Page 26 of The Labyrinth
“Then how do we get that plant shut down?”
He pointed again, and they headed in that direction.“I’ll think of something.”
“Just how long are you going to take to think of something?”
“Marion.”Deacon sighed.“Right now, all I’m concentrating on is getting to my labyrinth.”
“Are you feeling any better?”
“Yes.Each step alleviates the lethargy.Head toward the bridge over there.”
With a few more directions, they finally reached the pipe.Clearing some debris, he punched a few numbers into a lock pad, and the grate popped free.He gestured for her to go first, then closed the grate and reengaged the lock.When she stepped from the pipe, the lights came up.
“Motion sensor lights?I still don’t know how this is completely missed by everyone in a city of millions of people.”
“Well, curses are an interesting thing.They can protect themselves by a number of means.They can erase people’s minds.Repel curiosity or explorations.They’re kind of like herpes.You’re never going to get rid of the virus, so all you can do is take the medicine until it goes away.But it lingers, always waiting.Continually giving you the fucking blisters.”
One eyebrow went up.“Well, that was oddly specific.”
He frowned.“No, I don’t have herpes.Shifters don’t get viruses and sickness like humans.”
“Good for you.”She walked over to the labyrinth wall.“I’m trying to connect the dots.You said this fighting arena, for lack of a better word, has been here a long time.That means your family has been here a long time.And this curse you have keeps your labyrinth hidden?”
“Correct.”
“Then how did I find it?”
“That is a question I’ve been asking myself,” he admitted.“I don’t have any answers right now.Maybe the curse has evolved to include you for some reason.”
“I don’t wanna be cursed.”
“That’s exactly what I said when my dad sat me down to talk about the birds, the bees, and the bull.”Deacon leaned his head back and closed his eyes.“The curse keeps the labyrinth in stealth mode.Protected against human eyes, which was why I was surprised when you showed up at fight night.”
She could see the change in him.The stark pallor left his face, replaced with the warm undertones of his skin.They fell silent, and she let him recharge.After about fifteen minutes, he opened his eyes and turned toward her.
“I have an idea.”
