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Zoe’s gaze lingered on Shadow as he led her across the dancefloor. She studied the features of his face, where a scattering of dark stubble swept beneath his high cheekbones, and felt the tautness of his muscles as they swept along the dancefloor. As they swayed to the music of the Phantom Fiestadores, they gazed at each other in silent wonder, as if seeing one another for the very first time.
“Zoe, you look…”
Zoe blushed as Shadow studied the curves of her corseted dress, down to the thigh-high slit below. He drew a breath, as if lost for words, before she filled the awkward silence.
“I know it’s silly, but Misty insisted, and–”
“You look like a goddess.”
Zoe’s breath caught in her throat as Shadow’s gaze connected with her own. A shiver ran along her spine as his breath danced across her skin, while a deep heat pooled within her in anticipation. As they danced beneath the twinkling lights of the will-ó-wisps, she couldn’t help but feel swept away by the magic of the night. Where once, she had seen the darkness of the Underworld, now she saw its beauty. And for just a moment, she never wanted the magic to end.
Zoe drew herself closer to Shadow, relishing the feel of his taut muscles beneath his silk shirt. She held his gaze, noticing the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. The darkness within him, that had served as his protection for so many years. But as his inner light burned brighter, she felt the last of Shadow’s barriers fall. Her lips parted, until she leaned in towards him…
Zoe yelped as an explosion filled the courtyard, followed by the wet slap of a splatter of jelly. She wiped the sticky substance from her eyes, to see Spooks cackle with delight as he dived into a giant trough of the dessert, the impact coating nearby revelers from head to toe. The lively music ceased as the Phantom Fiestadores’ instruments grew clogged, while Misty huffed in outrage as Cerberus tried to lick her clean.
“Just for once, you’d think we could have one night where you didn’t cause chaos!” Misty shooed Cerberus away, and sighed in despair at the jelly-covered surroundings. “Well, the night is still young, and I for one want to make the most of this body. Who fancies skinny dipping in the River Styx?”
A dozen male party-goers cheered in excitement, while Spooks hauled out a giant glowing water gun with a mischievous grin.
“Well, I’m going to make some finishing tweaks to the Ecto-3000. These fleshie fingers and thumbs will be perfect for creating my new and improved design!”
As the guests excitedly drifted from the clearing, Shadow turned to Zoe as they stood alone on the dancefloor.
“Well, what would you like to do, Zoe?”
“I…”
Zoe gazed hungrily at Shadow’s body, knowing how she’d like to make the most of his time as a mortal. And yet, despite the stirring in her heart, she glanced at the magic that surrounded her. A magic that brought life to the Underworld. A magic that was endangered by her very presence.
With a sinking heart, Zoe took her hand from Shadow’s. Despite what she wanted, she knew that the best way to protect this magic, and her future, was to return to where she belonged.
“I… should head back.” Zoe reluctantly tore her gaze away from the magical sights of the clearing, and looked at the lights of the city in the distance. “I have to meet my deadline…”
She risked a glance in Shadow’s direction, to see the light fade within his eyes. But despite his disappointment, he took her hand once more, and met her gaze.
“If that’s what you want…” The longing in his voice filled Zoe’s heart with anguish. “Thank you, Zoe. For helping me see the magic in the Underworld once more.”
Shadow pressed his lips to her hand. It was a kiss that was as light as air, and yet, it burned through to her very soul. Before Zoe could draw her next breath, Shadow returned to the darkness, leaving her alone in the clearing once more. She shivered as the winds picked up into a gale, before she returned to the silence of the motel.
Zoe’s heart sank as she arrived in Misty’s saloon, before she fetched her satchel once more. She knew this was her chance to leave the Underworld. To protect its secret, and to return to the city before it was too late. And yet, she couldn’t help but feel her gaze return to the maze.
Thank you, Zoe. For helping me see the magic in the Underworld once more.
Her heart fluttered in her chest, as if she’d swallowed a will-ó-wisp. But despite the sensation, she steeled herself. No, this was nothing more than the effect of the Underworld’s magic, and one too many goblets of Misty’s punch. What she needed was a plan. Something to help her focus. Something that would secure the future she’d always dreamed of.
Embracing the silence of the motel, Zoe perched on one of the bar stools, and opened her laptop. She flicked through each file and studied every document, eager to spot any detail that might uncover her next site. But where her work had once occupied every inch of her mind, now it left her listless and bored.
Zoe looked at the laptop before her. For so many years, she’d been glued to its screen, missing out on the richness of life around her. But now… now it seemed so dull. So lifeless. She drew a shaky breath, until her gaze returned to the maze, where she knew Shadow waited.
The chime of the clock reverberated through the motel, counting down what little time remained until Persephone’s magic faded. With each chime, a growing realization dawned on Zoe. A realization that she didn’t want to return to her normal life any more. That she didn’t want the corner office, the promotion, the paycheck. No, she wanted magic. She wanted to feel alive. She wanted him. And she needed to tell him, before it was too late.
Zoe raced from the saloon and into the night, each chime of the clocks powering her every step. She raced through the howling winds to the center of the maze, where Shadow awaited beneath a canopy of will-ó-wisps.
“Zoe?”
Shadow turned to her in surprise, until the two held each other’s gaze. But despite the yearning in his eyes, his guard remained. Zoe watched as the darkness surrounded him, protecting him like a shield. But she knew that if anything was going to change, she had to bring him into the light. She took a step closer towards the veil of darkness, until she could feel its cold touch drifting across her skin like an Arctic breeze.
“When I first came to the Underworld, I could only see the darkness in these lands. All I wanted was to return to my own world. To secure the future I’d always dreamed of.” Zoe met Shadow’s gaze, and broke into a soft smile. “Until you opened my eyes.”
