Twenty-Four
I wake from nightmares more horrifying than any I’ve had before. My brow is damp, my pajamas cling to my body, and my entire being feels like it’s trembling. I push myself up quickly—which causes my head to throb—and realize I’m in my bedroom inside the mountain. I pull the bedcovers up to my chin and spend several minutes staring at the tall lamp in the corner while quietly repeating It was just a dream inside my head.
Then the questions begin:
What was that smoke creature?
How did we get out of the labyrinth?
Is Chase okay?
I push the covers back and climb out of bed. I feel weak and wobbly, but I make it to the door. Out in the passage, I walk slowly in the direction of Chase’s bedroom, keeping my hand against the wall in case I feel a sudden need to be horizontal. I’m
