Raine POV
The second we crossed through the shimmering gates, the world tilted. One blink, and Lucian who had been right beside me was gone.
“Lucian?” My voice echoed against tall walls of shifting green. The maze stretched in every direction, its hedges glowing faintly as if breathing. The air felt heavy, wet, and unnervingly still.
“Lucian!” I called again, louder this time. Nothing. Just the rustling whisper of leaves that seemed to mock me.
Panic flickered low in my stomach. I hated mazes. Hated the feeling of being trapped in something that looked alive. I forced myself to move forward, one cautious step after another.
The walls seemed to hum, bending slightly, as if watching me.
After what felt like forever, I stopped. “Safe,” I muttered to the small glowing orb hovering beside
