Until the World Falls Down

Chapter 7

7

E nver didn’t have a heart.

I stared down at my hand as I made my way across the rest of the courtyard, the phantom sense of nothingness under my palm making goosebumps break out across my skin. How was it possible for Enver to be alive with no heart? How had he lost it? Had it happened at the same time he’d lost his emotions? Was his loss of emotions a direct consequence of losing his heart? Had it been his choice, or…?

The shadow ring on my left finger eddied, capturing my attention. I couldn’t see the string that connected me to him anymore. Did it only appear when he was near?

At least that could serve as a warning.

Anxiety settled in my gut as I approached the front gate of the castle. Intricately wrought with scrollwork, I couldn’t help but admire it, reaching my hand out to brush against the cool metal. Behind it, a giant solid oak door marked the entrance to the labyrinth. However, as I stepped back and scanned the gate, I could see no way past it. No lever on either side of it. No button of any sort. I couldn’t even tell if it opened by sliding diagonally or vertically .

“Isla said it would open for me,” I said to myself, placing a hand on my chin, and studying the metal again. I didn’t see any sort of machinery that would allow the gate to move on its own, though.

I hesitantly reached out, pressing my hand against the cool metal. A subtle vibration met my touch as if the castle itself acknowledged my presence. The feeling resembled a purring cat under my hand. I gasped and jerked my hand back as the intricate designs melted away, disappearing before my eyes until only the oak door remained in front of me.

Cautiously, I touched the weathered door, feeling deep grooves under my palm, revealing scars of time the gate hadn’t shown. The ancient wood yielded to my hand. A hushed creak echoed across the courtyard as the door swung open, revealing the yawning darkness of the labyrinth beyond.

My hand fell back to my side.

Darkness.

What else had I expected?

A chill I’d come to associate with Enver’s shadows swept over me, sending goosebumps across my skin. I took a steadying breath and then stepped inside, blanketing myself in the blackness. I didn’t look over my shoulder as the door closed behind me again with a muted thud, trapping me inside. Although anxiety had already started to weigh my limbs down, I forced myself to move forward slowly, hands stretched out in front of me to feel through the dark.

Something suddenly wrapped around my wrist.

I nearly screamed. Another joined the first, snaking around my forearm, and another, now on my ankle. “Get off me!” I cried, trying to shake them off, kicking out my foot, spinning around, trying to find the source of the tendrils, my heart in my throat. Was it Enver? “Let go!”

More converged on me, encircling my arms, legs, waist, and hair. I shouted now, being shoved forward off my feet. I squeezed my eyes shut, fighting against the shadows, but they were too strong, too many. They pulled me further into the darkness, my cries breaking the surrounding silence. The cold tendrils dragging me overloaded my senses, making me panic and writhe within them.

And then suddenly, they released me. I fell to all fours, eyes opening to see a plush burgundy carpet under me. The quiet was deafening now, my ears still ringing from my own cries as I looked up, finding myself in a haunting corridor. It stretched endlessly in front of me, lined with faded tapestries and dimly lit sconces chipped and worn with age.

“What the hell was that?” I said out loud, unable to move, my skin still prickling from the residual shock of the encounter.

“Mistress.”

I threw myself sideways, scrambling backward as a voice spoke from above me, but this time, to my relief, it wasn’t any kind of shadow. A young man stood above me, gazing down at me with a kind smile. He wore black trousers and a tailored waistcoat woven with gold stitching over a black button-up, with a black bowtie adorning his neck.

“Do you need a hand, my lady?” he asked, offering a gloved hand out to me.

I hesitated before taking it, allowing him to help me back to my feet. “My lady?” I repeated.

“My lord has instructed us to refer to you as such.”

“Your lord?” I took in his outfit again, and my eyes widened. “You’re one of his servants?”

He bowed his head. “My lord wanted me to bring this to you.”

I looked down as he held out a bundle of white fabric. I took it, letting it unravel to reveal an elegant satin dress decorated with light blue embroidery, the shade startlingly similar to the color of my eyes .

