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“The entrance can be a tree, a flower, or one of the creatures in the maze. The only common denominator is that it’s always in a place that most intruders would prefer to avoid.” He nodded toward the village. “Like a hungry troll.”
It’d taken him precious time and a near-death experience to discover the secret of the labyrinth.
“I suppose that makes sense,” Sofie grudgingly admitted.
“Trust me.”
“Never.”
Anticipation swirled through Ryshi, igniting the passions that had been suppressed for far too long. This female was beautiful, of course. Vampires were always gorgeous. It was the bait they used to hunt their prey. It was Sofie’s defiant independence and hint of mystery that fascinated him. She was complex and elusive and fiercely dangerous.
“A challenge,” he breathed.
The chill in the air deepened, but Sofie didn’t respond as she nodded toward the delicate wood sprite who was leaving the village to walk in their direction. The female was as tall as Sofie, with a slender frame that was covered by a sheer robe and long hair that held tints of green.
“Is she real?”
It was a question that Ryshi had considered long after he’d managed to escape from the maze.
“Yes. I’m not sure if they were captured by the minotaurs and forced into the labyrinth or if they entered on their own and were ensnared in the spell,” he revealed. “But however they got here, they don’t appear to realize they’re stuck in this place. They simply repeat a moment in time over and over. In this case, it’s obviously eating a meal together in the center of the village.”
“They’re like actors on a stage.” Sofie shuddered. “Replicating the same performance.”
Ryshi sensed her horror, but he couldn’t allow her to sympathize with the creatures trapped in the labyrinth. Not if they were going to survive.
“Remember that those weapons aren’t props,” he said in a low voice, his gaze catching a glimpse of a silver blade hidden beneath the woman’s robe. “One wrong move and she’ll stick a dagger in your heart.”
“I thought you said that your magic would protect us?”
“It allows me to move around like I’m one of them,” he corrected.
“Just part of the cast?”
He clicked his tongue, sending her a chiding glance. “Hardly just another cast member. I’m the romantic lead.”
As if on cue, the sprite sent him a smile of pure invitation. A smile that might have been a lot more inviting if her eyes hadn’t been devoid of emotion. Like she was a puppet being controlled by an unseen master.
“More like the comic relief,” Sofie informed him in sweet tones.
“Sweet Sofie. So beautiful and yet so cruel.”
She flashed her fangs and he laughed. Unfortunately, their conversation was interrupted as the sprite performed a deep bow.
“Welcome to our village, strangers.” Her voice was raspy, as if she didn’t use it often.
Maybe never.
Ryshi offered a cautious nod of his head. “Thank you.”
“I am Fassie.” Her gaze darted toward Sofie, as if vaguely aware there was another creature in the area, before returning to Ryshi. She obviously realized Sofie was there, but her alarm hadn’t gone off. Exactly what he’d hoped would happen. “Follow me. We are preparing lunch.”
The female turned, heading back toward the village at a steady pace. Ryshi waited until there was some space between them before following. The female might act as if she was pleased by their arrival, but in the blink of an eye she could launch an attack. He’d had it happen before.
They’d reached the edge of the cottages when a soft breeze brought the scent of fresh fruit and figs dipped in honey. His mouth watered.
“Mmm.” He licked his lips in anticipation. “Smells delicious.”
Sofie nudged him with her elbow. “We don’t have time to eat.”
