The group had been trekking through the labyrinth for what felt like hours. They were exhausted, hungry, and thirsty.
Finally, they saw a ray of light, and they knew they were nearing their destination. They pushed forward, eager to see what lay ahead.
As they emerged from the labyrinth, they saw a small clearing. In the center of the clearing stood a pedestal. The group gasped in awe as they realized that they had finally found the book they had been searching for—they just have to wait for its reveal.
"Let's rest," Austin suggested, creating a temporary camp with just a wave of his hand. "We have to rest and take a breather as we all did our best doing the puzzles and challenges."
As they made their way towards the resting area, they discussed the book and what it meant to them. They were all quite curious to see what secrets it held and what kind of power it would bring them.
However, as they were settling down, they decided to have some snacks as they rested, calming down before they continue on with their journey.
Indeed, Austin is right. They have risked their lives doing the challenges and they have almost lost a life—Atlas'. Now that they are resting to calm things down, they thought to talk about the book as well.
They were all hungry, so they quickly prepared some easy-to-make snacks. As they ate, they talked about their experiences in the labyrinth and how they had overcome the challenges.
"Remember that the Book of Spells… it can only be read by the kin of the book's creator, and it can be opened with their blood. Once we have the book, Meredith should read and tell us how to break the soul tie."
Austin then reminded them that only the kin of the creator of the book could open it with their blood. Meredith was the only kin in their group, which made her the only one who could read the content of the book.
They were all amazed by the power that the book held, and they were eager to finally have it in their possession soon after they rest.
The silence was quite deafening. How can silence be deafening? Well, in this case, they used to get closer to each other—talking about anything under the sun as they reflected and shared about their experiences while they traveled together like what they did before they arrived here.
However, with the unfortunate event, the accident that happened a moment ago, everything seemed to die down.
With a sigh, Marcus got everyone's attention when he said something that they didn't expect, considering that Atlas was really angry at him and doubted his loyalty.
"Once we get the book, let's break the soul tie I have with Meredith as soon as possible. I'm doing this because I mean what I said: I'm loyal and I will never betray the group."
"You…"
He didn't know what to say. Atlas, who strongly believes that Marcus is a traitor for triggering a trap, was hesitant about this idea.
"I know that you're doubting me strongly," Marcus started, now explaining his side. "But do you actually think that I, as a man who loves Meredith, would willingly agree to do something painful like this? I am doing so right now… because I honor her and everyone's safety."
Atlas let out a sigh, about to speak but Marcus continued on, his words solemn and with conviction.
"I am taking this opportunity to say my side as I wasn't given the chance earlier on. Atlas, I would not be here if I didn't mean what I said. I would've attacked you earlier on if I wanted to steal Meredith away from you."
"Marcus—"
"Believe me or not, what I'm saying is true," Marcus interrupted, the three listening to him. "I followed because I want to help and protect Meredith, not steal her away from you. It did hurt that she chose you, but I'd strongly want her happiness and I'm helping so I have no ties with her any longer."
The group was silent, Atlas' decision wavering if what Marcus was saying is indeed true or not. To be honest, he is still conflicted since the mysterious voice's words are still in his mind… but with Marcus saying this, he knew he had the difficulty to decide so yet he still did.
"I'm done saying my piece," Marcus said, letting out a small sigh. "It's up to you to believe me or not, but whatever it is, I will still continue on and help. I'll keep my distance while doing so if that's what you want. I'll break the soul tie with Meredith once we get the book. I swear."
No words came out from any of them. As they ate their snacks in silence, Atlas now started questioning himself if Marcus is indeed the traitor—the one with the jealous heart.
Maybe what Meredith said a moment ago was true. What if the statements told to them was just a test, a trick tactic to make them question each other?
Still, he had to make sure and see if Marcus is really willing to go through with breaking the soul tie with Meredith. What if he suddenly changes his mind when they are already in the process of doing so?
It would be easy to believe that but even he thinks that Marcus wouldn't do something so degrading as that—going back on his word when he has promised everyone over and over that he'd break the tie.
If he was in the position, if ever Meredith chose Marcus, he wondered if he'd be willing to do the same.
He wanted to say something to Marcus, but somehow, his pride doesn't allow him to. Instead, he just honored his words and hoped deeply that he isn't the traitor because to be honest, he will forever be disappointed if that were the case.
Meredith will be the one hurt, the most and he didn't want that.