“And this,” the servant said, handing me a silky white cape. “Will you require help in dressing?”

I inspected the cape, confused. “Why did he want me to have this?”

“He hoped you would be warmer with it on.”

My heart skipped a beat despite myself. I couldn’t be grateful to Enver for simply offering me dry clothing. And if my damp dress hadn’t been so uncomfortable, I would have refused this, but I couldn’t imagine continuing the labyrinth like this. An incessant chill was in the air, and I doubted it would go away. “Thank you,” I said.

“I’m sorry the castle’s appearance isn’t at its best,” he responded, glancing down the corridor. “The lord returned in a mood earlier.”

I frowned. What did that have to do with what the castle looked like? “Where are all the other servants?” I asked.

“We’re everywhere. Call on us whenever you need to,” he told me, bowing again.

It made me uncomfortable. “Uh, no need for that. I’m just a participant in the labyrinth like you are. Were.” I grimaced inwardly, hoping that didn’t insult him.

Instead, the servant glanced up at me again, confusion clouding his eyes. “Labyrinth?”

“Is that not where we are?” I asked.

“We’re in the castle,” he informed me.

“Yes, but aren’t you his servant because you failed the labyrinth?”

“No, my lady, I serve my lord willingly,” he responded. “My lord selected us to become his loyal servants. I’m grateful to have the chance to serve him. I don’t recognize this labyrinth you speak of. Perhaps you refer to the castle garden?”

My grip on the dress in my hands became tighter. Something wasn’t right here. Enver said those who failed the labyrinth had become his servants. So why was this man saying he was serving him willingly? How did he not know about the labyrinth? Did they lose their memories when they failed?

“How did you come to be here?” I asked. “When did you come here?”

He hesitated. “I…”

“What’s your name?” I continued. “Were you promised something if you came here?”

The servant’s eyes darted around nervously. “How did I come to be here? I can’t remember. I think I wanted something. How long has it been?” His gaze met mine again, eyes round with distress. “The labyrinth—” His mouth suddenly closed, his gaze turning vacant.

“What about it?” I prompted.

“My lady, you should change before you catch an illness,” he said, a smile returning to his lips, his expression serene once more.

Dread caused the hair on my neck to rise. Enver didn’t just rule over the labyrinth—his control had to extend to the people inside his castle. He had some kind of influence over those who failed. They weren’t servants of their own free will, even if Enver claimed they were. Something was preventing this servant’s memory from returning. Keeping him under Enver’s control.

It was so wrong .

And if I failed the labyrinth, I would end up just like them.

“Thank you for your help,” I said tersely. “I’ll be on my way.”

“Of course, my lady,” he responded, bowing his head and disappearing through a door that suddenly appeared in the corridor wall as he approached it.

Alone again, I clutched the dress in my hands, trying to keep my approaching panic at bay. There was more at stake than I’d thought. Enver said his servants served him willingly but failed to mention that he mind-controlled them into it. He enticed and entrapped them. And he planned to do the same to me.

I stared down at the dress, wanting to throw it away, but rationality won over the urge to refuse anything Enver offered me. This dress was longer and less restrictive than my current one. Not to mention less wet.

I moved into the dimmest corner of the corridor before peeling my dress off and sliding the new one on. The satin clung to me with welcoming warmth, although the neckline plunged deep between my breasts, showing more cleavage than I would have liked. I struggled to clasp the cape over my shoulders, unused to the garment but wanting the extra layer to fend off the cold of the labyrinth.

A strange feeling came over me, and I paused. The dress felt… off. Not in texture, but in a way that made a tightness form in my chest. It felt wrong. But I couldn’t explain why. It formed to me perfectly, as if tailored to my exact measurements. Was that why it felt off? Had Enver somehow made this for me in such a short amount of time?

I hesitated another moment, then brushed off the feeling. It was clean and warm. I’d take it.

