“Don’t look back,” he commanded when I turned my head. He was not even slightly out of breath while I heaved for every bit of oxygen I could get.

I focused ahead, watching every move he took, at times terrified that we were leaping headfirst into the thick brick walls, only for them to be openings leading us deeper into the labyrinth. Before he took the next leap, I saw it on the edge of my periphery. The dual layers. The one that hid the doorway, and the doorway itself and what lay beyond. A memory came back to me. If I didn’t look directly at it, I could see it for what it truly was.

Excitement shot through me and energized my tired legs. When I saw the next opening, I jerked out of Astaroth’s hold and went for it. He grasped for me, but I was already gone. I kept going, a smile growing on my face, leaping over roots and into hidden passageways until finally the steady footfalls of the beast faded.

I came to a stop, sliding down a wall until my butt hit the cobblestones. I leaned my head back against it and laughed with what little breath I had.

“I did it,” I muttered and surveyed the area full of small homes and buildings nearly stacked on top of one another. I made it to the Goblin Circle. A tower peeked above them not far away. It was the castle. I pushed on, wondering how I managed to make it here that fast.

Quiet as I could, I walked the alleys to avoid the little monsters roaming the area, jetting across streets when I reached them. I could feel their dark eyes watching me from windows and doorways. Hushed whispers floated to me in the air.She has returned! Where is the king? She brought the beasts near!

I knew where the king was. I stopped at the drawbridge and rubbed the tips of my fingers against my palms. This time splinters wouldn’t pierce my skin as I passed.