The Labyrinth and the Threaded Daughter

Prologue

Ariadne followed behind Theseus, struggling with her grip on the string. She asked him to slow again. The look in his eyes frightened her as he rejected her wishes, and she was quickly reminded not to speak. At least not until they escaped the Labyrinth.

The harpies were not far behind; Ariadne could hear their screeches as if they were beside her.

She knew it was the trick of the Labyrinth.

The harpies hadn’t yet realized the string could help them find the pair trying to escape, and she knew they had far less understanding of the Labyrinth than Ariadne.

Ariadne was still unsure why Theseus had needed to enter the Labyrinth again. She had found him near the center only mere hours ago. She had shocked him with her touch, and he immediately moved to grab the string to escape. He appeared frozen, confused, and refused to answer Ariadne’s questions.

They were so close to the exit now; Ariadne could see the light shining through. They would have to climb out once they reached it, but she was prepared. The harpies would not catch up to them before they escaped.

Ariadne hoped they would speak once they escaped and closed the exit.

Once they weren’t in the path of the harpies.

He had left her on Naxos weeks ago, and she was so angry with him then.

It was clear he was not going to come back to her despite her deep feelings for the hero.

It angered her so much that she felt she had no choice but to follow him.

And follow him she did.

She followed him straight back into the Labyrinth. She was unsure why he would have wanted to come back to the Labyrinth—what was so important that he wanted to go back into the torture he had once endured.

Once they reached the exit, Theseus began his climb. He hoisted himself up the rocks quickly. He had reached the outside, the bright sun flashing behind him, covering his silhouette. When Ariadne attempted the same, Theseus had stopped her.

He apologized, but the look on his face… it was not of sadness or apology. Ariadne questioned him as she pulled herself closer to the young man. But he once again stopped her.

A harpy screeched out behind Ariadne as she begged Theseus to move. They were too close now, their voices echoing through her whole body. But Theseus still did not move. His face turned grim for a moment. Then, his leg lifted up, placing it steadily on her chest.

With a single push, Ariadne was falling. Her back hit the solid ground of the Labyrinth just as Theseus turned away. And with the sight of his back came the closing of the exit.

And the harpies found her.