My old dress pooled on the ground, and I decided to leave it there. It didn’t mean anything to me, especially now. I would never dress to impress Julian again. I started to walk away when an almost physical tug pulled at my heart. Turning, my attention returned to my dress, and I knelt beside it, following the phantom pull.

The pendant.

I reached into the pocket that held it, retrieving it. It pulsed faintly in my hand—in the way Enver’s heart should have under my touch—warm and alive. Like it’d been resting against my skin the entire time, soaking in its heat.

It made me pause for a moment. If Enver’s heart was missing, then …

No , I told myself. That couldn’t be. A heart wouldn’t fit into a pedant like this, to begin with.

I touched the thin piece of ruby that remained in the setting. Where was the rest of it? What happened to it?

Why did I even care?

Still, I refused to part with the pendant, standing back up. I moved my long hair over my shoulder, clasped it around my neck, and let it settle against my chest. I didn’t understand why, but it felt essential to keep with me.

As I faced back down the corridor, I shouted in surprise as a shadow appeared before me, dangling something from its misty form. Shoes, I realized. Some sort of style of ballet flats. To replace my heels, I was sure.

“I’m not going to say thank you,” I said, taking the new shoes from the shadow and kicking off my heels.

After putting on the flats, which somehow also fit me perfectly, my feet immediately felt better. I abandoned my heels with my old dress, then moved down the corridor again. The shadow followed alongside me, twisting and undulating, phasing through me every time it got too close.

I stopped. “Do you need something?” I asked, feeling absolutely insane for talking to a shadow. But I’d seen even more unbelievable things here already, so I didn’t know why I felt like that.

It shimmied over to the corridor’s wall and raised a tendril as if beckoning me.

I hung back for a moment before sighing and walking over to it. It morphed into the wall, creating the silhouette of a doorway. When I reached out to touch it, it manifested into a physical door. I hesitated, and the pendant on my chest pulsed softly as if encouraging me. I reached for the door handle and pushed it open.

When I stepped through, I found myself in a sunny garden. It took a moment to adjust to the sunlight, and I blinked rapidly, bringing up a hand to shield my eyes. The sweet scent of flora wafted over me alongside a gentle breeze, but it did little to soothe my irritation.

The damn shadow had tricked me into going back out to the garden.

“Oh, my. What do we have here?”

I turned quickly, squinting against the sun, my gaze landing on a beautiful woman dressed in a gown fit for a queen. Dark green, cinched at the waist, and opening to a wide skirt, every inch stitched with gold embroidery. She had brown skin and chestnut hair twisted elegantly into a cascading braid that rested over her right shoulder. Her hazel eyes shone in the sun as she walked toward me. And not only her eyes sparkled—scales did, too. On her cheeks and neck, shimmering iridescently in a kaleidoscope of colors.

Startled a bit, I moved back, noting her webbed ears. “Oh!”

She laughed, melodic and alluring. “Is this your first time meeting merfolk?”

“Merfolk?” I repeated, my mouth dry.

“Don’t worry. I won’t lure you out into the sea,” she teased. “But my younger sister might. She’s had a hard time adjusting to the new laws, and I think you’re just her type.”

I took another step back.

Another musical laugh left her lips. “I’m just teasing. I suppose I should start with hello.”

“Um. Hi,” I replied awkwardly, realizing now that this wasn’t Enver’s castle garden, and unable to tear my gaze away from her scales.

She smiled at me. “How did you get here?”

I didn’t know if telling her a shadow turned into a door and led me here was a good idea. “Where is here, exactly?” I questioned.

“It seems like a place from my memories.” She stretched her hand, glancing down at it curiously. “Although it also seems I’ve returned to my past self, too.”

I stared at her. Because that was a normal sentence that people said. Although, I wasn’t sure what normal was anymore. Not since that night in the club. I couldn’t even confidently say it had only been last night with the odd way time seemed to work in the labyrinth. “What exactly is that supposed to mean?” I asked, keeping my tone light so the question didn’t sound rude.

