Chapter 23: Underneath The Surface

The dust began to settle after the collapse of the Labyrnth. And an eerie silence filled the air underneath the dense fog. The smell of earth mixed with the stones that were crumbling, filled our noses. It was a gentle reminder of what we had went through to get here. The fog swirled around us like a ghost, hunting us. Desperately, it tried to scare us from going further into our adventure. But I was not going to let that happen.

Elias and Gabriel grabbed my hand, "My dear, we got this. No matter the trials that we walk through, we will always be together. Together we are stronger than anything that would come our way." They whispered in my ear, trying to dispel any nerves that I was feeling.

While we were deep in thought, our enemies screeching voice broke us out of our thoughts. "You are going to regret it," They said as an evil smile crossed their face.

My hands started to shake as those words left their mouth. *Why did my nerves start going haywire after hearing what they said? Why did they say that? Are they trying to instill fear in our hearts? Do they want us to watch our every move?* I thought to myself, trying to wrap my brain around the sudden situation that we found ourselves in.

Not letting my nerves show was something that I knew I had to do. If I didn't, then an enemy of ours could take it and use that against me. So I forced my face to remain impassive.

Gabriel and Elias turned to look at me, "Are you alright?" They asked while grabbing my hands in theirs, a look of concern flitted across their eyes.

Uncontrollably my hands started to sweat, but they squeezed it comfortably. Feeling the warmth of their hands in mine, grounded me, despite the chaos that surrounded us. I took a deep breath I did not know I was holding.

"It's okay. We are going to get through this together." Gabriel and Elias whispered into my ear while trying to calm my beating heart down as their voice was steady and strong. Which was something that I desperately needed.

*Thank you both for being here with me,* I told them, grateful that they are able to calm my nerves down, so we can get on with this journey.

With reassurance, we walked out into the blinding sunlight not knowing what we are about to encounter. In the eerie quietness, my heart beat rapidly, alerting me to something that would change our lives forever.

Each step we took, the land was a gentle reminder to stay in the moment and not to think of what would happen in the future.

A mysterious figure appeared on our line of sight, they had an ethereal complection. All they did was smile, and nothing came out of their mouth. It was eerily quiet.

Before I could think about it any longer, Elias spoke up. He started voicing the concern for this person's sudden appearance.

*Who are you?* Elias growled at the stranger, as spit started to form at the ends of his mouth. His body started to tense up, like he was going to transform into his vampire form at any moment.

They began laughing evily. *I understand that it may surprise you, but I am not here to harm you. In fact, I am here to help you.* As the strange woman declared that, we breathed a sigh of relief.

Gabriel then questioned with his arms crossed, *What is your name, and what type of creature are you?*

Hearing them ask the questions that were on my mind, but was to nervous to ask, I leaned in closer. I wanted to understand who she was and why she suddenly appeared in front of us.

**So, they want to know who I am, and what my intentions are? Well I will let them know.** The strange woman thought to herself, with a serious expression on her face. She was ready to tell us almost everything about herself.

*My name is Lila, and I am a witch/wolf hybrid,* the strange woman replied reassuringly, as she tried to dispel any nervous energy that surrounded them.

My jaw dropped in shock at the revelation she had told us. Since we were little, our parents had told us a story about hybrids. They also had talked about how these types of creatures were forbidden.

*How is that possible?* I managed to ask while my body was shaking uncontrollably. **For all I knew, being a hybrid was forbidden, so how did she survive?** I thought to myself, as I waited for her to answer my question.

*I understand your concern. But I believe it is best for me to reveal vital information, where no one can hear us.* Lila told us as she nodded, and began walking away.

As she started walking further away from us, Lila turned and faced us. "Are you coming or not?" Lila asked, as she beckoned us further into the forest.

Interested in knowing what she needed to tell us, we nodded, and followed her to a secluded part of the forest. There we stopped by a huge tree and then Lila transformed into a wolf, and she looked back at us. *Let's go further into the forest.* She mindlinked us, and then started running. Noticing her peculiar behavior, Gabriel, Elias, and I looked at each other. "Did she just do that?" I asked them, hoping I was not the only one who saw that.

"Yes, she did transform into her wolf form." They whispered to me, and then we continued treking through the rest of the forest. Every step we took, the leaves crunched under our foot, keeping us grounded in the moment.

Without a second thought, we walked hand in hand behind the hidden door. As we stepped out, our began adjusting to the bright sunlight. "We are here," Lila told as she transformed back into her human form.

Once our eyes were fully adjusted, we were met with the most gorgeous scenery ever. "What is that over there?" Elias asked as he was searching the area.