The Curse of the Jade Mask

The dense rainforest pulsed with life as Olivia Carter and Marcus Hale hacked their way through the thick undergrowth. The air was thick with humidity, and the sounds of distant howler monkeys echoed through the trees.

“We should turn back,” Marcus muttered, wiping sweat from his brow. “We’ve been out here for two days, and we still haven’t found anything.”

Olivia shot him a determined look. “Professor Langley’s research was clear—the Jade Mask of Xelcan is in this temple. We’re close.”

The mask, an ancient artifact belonging to a forgotten Mesoamerican civilization, was said to grant wisdom beyond mortal comprehension. But legends also spoke of a deadly curse, one that had claimed the lives of past explorers.

Marcus sighed. “Fine. But if something tries to kill us, I’m blaming you.”

They pushed forward, and at last, the jungle parted to reveal the crumbling remains of an ancient temple. Vines snaked around the weathered stone, and intricate carvings of jaguars and celestial patterns adorned the walls.

“Beautiful,” Olivia whispered.

Marcus glanced around uneasily. “Also a great place to die.”

Ignoring him, Olivia stepped inside. The air was cool and dry, untouched by time. Their flashlights illuminated faded murals depicting a masked figure surrounded by kneeling worshippers. At the center of the chamber, resting on an obsidian pedestal, was the Jade Mask.

“There it is,” Olivia breathed.

Marcus held up a hand. “Wait—”

Too late. Olivia reached for the mask. The moment her fingers brushed the jade surface, a deep rumbling shook the temple. The murals seemed to shift, their painted eyes following her.

A gust of wind rushed through the chamber, though there were no openings for it to enter. Then, a voice—low, guttural, and ancient.

“You are unworthy.”

Marcus grabbed Olivia’s arm. “We need to GO.”

The walls trembled, and the ground beneath them split open. From the darkness, spectral warriors materialized, their hollow eyes burning with green fire.

“Not good,” Olivia muttered, clutching the mask.

The ghostly figures charged. Marcus yanked Olivia back as a translucent blade slashed through the air, narrowly missing her. They sprinted toward the exit, leaping over cracks in the stone as the temple collapsed around them.

“DROP THE MASK!” Marcus shouted.

“Not a chance!” Olivia yelled back.

The spirits shrieked, their wails deafening. The exit was in sight, but the doorway was caving in. With one final leap, they burst through just as the temple crumbled behind them, sealing the cursed warriors inside.

They landed in the dirt, coughing. The jungle had gone eerily silent.

Marcus groaned. “Tell me that was worth it.”

Olivia grinned, holding up the mask. The jade shimmered in the moonlight. “Absolutely.”

But as she turned it over in her hands, the green glow in its hollow eyes flickered. A whisper brushed against her ear—

“The curse is not broken.”