“I’m trying to figure that out myself,” she responded, a crease appearing on her forehead, but then her lips curved up again when she looked back at me. “If I may be so forward, are you challenging the labyrinth too?”

“I—yes,” I said, taken aback at the fact she’d mentioned the labyrinth so casually. I was still coming to terms with it. “I am. How did you know?”

“Aside from the fact you appeared out of thin air?”

“Ah. Right.”

She laughed, hiding her mouth with her hand. “This is strange, though. I haven’t met anyone else during my journey so far.”

“I just started it,” I told her. “Is it not normal to run into other participants?”

“In my experience, it seems that would be the case.”

I frowned. Then why had I run into Isla before? And now this woman? Enver had said Isla helping me was cheating, so maybe I wasn’t supposed to be meeting anyone at all?

The woman held out her hand. “I’m Neima.”

“Nell,” I responded, shaking her proffered hand. Her grip was delicate and slack, so I loosened my grip as well. “I don’t really know what I’m doing, though.”

“That’s something you need to figure out yourself,” she told me, her expression falling a bit as she gazed out at the garden behind me. “Although I believe I now know why I’ve appeared here during this moment.”

A shout came from behind me before I could ask her what she meant. The sound of heavy movement on dirt approached, and I turned just in time to see multiple swords being swung upward and pointed at my heart. I stumbled back, bumping into Neima, a startled squawk leaving my lips as I caught sight of five different men wearing shining steel armor.

“Halt, intruders,” the man in the middle demanded, his voice full of authority.

Neima put a hand on my shoulder reassuringly. “Steady your hand, guards. I’m Neima of Veldaria. I suggest lowering your swords before I take offense to them.”

The guards didn’t budge, their weapons still poised and ready. “Quiet, monster,” one of them snapped.

Neima moved to stand in front of me, the rich fabric of her dress brushing against the sword tip of the man in the middle as her chest came dangerously close to it. “Do not make me repeat myself.”

“Lower your weapons,” a different voice commanded, and the soldiers immediately lowered their swords, dropping to one knee.

Neima inhaled softly as another woman came into view. She was dressed in similar armor to the men, but her armor was black, tailored to her form. The only part of her not covered by armor was her head, her ebony skin smooth and her face angular. Braids of black hair encircled the crown of her head, and her brown eyes narrowed as she took in the sight of me and Neima. “Princess Neima,” she greeted.

“Queen Paloma,” Neima responded, curtseying.

I blinked. Had I heard that right? Why were they referring to themselves as a princess and a queen?

“I did not receive any word you would be visiting,” Paloma said. “Where are your guards? ”

Neima’s grip on my shoulder tightened. “I’ve only brought this one along.”

Paloma scanned my body, pursing her lips, a disappointed expression crossing her face. “Surely, she offers little to no protection. I’ve seen more muscle on a worm.”

I tried not to feel offended. Working full time from home hadn’t done any favors for my health. I kept meaning to sign up for the gym, but Julian always said he didn’t like muscular women and deterred me from going. I turned my head down, biting the inside of my cheek. Had Julian even realized I was missing yet? Would he even care if he had?

“I have full trust in my lady-in-waiting,” Neima said, nudging me with her elbow and breaking me from my thoughts.

I nodded along immediately, unsure of what lady-in-waiting even meant. However, staying by Neima’s side seemed like the smart move until I figured out what exactly I was supposed to do in the labyrinth.

“And also, I saw no need for protection since you’re here,” Neima added.

Paloma folded her arms over her chest, the sun glinting off her dark armor. “She looks rather human. I wasn’t aware you hired humans in your service.”

“She’s just still maturing,” Neima said, patting my cheek. “Her scales will come with time.”

A slightly harder tap on my cheek had me nodding. “Right. I’m still… maturing.”

Paloma didn’t seem to believe me but let it drop. “Very well. Let’s return to the castle before you’re seen. I’ve been meaning to discuss something with you.”

