“And what purpose was that?” Adamantia asked.
“Firstly, the woman was clearly terrified of it, and it added a psychological terror over and above that of impending death. Secondly, I desired to see how the maze worked,” Selene explained.
“When it swallowed Lady Aquilae, the ground shook and rumbled in a similar way to when it spat out the shifter last night. Why then were there no reports of activity from the maze before last night? How did someone enter the maze without there being any noticeable disruption?” she questioned.
Adamantia was silent and looked at the maze thoughtfully for a moment.
“Perhaps he entered willingly and simply got lost?” she suggested.
“Only one that didn’t know of the nature of the maze would enter willingly. And even so, what purpose would entering the maze serve?” Selene questioned.
“I truly can’t think of any,” Adamantia replied.
“There are too many unanswered questions,” Selene sighed. “And where were you? You didn’t come to breakfast?”
Sasha huffed, and Adamantia looked a little embarrassed.
“I was having a drink. From one of my sources,” she admitted.
This surprised Selene—I felt it, like a sizzle at the top of my head.
“You have sources, outside of Sasha?” she questioned.
“I’d prefer if the two of you didn’t discuss such things in my presence. Yes, my wife has other sources. Leave it at that please,” Sasha interrupted.
“This obviously displeases you,” Selene stated.
“I will respect my wife’s wishes and not discuss it further. However, if you are looking for another source, let me know and I will introduce you to the servants most amenable to a bite,” Adamantia offered.
Selene nodded.
“Thank you,” she replied.
I turned to her, offended. I knew I wasn’t hiding my feelings—I couldn’t, though I did try.
I didn’t want her biting anyone but me. Why would she even entertain such an offer? I was the best source she had ever had. I made her bloodhigh. She didn’t need anyone but me.
Adamantia led Sasha away, and soon it was only Selene and I.
The cold was biting at my face and I wanted to head back into the warmth myself.
“I know it is cold,” she said. “We will head inside soon. I want to observe the maze a little longer.”
“I can feel you,” I told her.
She turned to me with a look of concern.
“How much can you feel?” she asked.
“I’m not sure,” I shrugged. “Not everything, not all the time. But I keep feeling physical sensations that aren’t mine,” I explained.
“Provide an example,” she commanded.
“Like, you were surprised just now. That Adamantia has other sources,” I told her. “It felt like a tingling, fizzle at the top of my head.”
Selene nodded, pensively.
“I will call for the enchanter, the moment we are back in Borealis,” she promised.
