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Chest heaving and heart pounding, you finally reach the center of the Labyrinth. The sun is sinking fast, at a speed not entirely natural, and you push yourself for one more burst of speed to make it to the King's den in time. It's dark inside, lit only by a few odd pinpoints of light filtering down from the ceiling, and what looks like domesticated fire burning obediently at the unusually smooth and even walls. The ground is cold and glassy, reflective on every other step and transparent in the rest, looking down onto a smaller replica of the Labyrinth that held many an insect darting around, most gathered in the locations that would match with the open areas you tended to find other lions in out in the real maze. Over in the corner lay what is clearly a small hoard—likely just a taste of what he had—consisting of shiny feathers and gemstones that glittered in the last beams of sunlight like stars. You hear the sound of rustling wings behind you and turn just in time to see him clearly for the first time.
He is pale, fur graced with a soft blue tint and pale pink accents. His mane is obviously well cared for, falling just precisely to frame his face and his hooded, colorful eyes. Twin wings sprout from his shoulders, like that of a white bird, folded delicately on his back as his feathers ruffle slightly in an unfelt breeze that only seems to affect him. His voice, when he speaks, is slow and melodious, almost a purr that you could swear you heard before at some point in your life.
"You've beaten my Labyrinth.....congratulations! I expect you enjoyed your tour?"
You eye him warily. Something is very off here. Perhaps its because his teeth are just a little too white and straight, or his movements too unnaturally graceful and light, as if he weighs nothing, but you have an odd feeling this is not his true face and form.....though perhaps it is better not to try and unleash it. This trip has held more than enough horrors and shocks, and you simply want to get out as fast as possible. A few unseen creatures scurry just out of sight, along the walls, floors and ceiling, but you pay them no mind. You've come to learn that anything dangerous does not present itself as such whilst here, and anything that acts as a friend is likely a trap. Its those that are the most frightening that tend to be the most helpful within these backwards walls.
"I have been watching you for some time. You handled the traps well and even seem to have made yourself some allies here and there. I am almost impressed." He says as if that is the highest if praise, and to him it just may be. "Why don't you get comfortable, I'll have a den prepared for you and-"
You interrupt with a growl, reminding him of the challenge. You reached him in time, so now you go home. He tilts his head in amusement tail flicking back and forth lazily. "Do you truly want to return to that plane little rock pile you call a pride? Well, I would hardly consider it anything to be so proud of. Look around you! We have riches beyond belief, the freshest of fruits and the clearest of seas—how could you possibly want to leave this?"
Looking back on all the false turns, vanishing floors and long forgotten monsters within this maze.....it's not difficult. The King scowls. "Fine. Return to your little collection of plain coats and screaming cubs. I will still be watching you, and should any of your pride stray too far beyond your borders....." He trailed off, but his smile said enough. Behind him, the wall flickered a moment before dissipating like smoke. Through it was the jungle you had been in before. "This is your way home. You have made your choice, and I can assure you, one way or another you will regret it."
You go through the passage, and as you leave his laughter echoes in your mind, a final memory of that nightmare you escaped. You don't stop walking until you're home again.
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