Page 43 of Crimson Shadows
“I’ve been called worse,” he chuckles. “Come. Let’s finish this.”
I can’t help the surge of pride. We’re facing these challenges together, yes, but I’m also discovering strengths I never knew I had. For the first time since arriving at MistHallow, I’m starting to see why I’m here.
“These tests seem tailored to vampires,” I murmur.
“Definitely. It’s why it split us up, to test us with species-built challenges.”
“This maze is a dick.”
“Don’t say that too loudly, we aren’t out of the woods yet.”
Finally, after what feels like an eternity of tests and traps, we round a corner and find ourselves in a large circular chamber. A gleaming silver chalice sits in the centre on a pedestal of black marble.
“The Chalice of Carthage,” Corvus breathes, his eyes wide.
We approach cautiously, alert for any final traps. But nothing happens as we draw near. The chalice sits there, innocently glinting in the dim light.
“Should I...?” I ask, my hand hovering hesitantly.
Corvus nods. “Go for it. You’ve more than earned it.”
“It seems too easy?”
“After what we just went through? You’ve been watching too many Indiana Jones movies,” he jokes.
“Or maybe not enough,” I mutter, but I take the leap of faith and reach out.
As my fingers close around the cool metal of the chalice, there’s a sudden flash of blue light. The walls of the Labyrinth melt away, and we find ourselves back in the Main Hall of MistHallow.
Blackthorn steps forward, a proud smile on his face. “Congratulations,” he says. “You’ve successfully completed your quest and proven yourselves true Carthaginians.”
I look down at the chalice in my hands, then up at Corvus. He’s grinning, his usually perfect hair mussed, and his clothes slightly dishevelled from our adventure. I realise I probably look just as worse for wear, but I can’t bring myself to care.
“We did it,” I say, a slow smile spreading across my face.
Corvus nods, his eyes sparkling with something that might be admiration. “We make a pretty good team, Dollie.”
“Adelaide, Corvus,” Blackthorn says, taking the chalice from me. “You’ve shown exceptional courage, resourcefulness, and teamwork today. These are the qualities we value most in Carthage. But more than that, you’ve demonstrated the ability to face your fears and overcome them. Adelaide, you placed your trust in Corvus and let him guide you and Corvus, you took on the mantle as a mentor to help Adelaide. You are quite the team. These are the true marks of a Carthaginian. The Chalice of Carthage is more than just a trophy. It’s a symbol of the potential within each of you. Just as you two worked together to retrieve it, all of Carthage must work together this year to rise to the challenges that await us.”
As Blackthorn finishes his speech, my gaze is drawn to Corvus. He’s listening intently, but there’s a softness to his expression that I haven’t seen before. When he catches me looking, he gives me a small, genuine smile that makes my heart skip a beat.
I quickly look away, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. What is wrong with me? This is Corvus - arrogant, infuriating Corvus who tried to compel me. I shouldn’t be feeling whatever this is. Should I?
But I can’t deny that something has shifted between us. Facing the challenges of the Labyrinth together, seeing eachother at our most vulnerable has created a bond that I’m not sure how to define.
As Blackthorn dismisses us, Corvus leans in close.
“So, partner. Fancy grabbing a bite to eat? I don’t know about you, but near-death experiences always leave me famished.”
I laugh despite myself. “Sure, why not? I could eat a horse after all that.”
“Well, I can’t promise a horse, but I’m sure we can find something to satisfy your appetite,” he says with a wink.
As we head towards the dining hall, I find myself stealing glances at Corvus. The way he moves, confident yet relaxed. The way his eyes crinkle slightly at the corners when he smiles. The way he seems to be always aware of where I am, adjusting his pace to match mine.
It’s disconcerting but not entirely unpleasant.
We grab our food - a rare steak for me, a cup of synthetic blood for Corvus - and find a quiet corner to sit.
