“Then go,” Aylin had spat. “Go and run with your precious wolves... if I’m such a burden to you.”
The memories fade, leaving behind their aching scars.
I hold out my hand. “You’re not a burden, Kari. Never that. Maybe we can travel together? I’ll need to sleep sometime, and I can help you find the end of the maze. If you reach it unclaimed, then there’s a chance you can use the portal to return home.”
Kari squeezes my fingers. “Are you sure?”
“You’re not the only one in an unfamiliar world. And I’ll bet that you know more than you think you do. Surely you’ve learned a few things, translating those scrolls? Perhaps that will come in handy? Now, are you ready to continue?”
“Hunting that enormous winged beast?” She uses my hand to pull herself to her feet. “Well, I guess I cannot say that I’m not going to have an adventure if I’m by your side. Which way?”
Grabbing the spear, I turn to consider the four exits facing us. I can’t track him when he’s in the air. I need higher ground so that I can see the layout of the Labyrinth, and perhaps a chance to spy him if he’s flying.
“Want to help me climb to the top of the hedge, so I can get a better look?”
Kari grabs her voluminous white skirts and crosses toward the hedge, then cups her hands. “Iamstrong.”
“Excellent.” I place my foot in her cupped hands, then cock my head, tension sliding down my spine like the icy trail of a knife.
The maze is silent.
At every intersection we’ve paused at, I’ve always heard the chitter of some bird or creature. And I hadn’t realized the absence of that background noise until now.
We’re not alone.
“Stay behind me,” I warn as a handful of savages exit the maze, grinning as if they’ve just found a pot of gold.
“Well, well,” says the largest man, and my heart sinks when I see his armor. “Come on, ladies, lay down your weapons.”
They’re all wearing similar versions of the same armor, a striking hawk embossed on the front. Hard steel is sheathed at their sides, and their hands are covered in metal-plated gauntlets.
Six-to-two.
The odds aren’t in our favor.
And as I turn around, I realize another two men have slipped from the exit behind us.
“Stay back!” Kari calls. “Or my friend here will gut you like a fish!”
A wince wrinkles my brow. Possibly not the best time for Kari to find her courage, even if it’s flattering that she thinks I can handle six warriors like this.
I weigh it all up in a glance, then slowly lower the spear and hold it out in surrender. Fighting now is futile. But the first thing a hunter learns is patience. The right moment will come, a chance when their guard lowers and we can make our escape.
And I don’t need a knife or spear to be dangerous.
“Actually,” I tell her. “I think we might have to listen this one time.”
As long as they keep their hands to themselves.
Chapter 4
Zyla
Never trust a handsome stranger. Especially if you’re in a Bride Hunt.”
—ZYLA BASHKIRIA, AUTHOR OFA BRIDE’S GUIDE TO HUNTING THE HUNTER
“Put me down!” I scream, driving my head back into my captor’s face. “Where is she? Where did you take her?”
