Page 16 of The Survivors (The Children of the Sun God #4)

Vasia

“I’m leaving the labyrinth behind, stepping into a world where slavery is no longer my fate.”

I step from the labyrinth, taking my first breath of freedom. My fingers tremble and my heart hammers against my ribs.

I’d long given up believing escape was anything but a desperate dream. Born and raised within the maze’s cold stone walls, I’d never ventured beyond it, not even to see the sunlight humans bask under.

Born into a life of captivity, my herd had kept me as a prisoner my entire existence, forcing me into brutal pairings to ensure I conceived. Under years of their cruelty—their demands—even my own skin felt like a prison.

When they first dragged me from the caves to sell my body in town to the highest bidder, I had fought with every ounce of my strength. Panic gripped me until I collapsed in the dust, hyperventilating and weeping uncontrollably.

Ioannis had eventually realized that my panic attacks—the way my entire body locked up and refused to cooperate at even the suggestion of leaving my home—would prevent them from parading me through the streets as mere property. And so, they kept me for themselves in the labyrinth.

The arrival of guests took me by surprise. I dropped the bucket of water I was carrying and stood frozen, watching the women accompanied by one man approach us.

Georgia ran to one of them and embraced her. An older woman. She called her Desdemona. Desdemona introduced herself with her new name—Emjay.

Emjay’s voice sang through the atmosphere that morning, bringing with it truths that shook my world. Hearing what it meant to carry demigod blood—about my lineage—had sparked something within me, something my masters had tried to stamp out long ago: boldness.

I can leave. The realization came like a surge of fire. My heart pounded with newfound certainty. Now or never , it urged me. It was time to escape or be trapped here forever. In that moment, I knew the woman I wanted to be—a mother and something more, free and unbound.

I took off running. I didn’t bother saying goodbye to the women who’ve been with me my whole life and endured the same hell .

I paused to catch my breath before stepping outside when I saw him on the other side of the portal.

Tall and steady as a tree. His light blue eyes hold a warmth that washes over me, chasing away the demons of my past. There is no cruelty in his gaze, no demand.

I step from the confines of my prison and look into eyes filled with only reverence and something even deeper that both scares and thrills me. My hand instinctively rests on my belly, silently promising my daughter that she will only know freedom.

I see his restraint, the tremor of urgency in his stance, as he waits for my signal to approach. A tentative smile tugs at my lips, and at that, he finally moves toward me.

When he is near enough, he speaks. His words are kind. “Charis.”

“I’m Vasia.” My voice is barely above a whisper, and I look down at his gaze drawn to my hand on my belly. Slowly, he lifts his hand to rest beside mine, his touch sparking a warmth I’d never thought possible.

“May I?” he asks, with eyes locked on mine. His tone full of promise.

My heart screams yes, but I only manage a nod. Charis lowers himself, covering my belly with his hands. He whispers a promise, “I will treasure you both all my days, if you will let me.”

A smile graces my lips. “Take me far from here,” I nearly beg.

With a fierce gentleness, he takes my hand.

Walking side by side, my past falls away with each step, ready to claim the life I once believed an unreachable dream.