“None of my children are in your group? That’s disappointing,” the man says.
“Dionysus, you’re looking well. It’s good to see you again,” Jayden says.
That’s why he looks familiar. On the journey to the academy, Jayden and I helped find him. He was lost.
“I should have known then it would be the two of you in the middle of all this.” Dionysus waves a hand, indicating the huge mess we’re all in.
“Not our fault we were pulled into the fire,” I say.
“No, that would be the queen’s fault of course. She always did have it out for the children of Zeus.”
“That would be the understatement of the millennia.” I relax my shoulders.
“You haven’t met my wife I’m assuming?” He waves to a beautiful woman with long dark hair and dark eyes. “Ariadne.”
“Ariadne. As in the princess who helped Theseus?” Jayden asks.
“We do not speak that name,” the woman whispers. “I have my own story independent of that brute.”
“Apologies, Lady Ariadne, I meant no disrespect.” Jayden bows to her.
“Have you come to assist us?” I ask.
“We have. You need to be able to return from the forge and the only way in or out is through the maze,” Ariadne says.
“So we have to find our way back?” I ask.
“Yes, you will need this.” She hands me a ball of glowing silver string.
“Is this the string?” I ask. “Like for real?”
“It is one and the same.” Ariadne smiles. “It will serve you well on your journey to trap the queen.”
“Thank you. This will help tremendously.” I bow my head to her.
“You saved my love once. I hope that this small gesture shows my thanks.” Ariadne bows as well.
“No thanks needed but I appreciate the way out. I’ve heard all of the stories about this maze, and I don’t want to be trapped inside for eternity.” I shake my head.
“Go, young heroes. Defeat the queen and gain your glory among the gods.” Dionysus waves us into the tunnel with a flourish only the god of wine could possess.
“Thank you.” We step into the weird mining tunnel and a stone door closes behind us, sealing us inside.
“This is going to suck,” I say into the pitch-black tunnel. “Anyone have a flashlight?”
“Why do we need a flashlight?” Kira asks.
I glance back at my friend and startle when her eyes blaze with flames. That answers her confusion.
“You can see in this shit?” Raven asks.
“Yeah, it’s just like we’re outside. Why? Can’t you guys?” Kira furrows her brows.
“That’s a negative. Your wolf is close to the surface which must be helping enhance your senses.” I shrug.
“Torches line the walls; maybe I can light them,” Kira says.
Fire blazes in her palms, lighting up her face in the darkness. Greyson shifts on his feet clearly seeing what she does but not commenting.
