I scramble to my feet, my bracelet consuming all my attention. From the looks of it, I’ve used another eighth of my time. Now only three-quarters remains.
Regret lances into me, a sharpness that has me pressing a fist to my belly. Ishanna’s blood, why didn’t the Shadow get to me sooner? How did I manage to sleep for so long?
I pinch between my eyes, trying to stave off the frantic breaths piling into me. I’ve used up six or seven hours, probably—hours I can’t get back. But then again, what choice did I have? Ihadto rest, and Icouldn’t have returned to the castle. Not without burning up more of the gyre’s rings. Not without riskingeverything.
No, I did the only thing I could have. Now it’s done, and it can’t be undone. Best to just move forward.
With that decided, I breathe deep and sneak another glance at the Shadow. His claws scrabble at the brink as he leans out into nothing.
I press a hand to my mouth. If he plummets into that canyon, he’ll die.
Bothof them will.
The thought strikes a chill into my heart, and I turn to the tree door, my hand already on the knob. Once I pass through, the Shadow will backtrack, hunt me from some new direction. Even now, his roars rise to a frenzy, as if he can sense his prey passing beyond his reach.
Who knows. Maybe he can. Maybe he understands that much, even in his cursed state.
I turn the handle, my stance already braced against whatever awaits me, the door creaking open slowly. Beyond it lies gloom and shadows, a carpet of dead leaves. Musty air blasts against my face, assaulting me with the cloying stench of decay.
I recoil. Ishanna help me, but it’s the shadow place. Again.
Bile floods my throat. I shove it down, try to force myself forward, but every step feels like wading through mud. I don’t know that I can make myself go in there. But this is the only door I have, the only choice available. Unless…
I frown, the glimmer of an idea catching in my mind. The Shadow said doors never open to the same place twice.
I back away and yank this one shut, then count to ten, turn the handle, and push it open again.
And stare.
A cheerful-looking meadow spreads before me, bright with tall grass and dotted with gauzy flowers. A stately marble building waits at the far end, complete with a shiny gold door and slender marble columns.
An awed sound slips from my throat. I’ll take anything but the nightmare forest.Anything.
I step through, then swivel to catch one last glimpse of the Shadow. He snarls, his fangs catching the light, and while Iknowit’s not him,that I’ve already said my goodbyes to the version of him that matters, my heart squeezes out an extra beat, anyway.
Then the door swings shut. And dissolves into thin air.
A shiver flits across my skin. I don’t know that I’ll ever get used to that.
Birds twitter all around me. Sunlight bathes my face, warming me, inviting me to turn toward the building. With its soaring columns and peaked roof, it almost reminds me of my temple back home.
I make my way toward it. Long grass grazes my thighs, tickling at me through my leather pants, while the scent of nectar sweetens the air. A breeze tugs at the laces of my shirt as if inviting me to play.
It’s a lie, of course, this friendliness. I know that. But for a moment—just one—I imagine I’ve made it back to Aethrolia. To normality. Predictability. Safety.
Then, with a clench of my jaw, I sweep the fantasy aside. I’ve used up too many hours sleeping, and need to claw some back.
At the foot of the building’s shallow steps, I pause. What if another maze awaits inside? Last time, I wished I’d left a trail of pebbles, something to mark my way, and I don’t want to get caught unprepared again.
A quick search reveals plenty of tiny rocks strewn around my feet. I pile them into one of my many pockets, grateful for the storage space my clothes provide.
These pants may be ridiculous, and make me look like a heathen, but goddess, they’re also practical. At least for navigating a maze that’s actively trying to kill me.
Still, I can’t wait to burn them at the end.
I approach the golden door, which swings open at my touch. Inside, a long, ornate corridor stretches toward a semicircular landing. The stairs beyond descend to what looks like some kind of hall. From here, I can’t make out the specifics, but the whole scene looks innocuous enough.
It isn’t, of course. Nothing in this place is, but I step through anyway, slipping into cool shadows tinged with the scent of lemon. The door shuts behind me and promptly disappears.
