“The architecture looks Roman,” Alexis says, joining us. “Like a sacellum or aedicula.”
I feel myself nodding even though I’ve no idea what those words mean. “I wonder if this is our destination.”
As we move closer, more details become visible. Copper-looking braziers puff out trails of white smoke and something is etched onto the beams. “See those carvings?”
“Entablature,” Alexis corrects.
How does he know all this stuff? “Maximus calls you Lexi,” I reply, “but it should really be Lexicon.”
He raises an eyebrow. “Sass, Ms. Wilson?”
We share a grin. “Sorry, sir.”
—Look, Nymph—
Patches of glitter are beginning to light up the worn, warm stone path beneath our feet, inviting us toward the wide steps of the…what did Alexis call it? Can’t remember. To me, it looks like a temple.
"Are you freaking out?" Donovan says softly, coming up and taking hold of my hand. "Because it looks like we’re heading into a psychedelic fairy rave tent. I can’t tell if that’s a good or a bad thing.”
“Would be a great thing if we had some drugs,” a voice in my ear adds. “I bet the shrooms go hard in this place.” I look around to see Maximus behind me, grinning.
“You are a very irreverent person,” I tell him, biting back a smile.
“Aww, shucks, you like me! Want me to be your prince?”
I turn back to the ethereal pavilion, now a stone's throw away.
Up close, I see parts of the flowing fabric are frayed and worn. Patches of the stone columns are dull and even crumbling inparts. Grandeur past its prime, which only makes me more curious about what—or who—we’re going to find inside.
Donovan grips my hand, and I squeeze it back.
Ludo walks at my other side, eyes constantly moving, looking for trouble. A breeze picks up, and it brings an odd scent towards us.
Woody, slightly bitter, but still fresh.
Ludo freezes.
“Lu?”
The pulse in his jaw is thumping, and hard cords stand out on his neck.
—Bad—
— Smell…so bad—
He suddenly pulls me away from Donovan and picks me up, bridal-style, and takes off running.
Loud yells from the guys, wanting to know what’s going on.
I have no clue, but Ludo has earned my trust. “You’re in charge, Ludo. I’ll go wherever you want.”
—Far from here—
Ludo tears up the meadow, and I bounce in his arms. Suddenly, he stumbles as Max and Alexis tackle him. Donovan grabs at my body and I’m pulled from Ludo’s grasp.
I see my big man being wrestled to the ground.
“STOP IT!” I shriek. “Stop right now!”
