Page 57 of Lost and Stolen Gods
It was strange being out of the barracks alone at night. The stars felt too close, as if I was walking in the sky, which I technically was, considering we were in a sky city. It was cold, misty, and altogether creepy, but I reminded myself that I was a big bad demigod, pulled up my big-girl panties, and dealt with it. The sense of being watched crept over me a couple of times.
Were the ankh still on duty?
I picked up the pace, squinting at the map in the dark to find my way through the complex. There were lamps fixed to the wall, but all were turned down low. An air of silent expectancy filled every passage, making my skin itch.
Was the complex empty at night?
Did the other seasoned demigods hang out here? What about the Gurus? Where did they live?
There were several barracks on the other side of the complex—houses, as they were called. The demigod residents who lived there had either failed the labyrinth or had all taken a test or two and were waiting to take it. Only those that ascended moved to Shahee Kshetra—the royal domain.
Why were they keeping us separate from the other demigods? Why not just put us into the mix with the natives? Surely that was the best way to acclimatize us?
My thoughts accompanied me onto the platform above the dummy gauntlet that looked more intimidating at night than in the day.
I’d fallen at the first hurdle. The log.
I climbed into the arena and approached the huge tree trunk attached to a rotisserie-style mechanism. A few of us had fallen at this stage. I walked beneath it, studying the underside of the wood. Rough and notched like a tree trunk except… What was this? A smooth patch. Unnaturally smooth. It was at about the same point that I’d slipped and fallen. Ooo.
“You’ll find it on the real course too,” someone said from behind me.
I spun, immediately on the defensive, but relaxed at the sight of Ravi. “What are you doing here?”
“I followed you.”
“O-kay, that’s not creepy at all.” I glanced around, suddenly aware of how alone we were. I didn’t knowthis guy. We’d spoken once. I should not be relaxing around him.
His brow furrowed. “I won’t hurt you.”
“Oh goodie.”
“I mean it. I just…I want to help.”
“Why?”
“Are you always this suspicious?”
“Not suspicious, more wary, and you didn’t answer my question.”
“Honestly, I’m not sure. I guess I like the way you smell.” He flashed me a smile and took a step toward me. The moonlight caught his eyes, making them reflect eerily.
They have certain appetites…
I backed up a step, eyeing the ramp to the exit platform which lay to my far left. “What do you mean you like the way I smell?”
He ground to a halt and held up his hands. “Just that. You smell nice.”
My stomach quivered, but I held my ground. “Look, I’m not up for being eaten, okay?”
I gauged the distance between myself and the platform. Could I make it before he grabbed me?
He stared at me wide-eyed then let out a bark of laughter. “We don’t eat people, Leela.” He tucked his hands into the pockets of his pants and shrugged. “Look, I just want to help you. I’ve run this gauntlet several times just for fun. I can show you what to avoid. The timing…I can help you pass it.”
“I’m not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, but I still don’t understand why you’d want to help me. Why not one of the others?”
“I don’t understand the first part of your sentence, but I can answer the second. You remind me of someone. Someone I cared about a lot.”
I waited for him to elaborate, but he didn’t, and my gut told me not to push. Now that I’d relaxed again, my instincts told me that he wasn’t a threat.
