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
Almara’s PovArthur leaves my side only to scoop Cathy up in his arms and route her to safety. Her body is limp in his secure hold, she looks no less vulnerable than Grace. I follow closely behind him, telling Cathy it’ll all be okay, though I know she can’t hear me through the chopping wind.“Put these on.” Roman offers me two pairs of thick sunglasses and I slip on one pair on Arthur’s face. Once outside, the noise becomes much louder and the wind much stronger. Some medical professional is already jogging up to house. Though he looks lik
Almara’s PovBess, Roman, Robert, and me prepare to embark on our journey to the Council of Bloody Hollow. According to Robert the meeting house is not only in the center of the vampire world, but beneath it. Bess, Roman, and I may not even be able to get past the entry gates.The plan is to deliver Robert to the council and plead he has very important insight into the Hurricane Pack that would serve the council well, this will at least get him entry into the council. Meanwhile we search for the soul plant a few miles away from the council.