Almara’s POVI fold my arms across my chest and try not to look so annoyed. The temperature is beginning to drop and I wish I had brought a bigger jacket. I’d be warmer if I was allowed to hike around and actually look for my husband, not just stand on guard in case he comes this way.“Don’t be so disappointed, sweetie. At least you got me.” Bess says.“I’m not disappointed. I’m just cold.” I tell her, hugging my arms tighter around
Almara’s POVI lean in close as Bess discloses her plan. The news crew looks at us from afar with curiosity, wondering what we could be planning. Once Bess tells me the plan, I fall into action. I hang back looking annoyed, which comes easily, as she walks us to the news anchor.Bess reaches the media team and the anchor peers at me through raised eyebrows. Bess is telling them that she just spoke to Roman and half the team is splitting up to another location. Bess agrees that the public have the right to know, but it doesn’t seem the anchorman is buying it.
Almara’s POVThe voices become clearer, and our footsteps become quieter. Mark and I have adopted talking through hand signals. He tells me to wait where I am and to get low behind this shrub. He moves stealthily forward towards a tree that’s a few feet closer.He motions for my attention from the tree he’s crouched behind and holds up three fingers and points to another nearby tree, which means stay three paces behind and meet me at that tree. I nod that I understand and watch him go. My heart beats wildly in my chest.
Robert’s PovThe patrol car cruises up to a slow stop. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” I hear the officer who arrested me mumble under his breath. I don’t bother asking him what’s going on. I’ve already tried to make light talk and I’ve gotten nothing out of him. Not even his name.I’ve hardly gotten a good look at the guy. All I know is he’s tall, broad shouldered, and his burnt auburn hair is just beginning to gray on the temples. In other words, I might be able to take him in a fight.
Author’s PovThe back of a patrol car has never felt so comfortable. Exhaustion pulls at every muscle in my body, wanting me to lay across Almara’s lap and let her stroke my hair as I fall into a deep sleep. Even the thought of resting comfortably in her scent make my eyelids become heavier.My body wants to lay down, so I straighten up in my seat. I can’t rest yet. Not until I’m rid of this horrid plague, otherwise sleep isn’t peaceful. Just one nightmare after another leaving me more exhausted each time I awaken.
Almara’s PovI quickly wipe the blood from my lip, but it’s too late. Arthur knows blood has been drawn. I watch as defeat makes his body crumple. He falls to knees and lets out a broken sob. Along with the sound of his shocked tears, my heart shatters.I have never seen Arthur cry and it dawns on me that perhaps this is the first time he’s cried since he was Grace’s age. I go to wrap my arms around him as I would to Grace, but without lifting his head from his hands he tells me to stop.I try not to take it personally, I know it’s because he can smell
Almara’s PovReluctantly, I tell Cathy the ingredients needed to heal Arthur’s aliment. I hold my breath waiting for her to tell me that gaining those ingredients is impossible, disgusting, or that they simply won’t work. When she raises from the couch I half expect her to thank me for wasting her time.Instead, Cathy nods and looks at me with deep compassion. “All right then. Let’s get to it.” I let out a deep exhale and savor the release I feel at her words. Who knew Cathy would be my rock in all of this.
Almara’s PovMorning came and with it the hope of Arthur’s well-being restored. I didn’t mean to fall asleep, but I guess the events of the night took a toll on me more than I realized. I almost feel guilty for leaving Grace in the care of Cathy and Elenor, but I tell myself if they really minded, they could’ve woken me.I snuggle next to Arthur for a moment longer, pretending that everything is already back to normal. Though, the only way for that the happen is to get a move on with the day.