Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2632

Sylvia took Una’s portfolio and slung it over her own shoulder. “I’ll take this. You go up front and light the way for Jonas. Be careful.”

Una thanked her, took the flashlight, and moved ahead of Jonas.

Gabriel and Sylvia walked at the back. Both were carrying heavy portfolios, yet they moved with an easy grace, as if on level ground.

When they reached a steep section of the trail, Gabriel turned to Sylvia. “Give me your bag, too.”

“I’m fine,” she said with a light laugh. “I can still manage. I’ll ask for help if I need it.”

“Dew has settled on the mountain, making the steps slippery. Be careful,” he said, holding out his hand to her.

Sylvia’s gaze flickered over his broad palm, her heart quickening, but she didn’t take it. “Don’t underestimate the agent you trained,” she smiled. After a beat, she added, “Your top agent.”

Gabriel decided it wasn’t the time to challenge that claim.

Sylvia walked on ahead, calling out, “The steps are slippery! Everyone be careful. Better to go slow than to get hurt.”

“Got it!”

“Okay!”

The others called back in response.

After about fifteen minutes, something darted out from the bushes at the side of the path, right under Sylvia’s feet. She was mid-step and, startled, tried to avoid crushing it. She took a large, sudden step forward. The stone step was wet and slick. Her foot slipped, and she pitched forward.

Gabriel’s reaction was instantaneous. He grabbed her arm, pulling her back and half-lifting her into his arms.

Sylvia gasped, glancing into the dark woods. “What was that?”

“I’m fine. Everyone just be careful,” she replied.

As Jonas continued down with Jenny, Gabriel took the portfolio off Sylvia’s back and slung it over his own shoulder. Then, without a word, he took her hand. “Let’s go.”

His palm was large and cool. In a place this dark and dangerous, his touch brought an immense sense of security.

Sylvia knew she should pull away. But perhaps it was the environment—the enveloping darkness and silence breeding a deeper sense of dependence. She touched the talisman in her pocket and decided, just for tonight, to let herself stay in this dream a little longer.

He held her hand, leading her down one steady, firm step at a time.

She felt herself relax, knowing that no matter how difficult the path, someone was holding her securely.

Up ahead, Una’s flashlight cast a pale yellow halo on the path as she moved with careful steps. Behind her, Jonas and Jenny were whispering, their soft voices sounding like another round of playful bickering.