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Chapter Nineteen
The rest of the day, Andromache didn’t speak, well, not to me at least. She only spoke to the girls and gave me glances. I won’t hold it against her. You can’t change everyone’s mind. And certainly not in a matter of hours. So I busied myself cleaning up around the labyrinth. Letting the girls have as much time alone as needed.
I added some more to my journal wall, writing about recent events from yesterday and today. When I wandered back to the main room, I could smell a fresh stew cooking over the fire. It actually smelled good. So not Melite or Europa’s handiwork. I ducked my head as I stepped in, expecting to find the three girls bustling around.
Instead, it was just Andromache stirring the pot adding spices. I looked around like there was anywhere that Melite or Europa could be hiding. I groaned, realizing they’d g
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The stew was actually rather good. It seems Andromache can cook. I’m glad it won’t just be me cooking. Yes, some burned bits in the stew near the bottom of the pot, but overall it was good. The girls settled in for the evening, taking up the bed. Melite was crocheting something with the colorful yawn my mother brought. Europa was busying herself with brushing Andromache’s hair while Andromache was reading one of the books I’d brought from my max shift library.It was oddly settling. To sit here content, not alone, as I reread a book for probably the millionth time. I could almost get used to this. But I remind myself it's not forever. This is only until they can escape and start their lives over somewhere. And I want that for them. I want them to be free and to live long, happy lives.“Did the person who built this plac
Asterion Chapter Twenty-One
There were no middle-of-the-night disturbances. No one tripped over me to leave the room. No Minos or his guards coming to hassle me. I can only hope that Minos leaves the remaining tributes untouched. I don’t want anyone harmed because of me.I groaned, hearing the horns echoing from outside. “I hate that horn.” Europa grumbled from across the room. “We all do.” Melite grumbled. But her voice wasn’t coming from across the room. I opened my eyes and looked down. Melite was snuggled against me, face buried in my chest.“When did you get over here?” I asked, shifting, tightening my arms around her. I hadn’t even woken up when she decided to lay next to me. I’m usually a much lighter sleeper than that. “Not sure. Can’t really tell the time in here.” Melite sighed, nuzzling de
Asterion Chapter Twenty-Two
Demoleon blinked and looked from me to the girls as if wanting confirmation. All three nodded. “I would never hurt my cousin.” he defended. “It’s not just your cousin I protect. You touch Europa or Melite in a way they don’t want. If you hurt them in any way, I will kill you.” I warned, glaring at him. “I wouldn’t ever touch either of them.” he stated though I smelled embarrassment at the statement.I cocked my head, not really sure what that was about. I glanced at the girls. Europa and Andromache snickered while Melite looked as confused as me. I shrugged, letting it go. “Follow me. Did they feed you before sending you to die?” I asked, starting to walk back to the main room.“Um… no. Just some bread last night before lights out.” Demoleon answered cautiousl
Asterion Chapter Twenty-Three
“You can’t decide that for us.” Melite frowned, eyes narrowing up at me. “I… you need to understand. I care about you. It would be best if you got to live your life free. Out there where you can see the sun and the moons. Where you can take in all the wonders of nature that I have only ever read about. I want you to have more than this.” I sighed.“Who’s to say it will be better for us out there? If anyone ever found out we had been with you, we’d be mistreated. You know it.” Europa pointed out. “That’s a risk, but I know my mother would only entrust your lives with people she knows would take care of you. And while I don’t know if you’d all even go to the same place, it’s possible, and you’d have others as support.” I sighed.“And if either of us is pre
Asterion Chapter Twenty-Four
Demoleon shrugged, bracing himself on the wall as he got back to his feet. “I’m not sure if that’s specifically an animal thing. There are plenty of men that are unfaithful to their wives and have many mistresses. Some even take other men in secret.” he sighed. “That is true. I know Minos is unfaithful to my mother.” I nodded. “Come on. They’re probably worried.” I gestured for him to follow me.“I don’t think they are worried. They trust you won't hurt me. Most likely, they are bored, or they are talking about you. I saw the look Europa had when my cousin slipped and talked about your attributes. She is probably peppering her with questions wanting to know if she’s interested in you.” he smiled.“Well, that does sound like Europa. But I’m sure Melite will prevent her from
Asterion Chapter Twenty-Five
I don’t know how long I’ve been asleep. I could hear them whispering, opting not to open my eyes. “We should wake him up.” Demoleon whispered. “No, we should let him rest. His body needs rest.” Andromache argued. “His body also needs nourishment. He needs to eat.” Europa sighed. “So he eats more at breakfast. Let his body get the rest it needs.” Melite suggested.They were arguing over if they should wake me up to eat. Do I want to eat? I am hungry. But my eyes are so heavy. I think I’ll sleep a little longer. “Fine. He doesn’t seem to be moving anytime soon.” Europa conceded. “Yeah, so what does that mean for everyone’s sleeping arrangement?” Demoleon asked.“What do you mean?” Melite asked as I felt someone sit near my thighs. I’
Asterion Chapter Twenty-Six
I cautiously approached, watching her long braid of midnight black hair move with each subtle movement of her head. She was trying to navigate the labyrinth. Too bad she never will. Without a map or having a perfect sense of direction. I know the way because of some strange ability I have where I just can't get lost. Not sure what that’s about, but it has benefited me in living here.Like the others, her clothes were a bit dirty and ragged, perhaps a little more so. This tells me Minos is obviously treating these youths like he would any prisoner, so terribly. I caught sight of a bruise on her ankle when her dress shifted enough to reveal some of her legs. It could be from a stumble, or it could mean the guards or Minos have been abusing her and possibly others.I made a mental note to find that out for certain. I need first to have her feel safe an
Asterion Chapter Twenty-Seven
I grumbled to myself as I carved a new log into the wall. I knew that people would have misconceptions. I expected it. But I expected it to be about me. I can take anything someone wants to say about me. I don’t care. But I won’t let someone speak ill of my mother. My mother is an angel.How dare Eurymedusa speak that way about my mother. So judgemental. I continued to grumble as I etched the words into the wall. “Asterion!?” Melite’s voice called out. I groaned and rested my head on the wall. Why does she keep doing that? Wandering the maze is dangerous.“Melite…” I sighed, putting down my etching tool, and started to follow the sound of her voice and footsteps. “Asterion?” she called out again. I shook my head as I realized she was heading to the dead-end I set up for Demoleon and any other boys to
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