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.
Almara’s PovWe follow at the surprisingly swift pace of the stout vampire ahead of us. We head down the long hallway, and I swear the portraits are following us with their eyes. Only Robert walks with his head held high, Bess and I keep our gaze fixed on the crimson-red rug beneath us.I see an extra pair of feet past us and I dare lift my head to see who it is. Crossing the hall, is a young vampire-ess. She looks to be in her young twenties though I doubt that’s really true. She’s in a maid’s outfit carrying a tray with another male servant walking b
Almara’s PovThe three of us stand dumbfounded for a moment. How can we meet Roman back at that accursed canoe without any putrid saliva from these wicked old bastards? Lily begins growling and I have to deepen my breath or I’m going to snap.“If members of the Hurricane Pack are here, wouldn’t it be likely they’re here to gather remedies to cure Arthur?” Robert asks.“Yes, quite likely.” The one with the deep voice responds, amused.
Almara’s PovRobert approaches the steep steps once more while Bess and I hand back. He marches up the stairs with purpose and with even more determination than his ascend, he knocks on the door. Moments later the short man who escorted us away opens the door.Bess and I stay crouched next to the steps, pressed against their siding so we can’t be seen. We listen as Robert asks Timmothy to step outside. At first hesitant, Robert persists.Once we hear Timmothy walk down the steps, I
Almara’s PovGreat. I sigh. We have just under thirty minutes and the only thing accomplished is Bess is missing. “Bess?” I call out in an aggravated hushed whisper. No reply. Where would she go? She only would have left if someone gave her an order or- oh no.Maybe the man Bess is pretending to be saw her. Delfino did just say the servants here left only thirty seconds ago, they can’t be that far away. “Bess?” I call out again. No answer. This is a waste of time.