“It would be my pleasure,” Neima responded, guiding me forward.

I swallowed nervously as we approached Paloma. She loomed over both Neima and me, her posture ramrod straight, eyeing me suspiciously. A slight sneer crossed her face as our eyes met, causing me to freeze before her gaze softened as she looked upon Neima.

“This is going to be hard,” Neima muttered under her breath, unable to keep her eyes off Paloma.

She stepped forward and promptly tripped on her dress, falling straight into the taller woman. Paloma caught her swiftly and easily, holding her to her chest tightly. “Princess, please be careful.”

I didn’t miss Neima’s blush as she clung to Paloma. “My apologies.”

“Hold on to me. The dirt is uneven here,” Paloma said, offering Neima her hand.

Neima started reaching for it but then drew back, her expression falling as she clasped her hands in front of herself. “I think it’s best I don’t.”

Paloma frowned for a moment but then gave a brief nod. “As you wish, Princess.”

Paloma’s gaze lingered on Neima for a moment longer before she turned and started down a dirt path leading out of the gardens. There’d been a fondness in her eyes that made me wonder what the history between them was as I followed along, taking in the scenery. The air was summery. Not a cloud hovered in the sky, and birds chirped all around us. Mountains stretched in a long range in the distance, creating a breathtaking backdrop for the concentric castle we headed toward.

My attention caught on formidable-looking turrets perched on the outer walls of the castle. Each spire held an air of intimidation, increased by the presence of stoic guards who stood by them at the ready. They stood so still I could have mistaken them for statues displaying armor had one of them not shifted subtly.

I felt like someone had transplanted me into the Middle Ages. And for all I knew, I had been. I probably wasn’t even on the same continent. Or in the same world. Was that even possible? Had Enver transported me into another world? Was his labyrinth some kind of multidimensional maze? The thought gave me anxiety. What else existed that I didn’t know about? Bigfoot? The Jersey Devil? Multiple timelines?

I ran into Neima’s back, not realizing she’d come to a stop, and nearly knocked both of us over. She gasped in surprise, and I wrapped my arm around her waist to keep her steady. Paloma turned back toward her, her sharp eyes immediately zeroing in on my arm holding Neima. I steadied Neima before giving Paloma a pacifying smile.

Her jaw ticked, and she scowled at me in response.

I took a step back from Neima experimentally.

Paloma’s expression relaxed marginally.

Aha . So that was it.

Paloma held out her arm to Neima. “Perhaps it’s best you hold on to me after all, Princess.”

Neima bit her lip and nodded, placing a hand on Paloma’s forearm. “Thank you.”

I watched the pair curiously as we entered two giant oak doors that were not too different from the doors to Enver’s palace. Inside, though, was starkly different. Instead of doom and gloom the halls were lit with luxurious chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Silk tapestries of various colors hung on the walls, vibrant and without signs of wear. We walked on a deep burgundy rug on top of a black, glossy stone floor. Enver’s castle looked absolutely decayed in comparison to this one.

We entered what I assumed to be an audience hall with high ceilings and enough room to fit at least a hundred people. Servants and maids scurried about, bowing their heads and politely greeting Paloma and Neima as they rushed by us. Paloma dismissed her soldiers, leaving the three of us alone. We made our way to a set of Victorian-style couches, and Paloma helped Neima sit on the plush bench. I attempted to sit next to Neima, but the metal of Paloma’s armor jabbed me in the side as she bumped me with her hip, not so subtly guiding me to a chair next to the couch.

I sat with a stiff smile. Did she consider me some kind of threat? Wasn’t a lady-in-waiting just some sort of maid?

“Ah, Princess, you have something in your hair,” Paloma said, bringing her hand to Neima’s head.

Neima let her, and I raised an eyebrow, not seeing anything there.

With a flourish of her hand, a small white freesia appeared in Paloma’s hand, and she presented it to Neima. “For you.”

