“So why are you saying it’s this way, Quaid,” Declan asks.
“Because the codes are like a map,” he says. Which again, makes sense. If the symbols are like constellations. Aren’t they just a map as well? “And they’re pointing this direction.” He gestures to my left.
“We need to split up,” Star says, looking at me. “When Quaid and I were in the maze, it was just us two. You and Declan weren’t there.”
Of course, we weren’t. Why would we all be together? That might give us a chance.
“OK,” Declan says. “So what’s that mean?”
“It means only two of us are getting out of here,” I say.
“No,” Quaid snaps. “That’s not true. There are two ways to get to the center of the maze.”
I actually laugh out loud. “Oh, I get it. One team to go this way,” I point to my left. “And one team to go that way.” I pointto my right. “Because the center of the maze is the Minotaur’s nest.”
“I don’t get it,” Star says, looking at Quaid for an explanation.
“It’s easy,” I say. “Declan and I are the bait to keep the monster away from home while you and Quaid open the portal and get out of here.”
She makes a face at me. “I’m not sure that’s right.”
“It’s not,” Quaid says. “We’re not leaving you behind. It’s the four of us, Aric. You and Declanwillbe the bait. Star and Iwillopen the portal. But we’re all going through together.”
I’m just about to scoff at that when off in the distance I hear a snort.
My whole body freezes up and suddenly I’m a teenager again. Panicked, terrified, immobilized. Unable to think or see a way out.
Then I can smell it and the fear takes over.
Suddenly, Declan is shaking me. “Wake up, Aric. Snap out of it! We have to go.Right now!”
And I’m back in the present, alone in the four-way crossroad of the hallway with Declan.
“Where’s Star and Quaid?” I ask, my heart thumping like crazy.
“They ran that way! Come on, it needs to chase us so they can open the portal!”
He grabs me by the arm and starts running, forcing me to race alongside him.
And even though, when I look behind me, I can’t see the monster.
I can hear it snorting and growling its threats.
I can smell the stench of its animalistic nature.
And I can feel the pounding of its hooves.
