beast chapter 2

Surprisingly, Ariette felt no anger, only a crushing wave of powerlessness. She longed to escape this life of being tossed around by others. That was all she wanted. But if even that was impossible, if her struggles only led her closer to the precipice… wouldn’t it be better to die? Yet, she couldn’t bring herself to end her own life.

For a month, Ariette wrestled with the decision. Was entering the labyrinth the right choice? And now, she stood before its entrance. This choice couldn’t be wrong. No amount of agonizing changed the answer. She’d had enough of a life mercilessly controlled by others. Such a life wasn’t worth living.

“Haa…” Ariette stepped into the dark forest, the tears now gone.

Boom! The moment she entered, the entire forest vibrated, and a resounding boom echoed, like a giant gate slamming shut. Strange. There was no gate. Why did it sound like one closing? She instinctively turned back to the entrance. Thud! Her foot met an invisible wall, bouncing back as if striking something solid. Her heart plummeted.

She had entered prepared to die. But the realization that she truly couldn’t escape filled her with a sudden terror.

“W-well, I can only die once! I came here to die anyway… D-don’t be scared!” She clenched her small fists and declared bravely.

Two hours later, Ariette realized that entering the labyrinth was the worst mistake of her life.

“Sob… what was I thinking, coming here…”

Tucked away in a corner of the labyrinth, amidst withered bushes and surrounded by a low stone wall, Ariette huddled, knees drawn to her chest, sobbing like a child.

I thought I wanted to die…

Only now did she truly understand. She didn’t want to die. If she had truly intended to die, she wouldn’t have packed two weeks’ worth of food, undergarments, a weapon, and other supplies. Wiping her eyes, she glanced at the unwound ball of yarn, meant to guide her path from the entrance. It had almost run out. Swallowing her sobs, she pulled another ball from her bag, tied it to the end of the first, and ate a piece of chocolate.

How was she supposed to escape this massive labyrinth? Even amidst her despair, the chocolate was sweet. She blew her nose into her handkerchief and carefully spread a thick blanket on the dirt floor, draping another over herself. Fear, regret, and loneliness washed over her as night fell, but she had to sleep. She needed to conserve her strength.

Ariette curled up, clutching a knife in her hand, and closed her eyes.

Had she been crying? Or had she collapsed from exhaustion mid-sob? She didn’t know.

In the hazy space between sleep and wakefulness, Ariette felt a warm presence. It gently smoothed her tangled hair, then caressed her cheek. A tender touch she had never experienced… and Ariette crumbled.

“Hello, sweet girl.”

The voice was too warm to resist. The more she cried, the gentler and more affectionate the touch became. Perhaps that was why she wept even more openly, like a child seeking comfort.

“Don’t cry.”

But your touch, your voice… they’re too warm not to.

“Hmm, how can I make you stop crying?”

Suddenly, Ariette wondered who this was. She opened her eyes, but saw nothing but a blinding white light. It was so bright she had to close them again.

“…You want to live, don’t you?”

She wasn’t sure what she answered. She thought she’d just nodded.

“Then I will let you live… so…”

The man’s hand gently stroked her cheek. The warmth radiating from his fingertips made her breath hitch.

“Promise me you will let me live, too.”

Yes, she thought she’d replied.

“Good. We have a promise.”

A melodious voice tickled her ear, and the white light gently wrapped around her pinky finger. It tugged lightly, and then…

“When you wake up… follow the light.”

Kiss. A feather-light kiss landed on the back of her hand.

“Then you will see me.”