Page 26

“A ruler is born stronger and wiser from the ashes of the past. Return to the beginning to discover the end.”

I blinked, finding myself back at the mansion again and standing in a plain room.

A green light flickered on ahead of me and I limped forward, finding a door slightly ajar.

Stepping into the quiet hallway, I followed the green lights along the ground, wondering whether my friends were still battling their mental trials within.

There was no way of knowing where the others had gone or whether they were still in the trial or not.

My only choice was to follow the pathway and get out.

At the end of the hallway, I stepped through a curtain leading outside, the fabric blowing in the eerie breeze.

The purple sky beyond was filled with birds, their black wings spread wide as they soared through the air.

Caws rang loudly, setting my teeth on edge and urging my feet to move once more.

I raced as best I could down the iron staircase, each step too narrow for my feet.

Sharp spikes stuck out from the railing as I moved in a circle towards the ground, stopping me from holding on.

I tripped over my feet, falling the last few steps to the ground.

Fuck. I needed to see a healer ASAP.

Every inch of me ached and my body felt bruised as I slowly got to my feet. I was too close to the end to give up. I searched the grounds, determined to find an exit or, at the very least, some sign that would show me how to get out of this godsforsaken place.

Something flew past my right side, screeching as it narrowly missed my face. I clutched my ears, ducking down and running for cover.

Which way?

The Overseer’s words rang in my mind. “Return to the beginning to discover the end.”

I had to go back. Looking ahead of me to where the maze sat, I swallowed hard, hating every minute of this awful trial.

“Noah!”

I spun, finding Fallon and Zane running towards me, and Kayden thumping down the steps of the spiral staircase, Dick close on his heels.

“You made it!” I grinned as Fallon drew closer. She was so beautiful, her copper eyes glowing brightly.

My sight of her was cut off as Zane crashed into me, jumping into my arms and wrapping his legs around my waist. It was a mystery how I managed to stay standing as my injured leg trembled.

“Silly seal! Did you think we wouldn’t?” he asked, smirking down at me.

“Nope,” Fallon replied for me, chuckling at my current predicament. “‘Cos that’s not logical.”

“He’s injured, you aquatic asshole!” Kayden snapped at Zane. “His leg, remember?”

Zane released me, stepping back sheepishly. “Sorry, Noah. I forgot.”

Fallon gave me a worried look, taking my hand in hers.

“I’m fine,” I told her, squeezing her palm. “Let’s get out of here.”

“Where to?” Kayden asked, surveying the area.

“Back to the start,” Dick announced, pointing at the maze.

“He’s right.” I nodded. “We need to go back to wherever we started in this trial.”

“What about the others?” Zane asked, his gaze drifting back to the mansion. I realised other Potentials were hurrying down the stairs, looking all too ready to be done with this trial.

“Over there,” Kayden said, gesturing to where Ace, Kendra, and Lou were walking towards us from further down the courtyard, looking drenched. “Leaving without us?”

“Fucking squid monster came out of the fountain and attacked us,” Ace replied with a growl. “Got dragged into—”

“A graveyard,” Lou cut in, her eyes alight. “So cool!”

“Is she fucking with me?” Ace frowned down at Kendra.

“Nope.” Kendra smiled as she looked at her girlfriend adoringly. “She’s perfect, isn’t she?”

“We have to get out of here,” I stated just as Ace swore, earning a laugh from Fallon. There was no time for this chit-chat. “We have to separate to finish the trial, as we all started in different spots.”

“What if it’s a trap?” Kayden said. He folded his arms, looking sceptical.

“The last test was kinda easy,” Fallon agreed.

“There’s only one way to find out,” I said. “And I don’t know about you, but I’ve had enough of this creepy place.”

“Aw,” Lou said with a pout. “Can’t we stay just a little longer?”

Kendra took Lou’s hand, leading her into the maze. “Not happening. Come on, my love.”

“Guess we should go, too.” Fallon reached up on her toes, kissing me gently. “See you back at the academy.”

With that, she took off into another of the maze’s entries.

“Gods damn, she’s got a great ass,” Kayden said, staring at Fallon disappearing behind the hedges.

“Last one back to the academy isn’t allowed to touch it for a week!” Zane shouted, shoving Ace and running into the maze.

Ace quickly regained his balance, tearing off after Zane, shouting profanities at the merman before storming back out and heading into the maze the way Fallon had gone.

Kayden chuckled beside me. “This is our life now.”

“Wonderful.”

“Sarcastic little chameleon.” Kayden grinned, slapping me on the back. “Let’s go, Little Dick.”

“Time to get out of here,” I told myself, smiling as I headed into the maze. “Time to end this.”