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.
Almara’s PovFear settles in my chest like stone dropped into a still lake causing a cold rippling effect.“That wasn’t part of the plan.” Roman growls low enough only for us to hear.“Plans change.” Robert is quick to respond. I sit wide-eyed waiting to see what happens next.“How interesting.” The vampire says, a new sense of vitality taking over him. He probably
Almara’s Pov We wait for the dark figure to reappear. My eyes have since adjusted to the dim lighting and I attempt to make out my surroundings. We stand on something like sidewalk, but the platform is much larger in width. Between us and the man Robert was talking to is a thick metal gate. I can see something like a road next to us, though it’s not level to the pavement we stand on. The road is lowered by a few feet that is accessed by a ladder hanging on just the other side of the gate. I squint and catch a glistening sheen on the road, then I realize it’s not pavement. It’s water. We’re going to be transported by boat. The echoes of water dripping become more apparent at this realization. “Think of fake identities.” Robert tells us in a quickened hushed town, though still is voice is louder than he probably intended due to the rounding of the tunnels acting as an amplifier of sound. During the discussion of the plan, Robert told us this would be likely to happen. Before
Almara’s PovNo one dares to answer the question. We all share the same expression on our face, wonder at what comes next.“No matter.” Says the rower. “I think I know the answer.”“We’re not who you think you are.” Robert says, rising on his feet though keeping his knees bent as to not rock the boat too much.“Don’t try to fool me.” The rower excl
Almara’s PovRoman continues rowing on with Robert breathing down his neck questioning if Roman even knows where he’s going. The two go at one another, but I’m too busy trying to return Arthur’s call to pay them any attention.The deeper into the canals we go, the less service I get. “This is impossible.” I murmur under my breath. Now I probably won’t be able to call Athur back until we manage to at least get back to where we tossed the rower over board. Which is exactly what Roman and Robert are fighting about.