Neima blushed, and to my surprise, I found myself smiling at Paloma’s antics. Seeing the couples together at the club had hurt me so badly, but with Neima and Paloma, I couldn’t help but feel light-hearted. The playful way they interacted with each other was refreshing and endearing. It made my heart ache, but more in a bittersweet way than a painful one.

“Careful, Queen Paloma, you continue to pretend to use magic, and my country just might label you an evil sorceress,” Neima chided, taking the flower. “They already hate that you’re a human.”

“It’s Paloma when we’re alone, Princess,” Paloma corrected, smirking, letting her fingertips linger against Neima’s. “And let your country call me what they wish. I know you’ll protect my honor.”

Neima’s cheeks colored an even deeper shade. “S-so, what was it you wanted to talk about?”

Paloma finally returned her hand to her side. “Let me change out of my armor. I’ll have the servants bring refreshments in the meantime.” She looked at me, narrowing her eyes slightly. “Sit tight.”

I waited until Paloma walked away to turn toward Neima. “What’s the deal between you two?” I asked.

Neima stared after Paloma, not turning away until she was out of sight. A sigh left her lips, and she stared down at her lap. “We’re lovers in the future,” Neima told me, her voice holding a tinge of fondness and longing. “Despite the outrage from our families and despite the risk to our kingdoms, we found happiness and love with each other. And we were happy. For years. But it turns out happiness is not that easy to keep.”

I stayed silent, waiting for her to continue.

“The responsibilities Paloma and I have in the future are many and consequential. Every day seems to be a trial against us. We want to do what’s best for our kingdoms, but what happens when what’s best is also what’s most painful for us? Every day is harder than the last. We love each other deeply—that much I know is true. But we’ve reached a point where our crowns feel heavier than our love for each other. The tender moments now are replaced with misery and guilt.”

Neima bit her lip, her eyes watering, and my heart fell. “Neima,” I said softly.

“Paloma suffers worse than I do. Her family never accepted me. They demand an heir. Merfolk and humans used to be enemies. Times have changed, but both sides remain stubborn. But Paloma defends me. From them. From danger. From anything she can. But I can’t do anything for her. She does so much for me, but there’s nothing I can do. Except this.”

“This?” I prompted.

“The labyrinth,” she said, finally looking at me, tears clinging to her lashes. “I can stop this all before it even begins. This day is the day we kissed for the first time. I won’t do it. I will reject her and save us both the heartbreak later.”

My stomach knotted. Was that possible? Could the labyrinth lead to such an outcome? Could it change the future? Enver had said the labyrinth gave its participants what they want if they succeed. For Neima, was it to forget what pained her?

I didn’t know what to say to her. The heartbreak on her face mirrored the heartbreak carved in my chest. If I could go back in time and choose to never meet Julian again, would I? Was that what the labyrinth would eventually offer me? Maybe Neima had the right idea here. Maybe it was better to just forget everything and avoid the pain and suffering. Maybe Neima and I were the same.

“But I can’t imagine a life without Paloma,” Neima continued quietly. “Without her love. Nor can I imagine not loving her.”

My thoughts halted, a weight crushing down on me.

No, Neima and I were not the same. Not really. Neima loved Paloma and Paloma loved Neima. They had what I could only yearn for. Julian didn’t and wouldn’t love me. Where I wanted to forget for selfish reasons, Neima wanted to forget to spare Paloma from pain. She was doing it from a place of love.

My hands clenched. I couldn’t let them give up their love. Even if I couldn’t have my happily ever after, I could at least try to help Neima and Paloma have theirs.

“So, what, then? You plan to be saddled with that heartbreak all alone right now?” I asked, moving to sit beside Neima on the couch. “Paloma doesn’t get a say in it?”

“I don’t want her to hurt anymore,” Neima protested.

“You said you love each other,” I said, taking her hand in mine. “Are you sure about that?”

