The Wolf's Den

Path 2: Ryland, Chapter 10

        The room they ended up in was Mr. Wolfe's meeting room, but without Mr. Wolfe present. It didn't seem important enough to involve him, as he gave them permission to go wherever they liked as long as the balance was maintained. After all, when he'd told them they had to find Adrieve and Tilli before worse things could happen, she took that to heart. It seemed the most essential thing to do, save her sisters and leave before it was too late. Who knew what waited for them there, but they still had to find where.

        After they'd seated themselves, Red started speaking immediately. "I've learned some new information," she began. "We need to find the center of this labyrinth, and soon, or it may collapse on us. The balance is breaking down, and that gives us a timeline. She said she saw all of Levi's brothers heading back from the center of the maze to take Levi with them. Levi is our guide, so we have to get to the center of the labyrinth as soon as possible."

        "Wait, why are they now leaving? They'd still need to pack, so we have time, but where are they now?" Levi said.

        "Cinderella told me they were far away yet, and we shouldn't run into them if we're careful. Losing Levi can detriment us badly, as only he knows the way to the center of the labyrinth." Looking to Ryland, she held her hand up, as Ryland was about to speak. "He watched his mother die there."

        Ryland nodded but looked to Levi. "Levi, if they're far off, can you get us to the center soon? We've got to get them out before our world collapses. How long have we got before then, Red?"

        "Twenty-four hours."

        "That's it? Red, there has to be something more to this. We can't just let this happen, and we can't let this place collapse. There's so many people that live here."

        "Tom, I know, we all know this."

        "Then which brother wants to nab me first?" Levi said.

        "Gregory."

        "What a pig." Looking to Ryland, he smiled apologetically. "No offenses, I hope?"

        "No, none taken, Levi," Ryland said, shaking her head softly. "Red, what can do to avoid this happening?"

        Red shook her head softly. "We can't, Ryland. It's not possible without more help, which we don't have. It would risk more lives if we did that."

        "Then what will we do?"

        "I have an idea, but you can tell no one," a new voice, Mr. Wolfe, said. "And I mean no one outside this group. If you're ready, I'll begin."

        With a nod, he sat down, making it impossible to leave or enter the room, and began to speak.