the day in the labyrinth, and meanwhile he was promised an afternoon with The Savior, a reward for his pure intent. Yes, it seemed they had every right to covet his state, but he would’ve easily traded his fate for any one of theirs in that moment.
“Well, this is certainly an interesting situation,” Delphi said.
“It’s shit, is what it is.”
Delphi laughed, and Tobias pouted. “I wish I found this as funny as you do.”
“You’re the only winner thus far who has dreaded his reward.”
“Some reward.” He lowered his voice. “It’s nice that I’ve won a date, but it seems as though I’ve won it with the wrong Woman.”
Delphi offered him a sympathetic frown, leaving him with the tug of her blade as she shaved his face. The reward is a gift. Today, you are safe. He tried to feel relieved, but Leila refused to leave his mind.
His grooming continued for an unnecessarily long time, but Delphi eventually left the sanctuary, and it wasn’t long before the Proctor took her place. He ushered the men into the next leg of the labyrinth before leading Tobias from the sanctuary, traveling a short distance through the previous stretch of the tunnel. The lingering scent of ash burned Tobias’s nostrils, the space littered with remnants of his training session with Flynn and Leila.
Leila.
The Proctor pounded his fist against a brick, turning the wall before them into another passage. The remainder of their journey was fleeting, yet Tobias’s anxiety made it feel infinite. Your dread is misplaced. You’ve faced death in these tunnels, yet you moan and groan over a fucking date. Perhaps he was being hard on the Woman. Perhaps he should give Her a chance. But Leila had already staked claim of his thoughts, and there simply wasn’t any room left for Cosima.
A light formed in the distance—the site of Tobias’s reward. The Proctor stopped outside its entrance, his face dripping with disinterest.
“Enjoy,” he muttered.
With a nod, Tobias ventured through the portal.
The room was small and grey but sparsely furnished. A mahogany chair with a red silk seat sat in its center alongside a matching table boasting a pitcher of wine. The final piece was a long couch lined in emerald green and covered with elaborate bronze and gold patterns, and standing beside it was The Savior.
Liberal embellishments adorned Her figure, Her belt made of florid gold, the neckline of Her dusty-rose dress covered in pearls. A headpiece draped Her crown, its pink jewels a perfect match to Her painted lips, and Her fiery hair came down Her shoulders in loose, gentle waves. There was a softness about Her, save for the sharpness of Her green eyes. Eyes that spoke nothing to him.
“Artist,” She cooed.
Tobias faltered, then dropped to his knee and bowed his head.
“Oh, there’s no need for that. Rise, please.” She glided to his side, guiding him into the space. “Come, sit.”
Tobias obeyed, moving as if each step he took was under scrutiny. He nodded, taking a seat in the red chair. “Thank You, Cosima.”
Cosima stopped short, frozen.
“Can I call You Cosima?”
She wavered. “Of course.”
With a simper, She drifted to the table, pouring Herself some wine before moving to the second chalice.
“None for me,” Tobias said. “But thank You.”
“It’s the finest in all the realm.”
“I’m quite all right. But I do appreciate the gesture.”
“Don’t be silly, I insist.”
She filled his chalice, passing it off to him before taking a seat on the couch. Tobias stared down at his unwanted drink, trying to think of something to say. Compliment Her. It’s what She was likely accustomed to. Cosima, You look like an angel. Or something. But in an instant, all forced praise disappeared from his mind.
“Before we begin, I wanted to apologize if I offended You.”
Cosima took a sip of Her wine. “Offended Me? How?”
“For using Your magic—in the battle against Antaeus—without Your permission. It was unexpected. A last-minute maneuver. I would’ve asked for Your consent had time permitted.”
She dragged Her fingertip along the rim of Her chalice. “It was an incredible display. I was surprised to see the magic in play.” She smirked. “Leila was smart to share it with you.”
“You know?”
“I know many things.”
Tobias’s lungs tightened. “She was only trying to help. For You, really. Antaeus was a terrible man. Leila just wanted to ensure You didn’t end up with such a foul creature, I’m sure of it.”
Cosima furrowed Her brow. “My Artist, are you feeling troubled?”