Chapter 28

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

I gathered the team in the dining room, my feet dragging with every step. Our next task hung heavy on my shoulders, but the gnawing emptiness in my stomach reminded me we were all running on fumes. There was no reason to face this news on empty stomachs.

As we filed into the room, the rich aroma of lamb stew wafted through the air, making my mouth water instantly. Sean McDuff had outdone himself once again. A large pot of stew steamed in the center of the table, chunks of tender meat and colorful vegetables visible in the savory broth. Beside it was a loaf of freshly baked bread, its golden-brown crust practically begging to be torn apart. A bowl of crisp salad added a pop of color to the spread.

I sank into my chair, my muscles sighing in relief at finally being able to rest. Around me, the same exhaustion was etched on every face. Dark circles under Damon's eyes replaced his usual smirk. Lisa's hands trembled as she reached for her napkin. Even Brody's typically ramrod-straight posture had a noticeable slump.

Sean moved around the table, placing a tankard of dark ale in front of each of us. The rich, malty scent of the brew mingled with the food aromas, creating an almost intoxicating mix. I wrapped my hands around the cool metal tankard, grateful for something solid to hold onto.

"Eat first," I insisted, my voice hoarse from fatigue. "Then we'll talk about what's next."

There was a collective sigh of relief as everyone dug in. The clinking of spoons against bowls filled the air. I took a spoonful of the stew, the warm, hearty flavors exploding on my tongue. It was comfort in a bowl, a brief respite from the struggles ahead.

As I ate, I couldn't help but study my teammates. Each bite seemed to bring a touch of color back to their cheeks, a spark of life returning to their eyes. Yet beneath the momentary contentment, I noticed the tension, the wariness. They knew, as I did, that our hardest task was yet to come.

I swigged the ale, its bitter taste grounding me in the present. The news of the Labyrinth of Reflection could wait a few more minutes. For now, we needed this. A moment of normalcy, of shared comfort, before plunging back into the unknown.

For the next hour, bowls were scraped clean, and tankards were drained.

As we finished our meal, I cleared my throat, drawing everyone's attention. "The Mirror of Aethereal has shown me our next task," I began, my fingers tracing the condensation on my tankard. "We need to navigate the Labyrinth of Reflection."

Brody leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "Where exactly is this labyrinth?"

I drew a deep breath. "The entrance to the Labyrinth is hidden deep within the catacombs. According to the mirror, we have to find a door with a scale carved on it. This leads to a specific chamber where the magical maze begins."

Damon groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Great. Because regular catacombs weren't creepy enough. Now we get to add a magical funhouse of horrors to the mix."

Lisa's eyes widened with recognition. "I've read those catacombs are said to be a nexus of supernatural energy. It makes sense that a magical labyrinth would be anchored there."

Justice squeezed my hand under the table. "At least we know where to start. That's more than we've had for some of our other tasks."

I nodded, grateful for his support. "The catacombs are only the beginning. After we enter the Labyrinth itself, we'll each face our own challenges, but at least we'll be facing them together." I explained what the mirror had told me. "After that, we will confront the Aegis serpent."

Brody sat back in his chair. "Our path has been chosen, team," he stated with authority and encouragement. "This labyrinth will test us, not only physically but mentally and emotionally as well. We need to face it at our best."

He leaned forward, placing his hands on the table. "Tonight, we rest and recharge. A good night's sleep isn't just a luxury—it's a tactical necessity. Tomorrow, we'll proceed to the catacombs with clear minds and strong hearts."

He stood. "Get some rest, everyone. Tomorrow, we find that door and take on whatever lies beyond it. I have faith in each one of you. Together, we can overcome any challenge."

Damon smirked and raised his tankard in a mock toast. "Well, isn't that inspiring? I'm all tingly inside," he drawled. "Nothing says ‘sweet dreams' like knowing we're about to play Alice in Wonderland in the world's creepiest basement."

He gulped a long swig of ale before continuing. "But hey, who needs sleep when we've got pep talks and the promise of facing our deepest, darkest envies? I bet there's a greeting card for that somewhere." He stood and stretched dramatically. "All right, Team Free Will, let's hit the hay. I'll be sure to dream about rainbows and unicorns instead of whatever nightmare fuel is waiting for us in those catacombs."

As he headed toward the door, he turned back, his expression softening. "Seriously, folks, watch each other's backs down there. I've got a feeling this funhouse of horrors isn't going to be handing out participation trophies."

The rest of the Chosen team slowly departed, their footsteps heavy with exhaustion. The scraping of chairs and muffled yawns filled the air as they filed out of the room.

Garrick, Maggie, Grady, and Scott remained, their hushed voices discussing how to protect the manor. Their words blurred together in my fatigue-addled mind, becoming a distant hum I was too tired to decipher.

Justice's hand gently wrapped around my arm, pulling me up from my chair. My muscles protested the movement, aching from the day's exertions. "I think it's time for you to go to bed," he murmured.

He escorted me to my room, his arm around my waist bearing more of my burden than I cared to admit. At my door, he paused, brushing my hair out of my eyes with a tender gesture. "How are you feeling?" he asked.

I shrugged, the simple movement feeling like a monumental effort. "Tired," I admitted. "I'm better than I was at the Grove of Whispers but still exhausted." My words were slightly slurred, fatigue weighing heavily on my tongue.

"Then I'll let you get some rest," Justice murmured. Suddenly, he pressed me up against the door. His lips met mine in a tender and possessive kiss, sending a jolt of electricity through my body. When he pulled away, I was left breathless and wanting more, my exhaustion momentarily forgotten.

As Justice disappeared down the hallway, I stumbled into my room, my legs wobbly from fatigue and his kiss' lingering effects. I shed my clothes clumsily, barely managing to pull on my pajamas before collapsing into bed. Sleep claimed me almost instantly.

In my dreams, I saw Maci walking through the misty streets of Edinburgh, her figure a dark silhouette against the gray backdrop. She approached a hooded figure lurking in a shadowy alley. Try as I might, I couldn't make out the figure's identity. Maci extended her hand, a silver ring glinting ominously in her palm. "Wear this, and I will find you," she purred. "Then I will give you your greatest desire."

I woke with a start, my heart pounding so hard I felt it in my throat. Cold sweat clung to my skin, my pajamas twisted around me from tossing and turning. The dream clung to me like a shroud.

Someone was going to betray us.

As the fog of sleep cleared, a face swam into focus in my mind. My stomach dropped as the realization hit me.

Zara. It had to be Zara.