Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 51038 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 255(@200wpm)___ 204(@250wpm)___ 170(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51038 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 255(@200wpm)___ 204(@250wpm)___ 170(@300wpm)
I collapse onto top of Declan’s chest and he wraps his arms around me. Neither of us says anything, we just enjoy what’s left of the peace we found for as long as we can.
Which is only a handful of seconds. Because Aric says, “Well? What happened?”
Reluctantly, I roll off Declan and we both get to our feet. He hastily tucks away his dick while I scramble around, searching for my clothes.
Quaid is holding my dress. Like he was waiting for my return. He extends his hand, offering it to me.
I smile, sheepishly, because I suddenly remember that I told him Declan might be up for his brand of kink. It’s like he’s reading my mind because he shoots me a wink, whispering “Was he fun?”
I blush now. But I also nod. “He’s very fun, Quaid.” Then I wink back.
After I pull my dress on, I turn to Declan, who is already deep into the explanation of what we saw and figured out.
Aric is nodding as Declan explains what we think the maze really is. “That makes sense. And my father must’ve heard the rumors, like you say, and sent me in to find the way to the doors to Paradise.”
“Well,” Quaid says, “I guess we’ve got it all figured out. Now we need a plan to get past the Minotaur without killing it. Which seems harder, if you ask me.”
“Not really,” Aric says. “Not with all the powers the four of us have collected. The song is a cheat. A map to the whole maze by way of the glowing symbols on the walls.”
“But we don’t know what the symbols say,” Quaid says.
“No, we don’t,” Aric admits. “But your glasses should be able to decipher them, right? Are they working now?”
“Better than ever, actually.” Quaid looks at me. “It seems like the sex really did add to their power. It’s so weird.”
I shrug. “Well, according to what I learned with Declan, I’m capable of shifting the night sky so I guess upgrading your tech is very small in comparison.”
He’s nodding at me, but there’s a kind of look on his face that gives me the impression that he’s not convinced.
Aric must see it too, because he says, “What?” And he’s talking to Quaid. “Why do you have that look on your face?”
“It’s just…” Quaid starts, but can’t seem to find the right words. He starts again, “Don’t any of you think it’s odd that we’re like this… key that unlocks a door to another world? How the hell did the four of us end up in the same bar on the same night?”
“Synchronicity!” Declan says, ever the optimist.
“Maybe,” Quaid says, but it’s very clear he doesn’t agree.
“Well, what do you think it is?” Aric asks. “Just say it. I mean, we’re about to do something pretty fuckin’ dangerous, if you’ve got concerns, let’s hear them.”
“I feel like there’s a hand guiding us, you guys.”
“Who’s hand?” I ask.
He looks at me and shrugs. “I don’t know.”
“Apollo?” Aric asks.
“Or Ares,” Quaid shoots back.
“Or Hermes, or Hera, or Theseus, or who the fuck ever,” Declan says. “Who cares? We’re here and they’re not.”
“What if it’s a trap?” Quaid asks. “What if they sent us in here just like they sent Aric? What if we’re the sacrifices?”
None of us say anything. Because this makes too much sense to disregard.
After many long seconds of silence, Aric finally throws up his arms. “Fine. It’s a trap. We’re worthless fucking demigods and a mortal. That’s all we’ll ever be… if we stay here. But if we can get to the center and go through to Paradise, we’ve got a real chance guys.”
“And if we die trying?” Quaid asks.
Declan shrugs. “Who cares? If it’s true, and the gods all think we’re nothing but a bunch of expendables, then fuck them and this place too. I’d rather die trying than settle for being something less.”
We all nod in unison.
“Yeah,” I say. “I don’t even know my parents. They sent me away to live as a human. Fuck this place. I’m done. I want my Paradise.”
“Yeah,” Aric says, practically growling that word out. “My father can go fuck himself.” He looks at Declan. “I’d rather die trying than stay here, safe, but despised.” He looks at Quaid now. “What about you?”
Quaid scoffs. “You guys were right about me from the beginning. I’m Mr. Nobody. These glasses?” He points to them. “They’re not even mine. Apollo lent them to me. He made me check them out like a fuckin’ library book. You have no idea how humiliating it is to beg for jobs from the gods.” He looks at me now. “I want to be with you, Star.” Then he looks at Aric and Declan. “And I don’t mind sharing.”
Declan chuckles. Aric kinda grunts.
But all I do is smile.
They are mine.