Neima’s lips curved down, and she tried to pull her hands back. “Of course I am,” she said, defensive. “We have been together for the past ten years. From this very day onward. There hasn’t been a moment when we’ve stopped loving each other despite our struggles.”

“Then why are you so willing to give it up? Some people would die for a love like that,” I said, feeling my throat grow tight, holding her hands tighter. “The type of love where you would sacrifice everything for each other. Where you would do anything for each other. Where you can’t imagine a life without each other. You have something that some people desperately long for.”

“Do they long for the pain as well? For the guilt and heartache?”

“I can’t answer that,” I said, lowering my gaze. “But what you’re planning doesn’t seem like love to me. It seems like you’re running away.”

Neima stilled.

“I understand you want to save her from pain, but doesn’t Paloma deserve a say in this?” I asked, looking back up at Neima. “What if she was the one here, trying to prevent you from suffering just because you love her? What if you were the one who didn’t have a choice in this?”

“I wouldn’t want that,” Neima whispered, her eyes watering again.

“You two won’t be able to protect each other from everything, but you can be there for each other. That’s what love is. It’s not just about the happy moments—it’s everything that comes between them, too. If you’re scared or hurting, go to Paloma and tell her. Don’t do this. Shielding yourself from pain only means you also miss out on the joy.”

Tears rolled down Neima’s cheeks. “I want Paloma to be happy, but if I cause her pain, then what good am I to her? I don’t want to be the source of her unhappiness.”

“That’s impossible,” I assured her. “I barely know you two, but I can tell how much she cares for you already. I’m sure, even in the future, you’re nothing but her happiness. That nothing would ever stop her from loving you.”

“Really?” she asked, hiccuping.

I cupped Neima’s face in my hands, wiping her tears with my thumbs, her scales smooth under my touch. “Really.”

“But our kingdoms. Even if we can take a stand against our families, how can we provide an heir?”

“You can’t adopt?” I asked. Maybe that wasn’t a thing here. Or maybe there were strict rules for royalty. “What about insemination, then?”

Confusion wrinkled her brow. “Insemination?”

I hesitated. Was I really about to explain this to her? Would it change the trajectory of their future if I did? When was it even invented? But if it led to her happiness, then…

Leaning forward, I whispered in her ear, explaining the process.

“What’s going on here?” Paloma’s booming voice came from in front of us.

I jumped, not realizing she’d returned, and quickly withdrew my hands from Neima’s face, pulling back. “Nothing!”

However, the blush once again staining Neima’s cheeks definitely did not help my case, nor the flustered way she spoke. “N-nothing,” she stuttered, and Paloma’s fingers twitched at her side.

Paloma glanced down, but now she was dressed in more casual attire, her sword, thankfully, not attached to her hip anymore. I still tensed, realizing that was what she was reaching for. Instead of spearing me through, she folded her arms across her chest, the white linen of her top pulling against the muscles in her biceps. Her gaze darted between Neima and I, and I went to move back to my original chair, feeling the distrust radiating from her.

But as I did so, an idea hit me.

Maybe they both could use a little push.

“I may not have muscles, but I have other charms,” I told Paloma, giving her the most salacious smile I could muster as I lightly brushed the fabric of Neima’s dress just above her thigh, making sure not to touch her skin, just the dress.

Paloma’s eye twitched, fingers once again moving to where her sword once rested against her. “Princess.”

“Yes?” Neima asked, sniffing as she wiped away the remaining tears .

“I think we need to speak. Privately.”

Neima inhaled softly. “You’re right. We should. But before we do, I need to ask you something.”

Paloma finally dragged her gaze away from me to look at Neima. “Anything.”

“Paloma, if I caused you nothing but misery in the future, what would you do?” Neima asked, ducking her head, her voice barely a whisper. “Would you still want me around?”

“What would I do?” Paloma repeated, and then her answer came swiftly, “Nothing.”

Neima turned her chin up, her mouth falling open as she stared at Paloma. “Nothing?”

