The forest around the labyrinth’s edge was alive with a tense energy, a sharp contrast to the stillness of the night. Amethyst stood with her arms crossed, her violet eyes fixed on the glowing entrance as the group ventured deeper into the maze. Her brows were furrowed, and she shifted her weight as though trying to shake off her unease.
"You're pacing again," Zephyr remarked lazily, perched on a low-hanging branch nearby. Smoke tendrils coiled lazily around his fingers, dissipating into the air as his gray eyes tracked her movements.
Amethyst stopped mid-step, glaring up at him. "I'm not pacing."
"You were," Elion teased, leaning against a nearby tree with his arms folded. A faint glow emanated from his hands, remnants of the small flame he was playing with moments earlier. “Face it, Amy—you’re stressed.”
"I'm not stressed," she shot back, though her tone lacked conviction.
Zephyr smirked, leaning forward and letting the smoke curl upward into the shape of a question mark. "You sure? Because ever since we gave them those vials, you’ve been more wound up than usual. What’s eating at you?"
Amethyst sighed and rubbed her temples. “This isn’t a game, Zephyr. These trials aren’t just some initiation ritual. They could die in there. And…” She trailed off, her gaze flickering to the labyrinth again.
“And you’re worried about your girlfriend being one of them,” Elion finished for her, his voice softer this time.
She stiffened but didn’t deny it. “Anais isn’t like the others. She’s... she’s different.”
"Yeah," Zephyr said, stretching out on the branch like a cat basking in the sun. "She’s got you wrapped around her finger. You’re so distracted, it’s almost cute."
Amethyst scowled, her cheeks flushing slightly. “This isn’t about me and Anais. It’s about the coven’s safety. The mortal realm’s safety. If they fail…”
“They won’t,” Elion interrupted confidently. “You’ve seen what they can do. They’re scrappy, resourceful. They’ll figure it out.”
Zephyr let out a low whistle. “For someone who usually doesn’t give mortals the time of day, you’re awfully optimistic about this bunch.”
Elion shrugged. “Call it a gut feeling. Besides, if they don’t make it, it’s not like we’re defenseless. The coven has dealt with worse threats before.”
Amethyst’s glare was sharp enough to cut through steel. “This isn’t just some threat, Elion. This is a potential breach of the Veil. If those creatures from the circus get a foothold in the mortal realm…”
“If,” Zephyr emphasized, hopping down from his perch and landing gracefully beside her. He placed a hand on her shoulder, his usual smirk replaced with a rare look of sincerity. “Look, Amy, I get it. You’re scared for Anais, for everyone. But you can’t let that cloud your judgment. We’re here to watch their backs, right?”
Amethyst exhaled slowly, nodding. “Right.”
Elion grinned, clapping her on the back. “Then relax a little. Stress wrinkles aren’t a good look for you.”
She swatted his hand away, but her lips twitched with the hint of a smile. “You’re insufferable.”
“And you love us for it,” Zephyr said with a wink.
YOU ARE READING
Darkwood: Circus Inferno
ParanormalA young teen who helps his family run a mortuary in the small town of Darkwood finds out that every town has secrets. A year after Gerald's death, Onyx and the group all adjust to the new atmosphere and the newly rebuilt town. As a new circus attrac...
