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.
Almara’s PovRoman and I are escorted into the visitors center. Unfortunately, there’s no VIP section that accommodates billionaires, Roman asked. So, instead we wait among the commoners who are paying us no attention as they’re too absorbed in conversation with their locked-up loved ones.Eventually, Robert is brought to Roman and me the visitor’s room. I’m not sure why but I feel the need to stand up to greet him, though I remain seated where I’m at. No need to draw any unnecessary attention.
Almara’s PovThe walls seem to be caving in. “Cathy, you don’t have to do that.” I step forward to stand next to her. No one else seems to object. I’m suddenly reminded again of how self-centered the Hurricane Pack can be, which I suppose is they got to the top in the first place.I cast a helpless look at Arthur, hoping he’ll take the hint and speak up. Arthur looks saddened, but continues to stay silent. I can’t entirely blame him. He already said he would and wants to drink the potion, it’s Roman and Bess that won’t let