own. Do not waste this rare opportunity or provide cause for me to be summoned again. This place holds no appeal for me. As we part, I ask that you not completely abandon Asteria. What you learn about Earth will be of interest to us.”
With that, the Elder’s light became a stretched, transparent wisp before fading completely.
Darron knelt on one knee in the center of the labyrinth and looked into Larisa’s eyes. “Larisa, would you willingly accept me as your husband and welcome a child from me? Asterions mate for all lifetimes. What I ask of you is nothing trivial, and I will understand and respect whatever decision you make.” He paused and bowed his head. “If not, please tell me now. I’ll make sure you safely leave the island before I return to my realm. Whatever you choose, know that I have only gratitude for the beautiful experiences you’ve shared with me.”
Larisa inhaled a tense breath. “For all lifetimes? What does that mean?”
“It means with the council’s permission we could share many lives together on Earth, or possibly you might visit Asteria someday, but that time would be a long way off. Today, all I can offer is one lifetime, but as an Asterion I’m hoping to spend many with you.”
She slowly lowered to her knees beside him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Darron, you’re the only man who’s ever shown any respect for my feelings or offered me a choice. The Asterions will have to wait a little longer for your homecoming. I’m keeping you with me on Earth.” Her hands gently stroked the side of his face, encouraging him to look up. “I think you’re the right mate for me.”
He lifted his face, joy brimming in his eyes—and the horns on his head fell to the floor with a hollow clatter. More dark, wavy hair immediately took their place, leaving no visible sign they’d ever existed.
Darron gently picked up one of the newly shed horns. “We’ll need this later.”
He took hold of her hand and stood, helping Larisa to her feet as well. As he straightened to his full height, suddenly the shadows of the labyrinth receded. A burst of bright light lifted them upward.
In a heartbeat, the labyrinth faded away and they found themselves standing on the sunny mountain road that led to Larisa’s home village of Kreios.
Larisa gaped in shock. “How did we get here?”
Darron smiled. “I thought us here. It’s an Asterion trick.”
She laughed. “It’s amazing! Are you sure you’re not a god?” She glanced down and gasped as she saw her tattered linen tunic had vanished and an elegant white gown of flowing silk had taken its place, its sweeping sleeves embroidered with gold thread. Larisa twirled in awe. The long sleeves floated around her like snowy wings. “It’s beautiful!”
Darron wore snug leather leggings and armor fit for a king. He was stunning in a gleaming bronze breastplate with the ornately hammered imprint of a bull emblazoned across the chest. To her eyes, he was everything noble.
He smiled and tucked the horn into his belt. “My bride looks lovely. Do you like the dress? Can we get married in your village?”
She froze. “Darron, I can’t go back to my village. I won’t be welcome. Catullus will have me shunned.”
“No he won’t.”
“You don’t understand—”
“I do.” His eyes lit with their first real touch of mischief. He determinedly marched uphill. “I know exactly what needs to be done.”
Larisa hurried to catch up. As they approached her home, the villagers turned out en masse to stare at her and Darron.
An old woman bravely walked up to Larisa and touched the hem of her sleeve. “You were sacrificed to the Minotaur. Are you a ghost now?”
“No.” Larisa’s gaze swept the crowd, looking for Catullus. “I’m very much alive—and I want my land back.”
She finally spotted Catullus lurking behind a tree.
“Don’t touch her or look into her eyes!” Catullus blubbered. “She was claimed by a frightful creature of the underworld and she should have stayed there!”
“I
“I’m the chief!” Catullus bellowed. “You’re not one of us!”
Larisa smiled proudly. “Darron is an honored leader in his realm, and he has much to share with us that will make our lives better. He’s the Master of the Palace of Asterion, and it is dazzling.” She pointed at Catullus. “Catullus himself saw it. Darron’s people know so much. Give him a chance and you will be amazed at what he can teach us.”
“Like what?” Catullus sneered. “What could this stranger possibly do for the village that I couldn’t do?”
Darron pulled the horn from his belt. “I’ll give Larisa a new home. I’ll also build the village a grand palace, where peoples from all tribes can gather and learn. You will be able to study mathematics, philosophy and architecture. You may not understand now, but you will. You’ll quickly see the benefit of uniting with your neighbors and advancing together instead of constantly warring against each other. It will change your lives greatly.” He looked toward Larisa. “Where is your land?”
She pointed toward a nearby rolling hillside of orchards and fields.
Darron strode toward the hillside, the entire village walking a short distance behind. When he reached Larisa’s land, he waved his hand in warning. “Everyone stay back.” As soon as the villagers walked a safe distance away, he thrust the horn into the ground. “The new portal shall be here!”
The moment the horn struck the earth, the ground rumbled violently. Many gasped in terror and ran toward the village. Stones reared suddenly from the trembling ground and a beautifully constructed alabaster palace appeared, with grand halls and tall stone columns. Platters of food and jars of wine magically filled the front arcade.
Larisa stared in utter shock.
“Do you like it?” Darron asked gently. “It is a wedding gift.” He looked down the road at the frightened villagers. “Larisa, call them back. Tell them they’re welcome to all we have.” He turned toward Catullus and took a menacing step closer. “Do you think
Catullus blanched and backed away.
“Run!” Darron demanded in a booming voice. “Run as fast as you can and never come back to this village or I’ll throw you to the Minotaur! You’ll be trampled, slashed and your blood drank dry. Your hideous death won’t come soon enough!”
Catullus screamed and ran like a fool.
Darron grinned at Larisa. “Is there anyone else you would like me to deal with?”
“No.” Larisa smiled and walked up to Darron, hooking her arm through his. “If you wish to be a trusted teacher to my tribe, it might be wise to distance yourself from the Minotaur. My people fear it. Perhaps this is a good time to change the Asterion approach?”
“I’m sure you’re right. See, I’m already learning from you.” Darron drew her close to his heart. “Let’s go to the village and bring everyone back so we can have a wedding.”
“I have a better idea.” Larisa rose on tiptoe and kissed Darron’s lips. “Why don’t you show me our new home first?” A tingle of excitement warmed her skin. “Would any of those elegant rooms have a mattress?”
“Every room has a mattress,” he said innocently.
She led him up the gleaming steps of their palace home. “Let’s make a game of it. Why don’t you pick your favorite room and we’ll test one of the mattresses?”
Larisa bolted away from him with an echoing burst of laughter and raced through the polished halls of the palace. The new home was tremendous and she was able to dash full speed without bumping into anything. Her sandals skidded across the slick floors as she darted ahead of Darron and swung behind a marble column to catch her breath.
Darron caught up to Larisa with ease and lifted her into his arms, laughing. He strode down a long hallway and entered a simple but lovely room with a veranda that opened onto the orchard beyond. He gazed toward the rolling hillside planted with blossoming fruit trees. “I like
He gently set her down on a straw mattress covered in linens and colorful blue and green silk. He took hold of her gown, tugged it over her head and tossed it aside.