Paloma knelt down in front of Neima, taking Neima’s hands into her own. “ Nothing . You could never cause me misery, Princess. No matter what you did. I can assure you of that.”

“But what if our standings caused us distress because of our relationship with each other?”

“It would be worth it,” Paloma said confidently. “Anything and everything would be worth it. Even if we were exiled from our lands, nothing would matter as long as I’m with you. I wouldn’t trade you for anything, Neima.”

Neima’s lips trembled. “Paloma…”

“And even if it felt like the weight of the world was on our shoulders, I could bear it. I would bear it. As long as you continue to smile at me. If I ever seem upset, just smile at me, Neima, and it will all go away.”

“A smile,” Neima reiterated slowly, and then she brought one of her hands to her mouth, covering it as her eyes widened. “I see. I see now.” Her eyes filled with tears again, her chin dropping toward her chest. “I’ve been cruel to you, Paloma. I’ve not smiled enough. I’ve let the misery get to me for far too long.”

Paloma’s expression turned to bewilderment as Neima began to sob softly. “Princess? What’s wrong? Why are you crying?”

Without warning, Neima flung herself at Paloma, dropping onto the ground on her knees beside Paloma, hugging her fiercely. “I’ll smile for you, Paloma. I promise. Forever.”

Paloma didn’t say anything in response. She just hugged Neima closer before pulling back to place a hand on her jaw. “Neima.”

Neima put one of her hands on Paloma’s cheek as well. “Paloma.”

“Can I kiss you, Princess?”

Neima smiled. “Yes.”

A lump formed in my throat, and I forced myself to look away from them, wanting to give them as much privacy as I could. What was it like to have someone love you so deeply? Would I ever get to know? Would I find someone who would choose me over everything else in the world? My hands clenched at the fabric of my dress, and I tried to distract myself, not wanting my jealousy to ruin such a sweet moment.

Movement caught the corner of my eye, and I turned to look out the arched windows of the castle, sitting up straighter as I noticed a door forming along one of the windows. Dark and shadowy—much like the one that had brought me here. The pendant on my chest grew hot as the door fully appeared, and I instantly knew it was for me.

Had I completed the labyrinth? Already? I stood abruptly, afraid the door would disappear.

“Nell?” Neima called from behind me.

I twisted around to face her, still in Paloma’s embrace. “I think it’s time for me to go,” I told her.

“I think it is for me, too,” she said, looking at something I couldn’t see in the distance. “But I don’t think I’ll go just yet.” She glanced at Paloma pointedly. “I want to spend more time here. You go ahead. ”

I nodded. “Will you be okay?”

“I will now. Thank you, Nell.”

I smiled at her. “I didn’t do anything. I’m sure you would have come to the same conclusion.”

“I’m not sure. I don’t think I was in my right mind,” she admitted. “I wished so desperately to change things I lured the lord of the labyrinth to me. I’m not sure what I would have chosen if I hadn’t run into you.”

“What were you so desperate for?” I asked, my chest tightening at the mention of Enver.

“Happiness,” she told me, her gaze turning back to Paloma, soft and affectionate. “And I think I found it again—no, I know I did. But what about you?”

“Love,” I said.

“I’m sure you will find it,” she responded. “You have a kind soul. I can tell. You will meet the one who makes your heart flutter and your cheeks flush soon enough.”

The pendant pulsated, and I got the feeling it was urging me to go. “I’m happy for you two. I hope you live a good life together.”

“As long as we’re with each other, there wouldn’t be any other kind,” Paloma answered, and amazingly, she smiled at me.

“Goodbye, Nell,” Neima said, rising from her knees and coming over to me to pull me into a hug. “I won’t forget what you did for me… and what you told me.”

Paloma stared hard at me as I hugged Neima back, her lips flattening further the longer the hug lasted. I purposefully gave an extra squeeze before stepping back and waving one last time. “Good luck,” I said before heading to the shadow door. It churned, dark and intimidating, and I braced myself. I reached for the handle, pulled it open, and stepped through.