Behind My Shadow - Book Three

31. In The Blink of An Eye

I anxiously burst into the ballroom where everyone is gathered.

Unlike all the other ceremonies, this time there is no music, no dancing, everyone is just sitting at tables looking distressed and depressed. No one knows what to think after the Black Hearts ambush and my powerdrop. They're probably all thinking all is doomed.

"I'm here! I can compete!" I announce, racing through the room. "My magic has returned!" I declare.

Everyone gasps with amazement as they stare up at me and now everyone jumps to their feet with applause.

"Thank you," I shakily smile, glancing at the Judge on the stage.

I haven't bothered to change clothes or pack a to-go bag or anything. I just run in wearing my squirrel pajamas, anxiously taking the sling off my arm as I scramble up on stage. My arm is still injured but luckily with all the magic flowing through my veins, I scarcely notice the pain right now.

"Well done, Promised Alice," the Judge smiles with relief as she looks me over. "The Labors may now commence!" She loudly informs the crowd. They erupt into more cheers, sounding relieved and triumphant. "For your sixth Labor," the Judge turns to me. "You must use your magic to solve the Labyrinth and in doing so, you will be taken to the destination of your next four Labors."

I swallow hard but nod eagerly. I can do this, I can do this, I keep silently chanting to myself.

"For Labors seven, eight, nine and ten, you will have to find and retrieve the Vorpal armor needed to fight and slay the Jabberwocky."

"It'll be done," I bow my head.

"For these Labors, you will need the aid of the Amulet of Alice." The Judge procures a small music box and opens it to reveal the gorgeous stone necklace. "When fastened, the Amulet will preserve whatever physical condition you are in when you wear it. It is considered vital for your last remaining Labors."

I nod gratefully as I accept the Amulet. This thing is truly iconic. I'll never get cold, hungry or injured when I wear it. Well, as long as I'm not cold, hungry or injured when I put it on. I briefly glance at the bandage around my bicep. I'll still have that wound when I put the Amulet on.

"Just remember," the Judge cautions me. "You can only wear it after your sixth Labor. Your body will need to be able to change with the different levels of magic you'll be using in the Labyrinth. If you are able to conquer the sixth Labor, you will never suffer from a powerdrop ever again."

I smile with amazement. God, I'm looking forward to that.

"Once you're in the Labyrinth," the Judge goes on. "You must summon all of your powers in order to be guided through the maze. You will be distracted by many things in the Labyrinth, some of these things will be real, but most of them will be tricks trying to divert your attention and keep you lost within the maze forever."

"I won't lose focus," I vow.

"May you find your way through the Labyrinth quickly, Promised Alice," the Judge bows to me. "And may your journey through the next four Labors be successful."

I put a brave smile on my face as I turn to look at the audience again. "I'll see you again for my eleventh Labor," I promise hopefully. The crowd cheers and chants my name.

"You must leave now, Promised," the Judge anxiously whispers to me. "The Labyrinth only stays open for a few minutes."

"Right, yes, of course," I gratefully bow before I scramble off the stage and run over to my White Knights and Bishop. "Guys, I gotta go. I'm sorry to leave like this but -"

Dad quickly pulls me into a hug. "Just promise you'll be careful out there, Adara, alright?"

"I will," I smile as I pull away. My heart twists a little bit with guilt. "By the way, I never got to apologize."

"What do you mean, my dear?" He looks me over with concern.

I swallow hard. "Um...about Vyndren. I just want you to know that I don't blame you for what happened to him. None of that was your fault." Dad furrows his brow with pain but doesn't say anything. "I just...don't want you to think that I'm angry at you or anything, for any reason. Yeah, what happened to Vyndren in the past was... unbelievably horrific, but I know you didn't have anything to do with it and I'm sorry if I made it sound like I thought you did."

He shakes his head. "Adara, you have nothing to apologize for. You should never apologize for feeling so strongly or passionately about something. Just promise me you won't let yourself get distracted by anything you may see or hear in the Labyrinth, alright?" He gently takes my arms and searches my eyes. "The Labyrinth is full of magic and can sense what you fear the most, it can sense who you love the most and will definitely be trying to use these things to sidetrack you and get you lost."

"I'll take care," I nod. "Don't worry about me." I quickly hug him again before turning to Quill. "Try to watch out for each other, huh?" I glance between him and our mentor.

"Of course, love," Quill hugs me. "Just please be careful out there. Your next four Labors will be out in the wilderness, you have to take care of yourself, alright? Don't take any unnecessary risks."

I smile as I pull away. "I promise. Just don't go worrying yourself sick over me," I gently kiss his cheek before turning to my Leonberger puppy sitting on the floor at my feet. "And as for you, I'm counting on you to make sure these two stay out of trouble, alright? Can you do that for me?"

"You got it, lady!" He happily squeaks, wagging his tail hard enough to shake his whole body from side to side.

"I'll miss you, buddy," I lovely stroke his sable head before glancing at the White Knights again. "I'll miss you all. I love you guys." I quickly turn away and rush through the crowds, eager to finally start my long anticipated sixth Labor.