Page 47 of Taurus's Quest
“There was likely a time when warriors, and the foolish, sought to conquer the Labyrinth either for clout or in search of treasure.”
“Losing their lives in the process,” she murmured.
“Don’t worry. We won’t end up like them.”
“How can you be sure? You said Sage and Olivia saw you in the maze, but as far as I know, they never mentioned you making it out alive.”
“No, but I don’t need a vision to know we survive.”
“Because the world is depending on us.”
“Bah. More like I refuse to die until I’ve had at least one more chance to peel your clothes and worship that honey-sweet body of yours.”
“Taurus!” she exclaimed. “This isn’t really the place for that.”
“No, hence why you’re still dressed, but the moment we’re back in Tower…” He winked, and she blushed.
“You’re incorrigible.” Said with a pleased smile.
No, he was a man possibly falling in love.
Chapter 14
The twining hall loops had been getting tighter and tighter, a strong indication they neared the center. Thus far, while scary, their quest appeared to be on track, or more specifically, they remained alive and unharmed, all because of the man who boldly strode in front of her.
Watching Taurus put his warrior skills to work had been more thrilling than expected—once she got over her initial urge to barf at all the gore. The man moved so fluidly, his motions not only rapid and precise, but elegant, too. He didn’t do any showboating maneuvers; every motion had a purpose. If he kicked out a leg, it connected with a threat. If he whirled, it was only to halt an attack at his back. He showed no fear and seemed to perversely enjoy the challenge.
She’d never known anyone like him, and he wasn’t the only one who couldn’t wait to complete their mission so they could find a bed—and a shower, because ew. Between the cobwebs, the soot, the spatter of blood from the rats, and the slugs that fell from the ceiling and required stomping, she’d never been filthier.
However, Taurus didn’t seem to mind, judging by the way he dropped teasing promises and how, when they paused, he dragged her close for a kiss. He seemed utterly serious when he’d stated he hoped she’d stick around. Rather than scoff or dismiss it out of hand, she actually pondered it. While she did enjoy her work at the observatory, what if she could be a part of something bigger, protecting people in a way few could imagine? Discovering and learning about their world on a new level, one where the impossible existed. What of the possibility she might meet an alien and get the opportunity to find out what lay beyond their solar system?
Add in Taurus—the hunk who was more than just growing on her—and the temptation might prove to be too much. Her biggest worry? Not being able to see or talk to her family on a regular basis.
“Be alert. I think we’re close,” Taurus whispered, his voice not at normal volume for the first time since they’d entered.
“How can you tell?” she softly replied.
He switched off his headlamp. Scary, until she realized she could see in the dark. Ahead, around the bend in the wall, illumination.
She barely dared breathe as they treaded quietly toward the source. Quiet as mice and yet still noticed. A low growl raised the hairs on her body, but what froze her blood?
“Let them in, kitty,” a deep gravelly voice said.
Hold on. Was someone else in the Labyrinth?
Taurus kept his sword in hand as he strode boldly to confront the speaker. She crept more cautiously and chose to remain tucked close to the wall, watching.
Taurus entered the heart of the maze, a large circular room filled with an eclectic array of junk repurposed to create… a home. How else to describe the strangeness of the room? It had a table constructed of pieces of armor and bone. A bed comprised of clothing stitched together like a quilt. Fur on the floor acted as carpets. Helmets, with their eyes and nose holes filled in, sat upright and appeared filled with fluid. Hanging from the rafters, drying strips of meat.
Most astonishing of all, though, was not the fat striped Cretan wildcat—which for the unfamiliar was only slightly larger than a regular housecat, brown striped with a bushy tail—but the minotaur.
Just like the stories claimed, he had the body of a man—tall and very wide—but the head of a beast.
And he could speak.
“Greetings, strangers. It’s been a long time since any have visited my home,” the minotaur said in accented Greek.
Taurus didn’t let down his guard but sounded casual as he replied. “You weren’t easy to find. The stairs to your maze disappeared long gone, and a rockfall blocked the cave entrance. I cleared it, by the way. You should start seeing more guests.”
