We crossed a large junction and moved into a narrower tunnel, then into one that was narrower still. I soon recognised where we were – and what was up ahead.
‘There,’ Thane said softly. ‘I see it.’
The painted yellow strip that stretched across the tunnel was bright even with only the witchlight to illuminate it. Isucked in a breath and felt a tingle of adrenaline. She Without An Ear darted forward and jumped across it without hesitating.
‘She’s braver than I am,’ Thomas said shakily. She was a cat; she was braver than all of us.
The hard part was over. The all-but impossible part was yet to come.
Chapter
Twenty-Seven
The closer we got to the maze, the calmer I became. Managing my stress levels in this way was a skill I’d honed over many years and it was good to know I’d not completely lost that skill since retirement.
Dark determination rippled from Thane, and She Without An Ear appeared positively eager. Leading the way, she darted forward with her tail held high. I wondered if that meant the strange Maine Coon was waiting for us or if She Without An Ear had other scarier fish to fry. Both were possible.
Unfortunately, the same attitude couldn’t be said of Thomas and the further we travelled, the more angst-ridden he became. His grief at Penelope’s loss was clearly overwhelming him and that, coupled with his fear of the maze monster, was clearly visible. ‘How will we kill the monster?’ he asked.
‘We have spells and weapons with us, but we’ll have to play it by ear. The best approach will be to take it by surprise.’ I didn’t add that the monster would have a full belly and hopefully be snoozing away the large meal that had consisted of Lady Penelope’s tender parts.
‘Okay.’ Thomas nodded and jiggled around.
‘We’ve got this,’ Thane reassured him.
‘Yep.’ The vampire jiggled some more. ‘Yep.’
I noted his trembling body. Heightened awareness was good up to a point; too much, however, and a person could quickly be overwhelmed.
‘Breathe,’ Thane advised. ‘One long breath in. One long breath out.’ He demonstrated and Thomas copied him. ‘Again,’ he said. ‘In. Then out. Keep doing that.’
I wasn’t convinced that the technique was working but I wasn’t an expert in vampire physiology. I gazed at Thomas's shaking hands then reached for my curved dagger.
The vampire staggered to a halt, his head whipping from side to side. ‘What? Is it the monster? Is it here?’
‘No.’
Thane frowned at me but I raised my hand to indicate that I knew what I was doing. He nodded and pinned his mouth shut.
With one quick slice, I cut myself. Thomas goggled. ‘What are you doing?’
I thrust my bleeding wrist towards his mouth. ‘Drink.’
‘No!’
‘I don’t care if drinking directly from the vein is considered uncouth. This isn’t a time to bother with social niceties.’ I hardened my voice. ‘Do it.’
Thane twitched but remained silent as Thomas lowered his mouth and began to suck. He didn’t need much and after about thirty seconds he pulled away. ‘I feel different,’ he said. ‘Better.’
That was what I’d been hoping. ‘Drinking the blood of a drunk donor makes you drunk,’ I said. ‘Drinking my blood is making you calm because I’m calm.’
Up ahead, She Without An Ear miaowed plaintively; we were taking too long and she was growing impatient.
‘Thank you,’ Thomas breathed.
‘You’re welcome.’ I pointed. ‘And look. The maze is there. We’ve made great time.’
Thomas swallowed, but he was no longer shaking and his red eyes appeared less panicky. Thane reached for my hand and squeezed my fingers. His werewolf warmth was all that I needed. I gave him a quick kiss on his mouth then we all plunged through the last section of tunnel and into the maze cavern.
