16. Asterion

The Shadow Guild moves faster than anticipated.

I thought I would have just a bit more time to double-check all of my defenses, to make sure my turrets are operational, to set extra traps…

But we're not afforded such luxuries.

A dozen ships arrive in orbit all at once, setting off every alarm I possess. I stand in the command room of the central palace, surrounded by large screens displaying an aerial view of the city as I prepare our defenses.

Isabella and Emma are in the dining-room, staring out the window in shock. Communicating with them via one of the drones, I order them to follow it to the command room.

I must have her close to me.

The Guild sends several shuttles down to the surface. My scans indicate they're filled with armed soldiers and thugs. If they think they can just waltz into the Minotaur Kingdom, they are sorely mistaken.

Missiles light up the sky. Explosions rock the desert.

But they keep coming. For every shuttle I shoot out of the sky, two more are launched. The supply of missiles that I possess that are still operational and functional after twenty-thousand years of rust and decay are dwindling fast.

Emma and Isabella rush into the command room, looking panicked. I rush towards them and wrap my arms around Isabella protectively.

"They will not harm you both," I say. "That is my promise."

Isabella nods, tears filling her eyes. I want nothing more than to comfort my mate, but the alarms sound, and I have to rush back to my command position.

Several shuttles have touched down on the surface. Armed goons rush out. I send out my drones, and they attack the invaders with laser-fire, cutting them down where they stand. The soldiers have good aim, however, and my drones are picked off, one by one.

The first thugs arrive at the maze, running down the steps. By the horns! This is not going as planned. The traps slow them down — spikes launching from the ground, impaling the invaders as Emma and Isabella both watch in horror.

"That could've happened to us?!" Emma asks.

I nod. "If I hadn't picked up your scent and stopped the traps from deploying, yes."

More soldiers come, still. It seems this Guild is willing to throw a whole army of soldiers against me, without a single regard for their lives. This Darius Blackthorn figure will stop at nothing to seize my city, and my mate.

I must stop him no matter what.

"Asterion, can we flee?" Isabella asks. "I know that's sacrilege, but perhaps we just ought to run? Do you have a ship? I know a port or two?—"

I shut her up with a kiss. Running is not an option.

A Minotaur never runs.

I will take the invaders head-on. I will defend my city, no matter what. Isabella will be safe.

Even if it costs me my life.