Page 31 of Wild Fated

The path split again, three different directions opening in front of me. My instincts screamed at me to choose, to run blindly, but I clenched my fists tighter and forced my wolf to calm. She whined in frustration, pacing in my mind.

"Which way, Destin?" My voice was sharp.

"Left," he answered quickly, his tone solid and grounding. "Go now."

I took off down the left path, the jagged ground threatening to trip me with every step. Behind me, the sound of bones cracking again—louder this time, closer. I pushed harder, my heart hammering in my chest.

I turned and ran straight into a hedge thrusting up from the ground. It was changing in real time. Creating new paths and closing off old ones.

A branch scraped against my cheek, and I winced as it drew blood. I didn't have time to think about the pain. I turned back and found a steep incline ahead. The path was barely wide enough for my feet, and the sides of the maze loomed on either side, making it feel like I was climbing through a tunnel.

I started up, my legs burning with the effort. The creature's growls were louder now, echoing off the walls. Its claws scraped against the ground. Faster. I needed to go faster.

“You’re almost there!” Destin’s voice was farther away now.

I reached the top of the incline and stumbled onto a flat section of path. My lungs were on fire, and I had to bend over, hands on my knees, to catch my breath. It was then I heard it. A rustling in the hedges.

I whipped around, my eyes scanning the shadows. The path was empty, but I could feel it. The creature was close. My instincts screamed at me to run, but I couldn't move. I was frozen, my muscles locked in place.

Almost where? The maze twisted around me, and just as I felt the shadows press closer, my wolf surged forward, forcing me up. I scrambled to my feet and bolted. My lungs burned from the sprint, but I kept moving.

The howl came again, so close it felt like it was breathing down my neck. I spun toward the sound, teeth bared. My wolfsurged, but something felt wrong. I knew with startling clarity that I wouldn’t be able to shift here.

"Lana!" Destin's voice was sharp, and I forced myself to look up. I could barely see him now that I was higher up. He was pointing to my right. I turned just as the creature lunged from the hedge.

It was a blur of bones, rot, and teeth, and I barely had time to react. I threw myself to the side, hitting the ground hard. The creature skidded past me, its claws tearing up the earth.

I scrambled to my feet, my heart hammering in my chest. The creature turned, its eyes glowing red in the darkness. It was massive, easily twice the size of any wolf I'd ever seen. What fur it had was matted and slick with blood, and its teeth were bared in a snarl.

I took a step back, my mind racing. There was no way I could fight this thing. It was too fast, too strong. I had to outsmart it. The Bone Stalker lunged, and I dodged to the left. It crashed into the hedge, snarling in frustration. I took off down the path, my legs pumping. I had to find a way out.

The path opened up again, and I found myself standing on the edge of a chasm. A rickety bridge spanned the gap, the planks creaking and swaying in the wind. I hesitated, my heart pounding in my ears.

"There's no other way," Destin called from above. "You have to cross."

I nodded, my throat dry. I stepped onto the first plank, and it groaned under my weight. The darkness below seemed to stretch on forever—I couldn't see the bottom. I gripped the rope handrails, my knuckles turning white, and took another step. Then another.

The bridge swayed, and I had to fight to keep my balance. The wind whipped through the chasm, and I felt like I waswalking on a tightrope. My muscles screamed in protest, but I kept moving.

I’d barely made it halfway when the bridge swung to my left. The Bone Stalker. It was there behind me. The planks under my feet started to break away. One by one, they snapped and fell into the abyss as I stumbled forward. My breath caught in my throat, and I quickened my pace.

"Run!" Destin's voice was urgent, and I didn't need to be told twice. I darted forward, the bridge buckling under my feet. The last plank snapped, and I leaped for the edge.

My fingers scraped against the dirt, and I grappled for a hold. My feet dangled over the edge, and I kicked, trying to find purchase. Finally, I managed to pull myself up.

I lay on my back, gasping for air. The bridge was gone, the planks and ropes scattered in the darkness below. I rolled over and pushed myself to my feet, my legs trembling.

"Lana, the walls are shifting!" Destin's voice was frantic, and I looked up. The walls of the maze were moving, closing in on me. I had to move fast.

I sprinted down the path, my eyes scanning for an exit. The walls were closing in, and I had to duck and weave to avoid getting crushed. My lungs burned, and my muscles felt like they were on fire, but I didn't stop.

Finally, I saw an opening. I dove through, hitting the ground hard. The walls slammed shut behind me, and I rolled to my knees, panting.

My head spun. I scanned the area around me just waiting for the Bone Stalker to throw itself from the hedge.

"Lana!" Destin's voice was filled with relief, and I looked up to see him running toward me. He dropped to his knees next to me, his hands on my shoulders. "Are you okay?"

I nodded, unable to speak. My body was trembling, but I forced myself to my feet. I’d done it. With Destin’s help, I’d made it through the maze.

---