“And have the magic lead us off course?” Clotho asked. “I don't think we'll be able to leave if we don't look. The looking is the price of passage.”
Atropos began to whimper.
“I will look and the rest of you will hold onto me with your eyes closed,” Lachesis said sternly. “I'll lead us out.”
“No,” I said, “I will decide okay?” When I realized I was quoting Bird Box, I felt more confident—more myself—and I added, “I will decide; just give me a second!”
Lachesis and Clotho stared at me until Atropos finally lifted her stricken face and hissed, “Well, fucking decide then!”
“I'll do it,” I whispered. “I've seen enough horrors to be able to block overcome them.”
“Your face says otherwise, Godhunter.” Clotho shook her head. “And you've already paid much more than we have to help Fate.”
“Just get her up,” I said harshly. “Narcissus was supposed to return for me soon. We don't have much time.”
Clotho and Lachesis nodded crisply and helped their sister to her feet. Atropos huddled between them as we went to stand at the entrance to the corridor. Lachesis grabbed my waist in a death grip, Atropos pressed herself against Lachesis' back, and Clotho caged in Atropos with her arms, holding onto Lachesis' waist. We were more a mass than a chain, but it would have to do.
I led them into the hallway of horrors.
Chapter Forty-Two
The corridor was only fifty steps long. I counted.
I focused straight ahead of me at the redemption of light at the end of the hallway. The magic did everything it could to stop us. It pushed visions into my path that will haunt me forever. Terrible things that I won't speak of. My brain shied away from most of them, unable to process the atrocities. I cried as I walked but I didn't stop, and I didn't stumble. Lachesis' hands on my waist reminded me that I was walking for more than myself. My hands over my belly reminded me that escape was worth any price. Illusions, no matter how horrifying, would not keep me from freedom.
But just as I took the final step, the horrors disappeared, replaced by someone far more terrifying.
“Narcissus,” I whispered.
The Fates opened their eyes and spread out to flank me.
“Did you truly think my own magic would help you escape me?” Narcissus tsked me. “Silly Godhunter.”
“Trix are for kids,” I said in a childish voice.
I may have been just a touch insane after I'd gone through that hallway; a touch touched. No biggie; I've been there before. I had the T-shirt and the coffee mug. We're all mad here! Yes; it would be fine. The fresh, beating heart of my enemy would set me right as rain. Wow; that sounded really bad. Maybe I was a psychopath too. No; a psychopath would have walked through that corridor with delight... and a camera.
Narcissus blinked at me.
“You have a choice, Narcissus,” Clotho said kindly. “This is the moment where you can change your fate. These moments are rare; don't squander yours. Release us and choose life.”
“Or keep us and choose death,” Lachesis finished. “Remain on your fraying thread.”
I knew they were bluffing; they hadn't seen that far ahead. They'd said as much to me. But Narcissus focused on them intently, and I saw indecision flash through his eyes as his throat constricted. Then he waved a hand, and the Fates disappeared. I gaped at the open space around me.
“Did you set them free?” I asked in shock.
“Of course, I didn't set them free,” Narcissus snarled at me. “Do you think I'm that gullible?” He narrowed his gaze at me. “You do, don't you? You think I'm a fool. But you are the fool, Vervain. You'll never escape me. There is no way out of my territory except through me. Now, do you accept your fate or do I have to beat it into you?”
Vero stirred. I settled into a fighting stance.
“Through you is fine with me,” I growled.
“See?” Narcissus shook his head. “So foolish.”
I cast down my hands and felt the reassuring click of the blades settling into place over my fingers. It had been a long time since I'd fought with my gloves, but I was betting it was akin to riding a bike. Except this bike was about to tear Narcissus apart. Still beating heart, here I come.
Narcissus smiled and held out a hand. A sword appeared in it, and he began to circle me. I held my ground. I'd played this game before; they always attack at your back. Prepare for that and it becomes an advantage.
I waited for Narcissus to move behind me but once there, he didn't strike. He was just trying to make me nervous. Narcissus waited until he came abreast of me to swing. I dropped to my knees and punched out. He swished away from my deadly claws and laughed; spinning off to my other side. I scrambled to my feet and lunged for him. He cut me on the upper arm and giggled like a mad man.
My eyes were getting twitchy; grainy and dry. After witnessing the horrors of the hallway, concentration was difficult. I pushed the pain aside and tried to focus. I was able to land a blow to his side with my boot. The hook in the heel caught him, and Narcissus howled; an improvement to his laughter. I grinned as I slipped around and slashed at his back.
Narcissus kicked out my knee, and I went sprawling on my face. He tossed the sword aside and followed me down; covering me with his body. Blood dripped onto the polished floor, and I wasn't sure if it was his or mine. My knee throbbed—no goddess healing helping it—and my arm burned. My claws lay sandwiched between me and the floor along with poor Vero. Narcissus pressed his cheek against mine and then turned his head to stick his tongue in my ear.
“Are you wet yet? I'm so fucking
