Chapter 34

Peter

"I am powerless. It's a foreign feeling. One that has me leaning on Helios for strength." ~ Peter

I awake with a start. Violet's tick-tock grows farther away. I ease out of the tent, not wanting to disturb Alexander, who's asleep in a sleeping bag next to mine.

The sun is only cresting. The labyrinth is shrouded in a gentle, pre-dawn glow. I've always marveled at our ability to see the sun, moon, and stars inside of the labyrinths. It's a mystery that has fascinated me for years. I once asked my patér about it, and he told me, "Son, if you have all the answers, there's no mystery. And without mystery, there's nothing to discover."

I rolled my eyes as a child, but I've since come to appreciate the wisdom in his words. The labyrinth, with its endless twists and turns, always felt like a place of secrets and wonder.

The only other person awake and moving about is Tara. She's stoking the fire, preparing it for the morning meal. The smell of smoke and the faint aroma of coffee fill the air.

"Tara, have you seen Violet?" I can't hide the panic in my tone.

She stands up, concern etched on her face. "No. What's the matter?"

"I still hear her, but she's farther away. I don't think she's in the labyrinth anymore."

Sara walks out of her tent, rubbing her sockets. "Is everything okay?" she asks after noticing the look on my face.

"I think Violet is outside the labyrinth," I repeat, my voice trembling.

Sara's face turns ashen.

"What is it?" I say more sternly than she deserves.

"She sleepwalks, but she's never left the area before."

More people have woken up over the commotion. The camp is abuzz with concern. "Can someone watch Alexander?" I ask, my mind racing.

Tara grabs my arm firmly. "You're the only one who can find her, but you can't wake her. I'm going with you."

"I'm going too," Georgia insists, stepping forward with determination. "I know what to do when she's in this state—if she's sleepwalking."

The three of us quickly gather what we need: phones for flashlights, blankets, and a few supplies. We set off, leaving the warmth of the campfire behind. The labyrinth looms around us, its walls high and foreboding. The ticking sound of Violet's clock is faint but steady, a beacon guiding me.

As we navigate the twists and turns of the labyrinth, the gravity of the situation sinks in. Violet could be anywhere. Tara's words echo in my mind. You can't wake her . The danger of startling a sleepwalker is real, and the thought of what could happen if we do fills me with dread.

We move as quickly as we can. The labyrinth is eerily quiet, save for the distant sound of her clock. The walls seem to close in on me.

Minutes feel like hours as we search. The sky slowly lightens with the approaching dawn. Just when my panic threatens to turn to terror, her clock ticks closer.

I quicken my pace with the others following on my heel. Soon we see her. Violet is standing near the edge of the mountain, her eyes open but unseeing.

Tara puts a hand on my shoulder, stopping me from rushing forward. "Let Georgia handle this," she whispers.

Georgia approaches Violet cautiously, speaking in soothing tones. "Violet, it's time to come back. Follow my voice, sweetie."

Violet turns, her movements slow and deliberate. She walks toward Georgia, who continues speaking gently, guiding her back into the labyrinth. Tara and I watch, holding our breaths.

Finally, Violet reaches Georgia, who wraps a blanket around her shoulders and leads her back to us. Relief floods through me as we make our way back to camp. The first rays of sunlight breaking over the horizon.

We re-enter the camp, and the others rush to us with questions and concerns flying. We assure them that Violet is safe and unharmed. Alexander, now awake and being held by one of the others, runs to us. His eyes wide with worry. I scoop him up and hold him close.

The camp slowly settles back into its morning routine, the fire crackling and breakfast being prepared. Now fully awake, Violet sits with Georgia, who reassures her with calm words and gentle touches.

I sit by the fire. Warmth seeps into my bones, and I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the people around me. I've never felt so helpless in all my life.

No one will tell me Violet's story. Has she endured more than the others, or does she handle her trauma differently?

I want to help, but she won't let me near her.

And since I've arrived, she's spent most of her time with Tara and less time with her son.

We need to take her home. She'll never heal in this place filled with so many memories.