Where he took us was only a few minutes walk from where we started. We all walked in silence, shooting the odd glance at each other to make sure we were still all there. The fear had diminished in our minds, so instead of a nagging voice it was now just a soft hum that was lingering. I for one, was mainly curious. The Ringmaster, this place, this whole situation intrigued me and I couldn't help myself but be... Excited about this. I'm pretty sure Lola and Drew were not feeling the same thrill as I was - well - maybe Lola was... However her motivations were often dubious. Drew looked as if he was sulking the whole time we were walking in toe behind the Ringmaster, even when I tried to make silent faces to lighten the mood; nothing. His eyes stayed determinedly fixated in front of us, never moving, barely blinking. It was strange.

      The place we were taken to looked ominous from the outside - it looked like a mix between a massive farm outhouse and an abandoned warehouse. It was made from a mix of wooden planks, slightly haggard and splintered enough to be noticeable, as well as having ever so slightly rusted tin looking panels around the roof, doors and corners. Even in the daylight I couldn't imagine this place looking any more lively. The colour of the wood and tin mix was a greyish brown with tinges of a murky green and sickly yellow. It was in complete contrast to what we had seen from this place already, which had overall, been pristine. 

      Inside however, was a completely different kettle of fish. There were bright stage lights dotted around the ceiling along with the warm amber lighting that illuminated the building. It looked like a mini circus inside, with a giant circle arena set below everything else in the middle of the building, a long striped tapestry hanging behind the arena sporting the stereotypical red, white and blue; the floor lined with sawdust and hay; there were metal barriers lining the arena, with stalls of deep burgundy seats all around. It was completely silent apart from the sound of our own heartbeats thumping in our chests.

      "No need to stay all the way over there you three. Come, take a seat," the Ringmaster announced as he opened his arms wide, emphasising the vast amount of seating to choose from in the empty arena. No one argued, or made a snide comment, we just sat. "Miss," he continued as he looked in my direction, "would you be so kind as to follow me?" He spoke politely, but raised his eyebrows ever so slightly as he spoke, emanating confidence like he knew no body could refuse. As I looked up at him, he kept one arm behind him and held out the other for me to take his hand. I hesitated, but nevertheless, got up, ignoring his outstretched arm. Even through his dark brown beard, I could see slight dimples forming from his smirk at my repudiation. "As you wish, petal," he echoed in the empty arena, voice like velvet.

      "We'll be right here, Ronnie, okay?" Drew uttered softly, Lola nodding as he spoke.

      "I'll be right back you guys," I said with a smile, reassuringly. I felt his eyes watching me, staring at my expression. Curiosity? I couldn't be sure, but there was something in his eyes as I turned back round to meet his gaze. There was a split moment, where his dark eyes did not seem empty.

      I followed him, without any real fear or daunting feeling. I didn't understand why, I mean he is a total stranger and we are in an abandoned building, but... For some reason, it didn't seem to matter too much to me. Drew and Lola were obviously saner and more self aware than I at this moment, as they seemed to show actual concern as I walked away. To be fair to them, they had willingly come with me to a secret; underground; abandoned by the looks of it and deceptively beautiful place, to find someone who had conned a receptionist out of my number; told Drew he would not be happy in love and who came to find me at work once we were closed. Considering all of the details, they're being pretty ace about it all really, can't fault them a bit.

      He took me behind the tapestries which were hanging behind the arena. Initially, I had thought they were just hanging to conceal the tainted walls, but in fact, they concealed a further building which didn't seem to exist from the outside. It looked like it was another building just glued onto this one... From outside though... I didn't understand... "Stop." I whispered to myself, halting those thoughts until there was time. Later. I had to concentrate on the now. 

      The building was the exact replica of the last, however this one wasn't so empty. Instead of the simplicity of just seating and an empty arena, this building was furnished like a bohemian boudoir; pillows, blankets, cushion seats, tables decorated with elaborate spreads of crystals, salt lamps, tarot cards, crystal balls, incense, petals, jewellery, books, maps? It was sensory overload. My eyes and brain were in conflict as to what to focus on next, it was all so beautiful and mystic. The colours of everything clashed and merged at the same time, sinking in to each other and swimming in each other's hues. The ambers, pinks, violets, blue like sapphire... It all glistened around me. The tapestries in here were the same as the entrance to this place, but there were added intricacies, crescent moons and sundials embroidered onto them, a shining string of stars hung through the circus stripes effortlessly, as if they were completely in their natural habitat.

      He was staring at me again. I felt it. It wasn't the same feeling you get when you just know someone is looking at you. It was like I actually felt something... I felt like I was exposed. He wasn't just staring at me. He was seeing me. I tried to stop my face showing my inner thoughts, 'stay deadpan, stay deadpan', I thought. I expected that coy smirk again, dimples showing through his beard to mock the fact I was obviously flustered, but when I caught his gaze, for the second time, there was something there. I still couldn't tell what it was, but for some stupid reason, I felt a sudden giddiness in my stomach, like butterflies. 'Butterflies. Who the hell am I anyway?' I scorned myself silently. The Ringmaster held eye contact for what seemed like a beat too long, and proceeded to direct me to a table which was encircled with lavish cushions to sit on, bright emerald greens, wine reds, fluorescent yellows... Dazzling and loud. Beautiful and delicate.

      He went round to the opposite side of the table and indicated for me to take a seat. The cushions were incredibly comfortable, I sat in lotus position and got lost in the moment of pure comfort, in such a strange situation, I actually felt comfort. I took a deep breath in, fluttering my eyes closed for a second, then looked up to him.

      Now he was smirking.