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He shook his head in frustration. Did she think he’d been randomly roaming around because he enjoyed being in this miserable place? If he could’ve gotten out they would be long gone.
“I told you, finding the exit is a matter of luck.”
She turned to face him. “We’ve already established that the labyrinth is built on a pattern. We just have to figure it out.”
Ryshi concentrated fiercely on the female in front of him, trying to ignore the heavy pulse of the void.
“I’ve tried. The maze keeps shifting, creating new pathways.” He waved an impatient hand toward the clouds above their heads. “There’s no sun or stars to follow and there are no scents beyond the stench of these stupid hedges.”
She stepped closer, reaching out to place her hands on his shoulders. Any other time, he would have taken advantage of her proximity to wrap his arms around her and haul her tight against his body. Right now, he was far more interested in what she had to say.
“What do you hear?” she demanded.
He frowned. The place was eerily quiet. “Nothing.”
“Exactly.”
“Exactly?” He ground his teeth. “What does that mean?”
“Ryshi.” She held his gaze, her expression somber. “If you can’t find the pattern it’s because it’s hidden in the silence.”
“That doesn’t make any sense,” he snapped.
She stubbornly refused to back down. “Instead of wandering aimlessly through the maze you should listen for the magic.”
“You think it makes a sound?”
“Not one that I can hear.” She peered deep into his eyes. “But you can. If you’re willing to try.”
Ryshi parted his lips to tell her that was ridiculous. He knew what magic sounded like. He heard it on a regular basis as he moved through the world. And there was nothing in this maze that indicated there was a spell nearby.
Then again, her words made a weird sort of sense. There had to be some sort of pattern. And it wasn’t among the hedges. Plus, he’d been there twice and struggled to get out. It was possible that it had something to do with his reluctance to open himself to the heavy atmosphere that filled this place.
“Fine.” He reached out to place his hands on her hips. He had a feeling he was going to need her support. In more ways than one. “I’ll listen if that makes you happy.”
Her features tightened. “Getting out of here and back to my lair will make me happy.”
His fingers tightened on her hips. Her continued insistence that she couldn’t wait to flee his presence and return to her home was wearing on his nerves. Granted, she’d been more or less forced into entering the labyrinth. And their time together had been a series of near-death experiences. Not the most romantic way to start a relationship. Still, he could sense that she wasn’t entirely horrified to be with him. In fact, there’d been several moments when she seemed eager to spend time in his company. In his arms…
“Liar.” He leaned forward to place a soft, lingering kiss on her mouth.
She dug her nails into his shoulders. “Hey.”
“You’re going to miss me.” The friction of their lips brushing together created electric tingles that danced over his skin.
“Like the plague,” she stubbornly insisted.
Ryshi smiled. They both knew her desire wasn’t a figment of his imagination. She was hungry for his touch. He could smell it on her skin and feel the need humming through her body. All he had to do was pull her into his arms and she would melt.
“Eventually you’ll admit the truth.”
He could feel the tremor of excitement that raced through her body, but with a soft hiss she pulled away, sending him a chiding glance.
“I don’t think we should waste any time.”
She was right, of course. As much as he wanted to concentrate on Sofie and her sweet scent, he had to find a way to get them out of there. Even now he could feel the darkness spreading closer and closer.
Closing his eyes, he opened himself to his surroundings. He instantly felt the dense press of the air. As if it was a tangible weight that was trying to force him to his knees. Behind him he could smell the nearby hedges, and even the clouds gave off a scent of rain that never fell.
