Page 14 of The Dark Labyrinth

"Tim," Penelope said and threw her arms around him.

"Hey! Don't get me all wet, you menace. I don't care how hot it is!" he squealed, trying to get away. Penelope held onto him, and he finally relented. "What's wrong, Hawkes?"

"Nothing, Carter," she said, swallowing down her tears at the pet names. "You know Christmas just gets to me."

Tim squeezed her hard. "Your dad is a dick, but you're with us this year and don't have to worry about his disapproval or your mom's constant fussing to appease him."

"I know. I just… I'm sorry for everything, Carter."

"Sorry for what? You haven't done anything wrong," Tim reassured her and took her by the shoulders. "What is this really about?"

"I couldn't save you from yourself or from Abbadon. I'm so sorry, Tim," Penelope said, tears streaming down her face.

The concern in his eyes shifted to something darker. "I thought we would always have each other's backs, no matter how wild our theories got. You found the biggest prize of them all, and you were going to keep it to yourself. You always were so selfish about your precious Atlantis."

Penelope held her ground. "They aren't a prize. They are people, and their secrets are worth protecting. They are my family."

"And we weren't? All you did was upgrade us when you found fancier people to hang out with!" Carolyn demanded, the wine in her glass sloshing over the side.

Penelope took a deep breath. Labyrinth. She was in the labyrinth. She opened her eyes. "I gave you both the opportunity to come with me on the adventure. To be a part of their secret and to have access to real magic and archaeology. You broke my trust, Tim. And Carolyn…you never believed in magic. You got to see the truth of the greatest of mysteries, and you made Alexis take it away. You both walked away and left me because you couldn't handle that I was becoming the person I was meant to be. It was fine when I was just a struggling archaeologist and the convenient shoulder to cry on. You both bailed as soon as I found what I was looking for. I'm sorry you died, Tim, but I won't feel guilty for it. I tried to protect you, and you attacked me. I'm sorry you couldn't love who I was becoming, Carolyn."

"You always loved the idea of Atlantis more than anyone else, Penelope. That's why I couldn't love you anymore. I was always going to be second," Carolyn snapped back.

Penelope flinched, the blow finding its mark. "I'm sorry you felt that way, but I can't change who I am," she said, straightening her shoulders. "Atlantis is a part of me. The song that I've always heard calling in my heart. You never had to compete, but I won't change who I am to suit anyone anymore. I'm tired of making myself small and silent. Atlantis has always been my future, a part of who I am. I'm never going to give it up. Not for anyone."

Penelope walked away from them as they shouted accusations, and she dived back into the pool. The salty water drowned them out, and she kept going, trying to escape their anger. She swam down and found the bottom of the pool was covered in sand. Penelope kicked off it, making for the crashing waves above her.

This time, she surfaced in front of an island. Penelope swam in on the waves, making out a temple structure through the trees. And she wasn't alone.

CHAPTER EIGHT

The woman on the beach had curly black hair and wore a red flounced skirt paired with a low-cut blouse. Her hair was bound with pearls and crocus flowers.

Penelope almost tripped on the sand as a wave of warm power hit her. It was like when she met Poseidon, but it was so much more potent.

"Where am I?" she asked.

"You are in the heart of the labyrinth. A place outside of time where we can meet," the woman replied. She waved a hand at the temple through the trees. "Do you not know where this is?"

Penelope wiped the water from her eyes. It was then she realized she was wearing a redchitonthat came to her knees. A silver snake bracelet circled her wrist.

"Home. I'm…on Atlantis," she said, knowing she had spoken true. "Why do I feel this way about a place I've never been? Why do I yearn for it so much?"

The woman raised a delicate black brow. "You've never been here before? Are you sure about that, Penelope?"

Penelope stared at the woman, her whole body singing with recognition. "You are Asasarame."

"And you were one of my priestesses. A mistress of the labyrinth. Long ago."

Penelope bit her lip. "I don't know if I believe in past lives."

The goddess laughed. "They believe in you. Have you never wondered why you have always felt the call to Atlantis? The ache for it? This place is a part of you. It's why Poseidon and Nereus chose you specifically for your tasks. Do you remember what they used to call you?"

"The Heir of Gods," Penelope replied, a ripple of unease passing through her.

"That's right. The Heir ofGods. Plural. As in including me, priestess," Asasarame pointed out. "It's why you and Alexis feel so right to each other. His fate could be bound to no other."

Penelope pushed her hands through her wet curls and tried to steady her breathing. "I'm in the labyrinth. It's about fear, right? So, why am I here and not afraid?"

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