Page 57 of Bonded to the Fallen Shadow King

The crabs and leeches fell back once more, and the smell of rot lessened. I strained my ears, and the clicks continued, steady and mechanical.

The mist thinned, and more screams from the starting platform filled the air, followed by a few in the distance within the mist.

I turned to see the faint misty silhouettes of my friends on the starting platform battling their asses off. The crabs and leeches were attacking them in full force, but the group held tight. Thalira’s water whips lashed out, wrapped around a leech, and flung it back. Velessa clutched her discs to her chest as she kicked at one of the crabs and drove it back, and Calla Lily delivered a powerful strike from a stone block straight into its head. Quen threw herself to the ground and sent a fiery blast out that hit three leeches at once. Their flesh sizzled, and they slid down the square platform. For now, they were holding their own.

Thank Fate. A sob built in my chest, but I held it back. I had to remain level-headed and survive.

More mist curled around the paths, and the maze shifted once more.

I turned my back to my friends and scanned the routes available.

Suddenly a massive claw slammed down on my stone platform, and I leaped back, barely avoiding the blow.

A bull-sized lobster hauled itself up over the edge and bore down on me with its claws snapping. Its shell was thick and black, and its beady eyes met mine.

I ducked and rolled as the sickeningsnapof its claw missed me by inches.

The maze shifted, and it was exactly as the old reaper had said. He was going to make sure as many of us died as possible.

My wolf growled, urging me on, but I was dizzy. I hit the edge of the stone platform, then turned to face the massive lobster. It lunged forward, claws open.

I dropped to my knees and rolled under it, then sprang onto the nearest wooden walkway without noting the direction. Blood dripped down my leg, and I staggered, but caught my balance once more. The damn discs kept throwing me off.

I peered as far along the walkway as I could, noting the points where it was reinforced and wasn’t.

The temperature dropped rapidly.

Another loudclick. The creatures fell back, and the routes changed. The boards under my feet vibrated.

Panic surged through me. The next platform was several yards away. I sprang forward just as the boards started to lift and twist beneath me, and I lunged and swung my arms to create momentum. My feet clipped one of the boards, and I lurched ahead.

My breath ripped from me, and I fell.

My fingers caught the edge of the stone platform, and the harsh scent of rot and metal filled my lungs. The momentum of my fall nearly pulled me off, and I scrabbled for a hold. My legs kicked as I tried to swing them up, but I couldn’t get a foothold.

I refused to let go.

Taking a deep calming breath, I hauled myself up inch by inch, the discs making it even harder.

Finally I dragged myself onto the platform and rolled onto my back, chest heaving, pain flashing white-hot through my arms and fingers. The world narrowed to a dark blur, and I listened intently for signs of an attacker.

It was quiet. The huge lobster was gone.

My head spun, and I wasn’t sure if it was from blood loss or the ever-changing maze.

I staggered upright do. My body ached, and I felt woozy, but I couldn’t stay here. I had to keep moving and reach the end. I had to make sure the others survived.

The cold air burned my throat, but it helped me focus on something other than the agony in my leg. The boards moved into a new position and the thick mist obscured my path, but the tower loomed above it, closer than before.

A little bit of hope blossomed in my chest.

The stinking mist coiled around me like it was trying to choke me, and another piercing shriek echoed in the distance.

Rhielle. She had to be in trouble.

Pushing all discomfort from my mind, I forced myself to continue. The loudest clicks signaled transitions to the monster attacks and the shifting of the platforms. I was sure of it.

The route twisted and turned, and more boards rose and fell around me, but I could see the pattern. I could hear it. I couldfeelit.

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