frustrated screech, lunging toward her, but Hu Tao was too quick, her unpredictable movements throwing the spirit off.

Lumine watched in horror and disbelief as Hu Tao continued to taunt the lady, spinning and ducking out of reach. “Hu Tao, stop messing around!”

“Why?” Hu Tao called back, giggling. “She’s terrible at this game!”

Just as the lady let out another wail, preparing to strike, Lumine ran forward and grabbed Hu Tao’s arm, dragging her toward the safety of the lantern. “Enough, Hu Tao! Let’s go!”

They stumbled into the light of the lantern, and the lady screeched to a halt, her form flickering and trembling as she was forced to retreat. With one final guttural cry, she disappeared back into the maze’s darkness.

Hu Tao pouted, clearly disappointed. “Aw, she gave up too easily. I was just getting started.”

“Are you insane?” Lumine hissed, still clutching Hu Tao’s arm. “She could’ve killed you!”

Hu Tao shrugged, her grin unfazed. “Maybe, but did you see her face? Priceless!”

Before Lumine could argue further, the sound of more footsteps reached their ears. This time, it was accompanied by familiar voices.

“Hu Tao? Lumine? Is that you?”

Around the corner came Furina and Heizou, their flashlights bobbing as they ran. Furina’s eyes widened the moment she spotted them standing by the exit door.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Furina gasped, doubling over in disbelief. “You found the exit?”

Heizou stopped beside her, panting slightly, and gave a crooked smile. “Well, looks like you two had better luck than us.”

Lumine sighed in relief. “We’ve been waiting for you. Where’s Scaramouche and Aether?”

Furina straightened, brushing off her coat with a dramatic flair. “I have no idea. Aether ran off to save someone, and Scaramouche… well, he’s probably still sulking somewhere.”

Hu Tao leaned casually against the wall, popping another candy into her mouth. “Don’t worry, they’ll show up. They always do. But hey, Furina, you should’ve seen the lady—I totally had her chasing me in circles!”

Furina raised an eyebrow. “You what?”

Lumine groaned. “Don’t ask.”

Heizou chuckled, patting Furina’s shoulder. “Let’s focus on regrouping. Scaramouche has the key, and we’re not leaving without everyone.”

The group nodded, the exit door a bittersweet reminder that their ordeal wasn’t over yet. As the oppressive darkness of the maze loomed behind them, they steeled themselves for whatever came next.