Benson’s POV During the first few months at Alpha Academy, I didn’t feel like myself. I go to classes. I attend training. But I am simply going through the motions. I’m not good at anything, and I’m constantly feeling down. I feel like an empty shell of who I used to be. I cry myself to sleep most nights, thinking about Rhea. I can’t accept the fact my sister is out there, being held against her will. Eventually, Phillipe got sick of me being miserable and suggested that we go off and search for Rhea on our own. I considered it at first. But she could be anywhere. It would be like looking for a needle in a haystack, as she could be anywhere in the country. Survival training is the worst, as we do have the opportunity to go. It’s a struggle, but we stay and hope for news. Occasionally, I am called to Principal Sinker’s office and informed of developments. Those are the days that lift my spirits and pull me out of my slump. I connect with my classmates during that time; I fight
Benson’s POV “There’s a chance it’s Rhea.” My mom said. I couldn’t speak, so I nodded my head. Not that anyone was looking. Tears of hope streamed down my face as my heart pounded faster than ever before. My dad drove like a maniac. We all offered to drive if Dad got tired. But Dad was a man on a mission. “It’s finally over. She’s coming home.” I told Phillipe with a smile on my face. He was ecstatic that I was happy. I closed my eyes and rested my head on the window. “Hi Benson,” Rhea said, smiling as she stood in our kitchen. She looked better than in my previous dreams. Her cheeks had color. Reinforcing my belief it’s her in the hospital. I rushed over and embraced her. “We’re coming to get you. We’re going to take you home.” I told her. She places her hands on my shoulders and kisses my cheek. “I won’t be the one going home, Benson.” The realization of what she is saying hits me. I fell to my knees and pulled on her dirty dress as I cried. “No, this is just a dream.
Matty’s POV “I have to go, Goldie,” I told her as I walked down the stairs. She grabs hold of me. “You could give me the cliff notes version,” she pleads. “Trust me, the cliff notes version won’t touch the surface.” I leaned closer to her. “It’s huge.” I pull away and she looks like a goldfish. “You are kidding?” She says each word individually. I nod my head, confirming that this secret is a big deal. “Let me pack a bag, and I’ll come with you.” She offers. “That would lead to too many questions. It’s a secret.” “What’s the secret?” Uncle Nathan asked from the top of the stairs. I don’t know who would kill me first if he found out. Dad would make it quick, whereas Jo would make me suffer. Either way, I don’t want to die. “Er. The party I want to organize for Shannen when she returns from Beta Academy.” I said, making something up quickly. He laughs. “She still won’t let her mark her, huh?” he says with a smile on his face. “Takes after her sister. Headstro
Matty’s POV I had to wait for two months until I finally got to have some alone time with Goldie. I only got that because Goldie told everyone she wanted a night, with face masks, snacks, and a chick flick. Everyone seemed to have plans when she told them that. But it was all an act of deception. As Goldie slurped on her drink. I started explaining what was going on. From the day I was in my dad’s office and received that phone call until now. “You are freaking kidding me,” Goldie said before she shoved a handful of popcorn into her mouth. “That’s why Dad is making me stay there. I am helping guard a real-life freaking princess.” “Bloody hell, Matty. You get yourself into some crazy situations.” Goldie laughs after swallowing what’s in her mouth. “It wasn’t me this time. It was my dad.” I told her, snickering. “Oh, geez, Nathan is going to freak out when he learns the truth about why Jo left.” “That’s why this is a secret no one can know. That’s why I had to swear you
Ora’s POV I can’t believe Goldie is the future Luna Queen. She’s so cool. I can see why Shannen looks up to her so much. She is everything a big sister should be. Now when Shannen talks about her, I can put a face to the name. It was a shame she had to leave before Shannen returned. Shannen would have loved to have seen her. But Matty explained why they couldn’t meet. I don’t understand the logic behind these rules. But who am I to challenge an institution that has educated students for years? As Goldie departed, she hugged me. “Thanks for being here for Shannen,” she said. “I think it’s the other way around. Shannen is here for me.” We both snickered, knowing how great Shannen was. Later that day, I stood beside Aunt Jo and Matty in front of the academy. The coach drove up and stopped in front of us. I couldn’t help but notice how disappointed everyone looked. “Guess they didn’t win,” Aunt Jo remarks. She must have noticed it, too. Principal Andrews gathered everyone
Ora’s POV At the time, I had mixed feelings about what was happening. I felt a combination of fear and excitement at the same time. I thought I had enough time to improve before I met my mom. But now, two weeks later, nothing. I started to question whether the coffee incident was a one-off. It’s the last day of the month and, as always, Aunt Jo escorts me to the church at Summer Hill. As I entered, Father Nicholas was there to greet me. “You never miss our multi-faith day. Do you Ora?” He says with an enormous smile on his face. “I have people of multiple faiths I want to pray for,” I replied. “Then I am glad I can offer you somewhere to pray for them.” He says, gesturing for me to come inside. Usually, when I am there, no one else shows up. I have the entire place to myself. After walking through the foyer, I go to touch the fountain of holy water. But the tips of my fingers tingle as I touch the water. I leave my fingers in the blessed water and watch as a small trickl
Jo’s POV The sheriff of Summer Hill is unbearable. He always seems to walk by whenever we’re here. Constantly telling me about his achievements, personally and professionally. Today, though, he suggested taking me out to dinner. I did well not to laugh in his face. I wouldn’t be attracted to a man like him. Heck, we’re not even the same species. Jupiter doesn’t like him either. She is more than happy to wait until the elixir wears off to confirm if Carson is our mate. At the moment, I am more than willing for him to meet my sexual needs. There is certainly something between us. The thought of my last encounter with Carson made me smile. But I smiled at the wrong time, as the sheriff thought I was smiling at him. “Damn it. I thought he was going to leave.” I scolded myself. Jupiter snickers at me, telling me it was my fault. Thanks to the goddess, Ora appeared when she did, or the sheriff may have found out the type of woman I truly am. Not one to be messed with. Before we
Ora’s POV I have so many questions. But Aunt Jo looks like hell. She must be in shock, as she’s incapable of speaking. Instead of bombarding her, I decided to shut up and help her. Whenever I was sick as a child, Aunt Jayne would bring me a glass of cold water, something plain to eat, and one of her elixirs. The potion won’t help Aunt Jo if she’s pregnant. But the food and drink might. “I’ll be right back,” I told my aunt. I rushed down the hallway, heading toward the kitchen. Maybe a piece of plain toast. It doesn’t have a strong smell. When I stepped into the kitchen, Carson was there, frying some bacon. He had to be the baby’s father. There is no one else. Aunt Jo doesn’t even talk to any of the other men in the academy. Okay, that’s not true. Occasionally, and only if she has to, she has to talk to Principal Andrews. Should I tell Carson about Aunt Jo? I ask myself. Heck no. I answered my question. I cannot imagine the wrath Aunt Jo would unleash on me if she though