Deception

11 ¦ An Audience with Death

The passageways continued to broaden and lighten as we drew closer to the Great Hall. Another door whisked open at the Shadow Rider's command. My brow furrowed in surprise.

The main foyer? What?

"We're back at the start?" I asked, incredulous. "Why did we--"

"Not quite," Lord Darius replied. "Security measures conceal the main throne room until you pass the horrors of the Maze of Horrors. Most don't make it."

Bile rose in my throat. "Of all the sick, twisted--"

"You passed through a complex series of psychological barriers to entry," he replied. "Most fail."

I only made it because he carried me. How humiliating! 

If it weren't for him, I'd still be trapped.

Lord Darius' voice softened. "Don't be hard on yourself, Helena. Even the most powerful wizards and sorcerers are often driven mad by the torture chambers. You're still a child."

"I'm not a child!"

"We managed to pass the test. That's all that matters."

Anger rose inside me like the molten lava within a fire drake. Taking a deep breath, I squeezed my eyes shut and willed myself to stay civil.

"I failed, Lord Darius," I said. "How will I stand before Lord Hesse?"

"You didn't fail. You trusted me, and I shielded you from the worst effects." He raised his palm towards me when I tried to question him further. "Save your strength."

"But--"

"Enough!" he said as he grabbed my chin. "You are about to face the most dangerous man on Paxus. Focus. Gather your strength. Whatever you do, don't fight back. Just block him."

With all my might, I tried to push Lord Darius away from me and regain my personal space. But he wouldn't budge.

"How can I defend myself against such a monster?"

"Your mother's shield will protect you from magic and weapons." Lord Darius released my chin with a sigh. "Lord Hesse doesn't engage in hand-to-hand combat. He thinks it's beneath him."

Swallowing a lump in my throat, I nodded. "Is there a limit to what the shield can withstand?"

"There's no way to know for sure." Lord Darius took my hand and nudged me closer until he could whisper in my ear. "I can help you only so much in front of him. Keep that in mind."

I nodded, my lips pursed.

Lord Darius released me from his grasp and led me toward heavy oak doors. Another set of intimidating gold statues stood guard. Tigers baring their ferocious teeth. I drew a deep breath to calm my nerves.

I can do this. Lord Hesse is just a man, not a god.

With one last glance at me, Lord Darius grabbed hold of the knocker and banged three times. The sound echoed as though we were in a deep cave, and my stomach twisted in knots.

No response.

"Can't you open the door with your mind?"

The Shadow Rider scoffed. "With my mind," he murmured in derision.

"However it works," I muttered with a shrug.

"No, I do not have access to all doors in the castle. Certainly not these. You have to possess a higher rank than a Baron for that privilege."

"But you're a Shadow Rider," I insisted.

Once again, he scoffed at me and shook his head. "You have a lot to learn."