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.
Almara’s PovI keep still in place, waiting for whoever this is in front of me to say more. When the awkward silence progresses on for a second too long, I begin to formulate a hopefully non-identifying greeting.“Yes, sorry I had to go to the bathroom for like the past hour.” I scoot past the tall blond man as though to resume my duties, which I suppose technically I am. “I’m going to clean the councilmen chambers now.” I say, not knowing if the servants here usually announce their duties.
Almara’s PovWe manage to escape on the outskirts of town. We interweaved in and out of alleys, kept a low profile, and moved quick on our feet. A few times passersby stopped and lingered to give us a hard stare, but ultimately gave up.Somewhere along out route, I came to the realization the reason the vampires are plundering in society and could never defeat us in battle is they lack one of the most vital assets of what it means to be a community: unity.Sure, the vampires hate us simpl
Almara’s Pov5 Years Later“Cheers,” Arthur sys clinking his mixed drink of vodka and lemonade with my non-alcoholic lemonade. I’m pregnant, again. This pregnancy is completely different than my first two, I actually get to relax. Which is exactly what we’re doing in the manicured garden of our backyard.We sit stretched out on zero-gravity pool chairs, sweat
Almara’s PovAfter a much-needed week of rest and restoration, Arthur and I are back on the vampire territory. I suppose that it can officially be called that again now that it has been reclaimed.My body healed magnificently after months of not only growing another being, but also fighting a war. It’s amazing what good rest and proper nutrition can do. Of course, the real healing ingredient came from the sacrificial love of my wonderful husband.Even though he suffered his own inju
Almara’s PovFinally, after several journeys back and forth from our homeland to the enemies we come to the final steps. We saw plenty of wolves making their expedition back home and there was a unspoken agreement that what everyone needs right now is peace.Thankfully, no one came up to us with questions, grief, or comments. It’s like we have this new kinship with the gammas in our world that we didn’t before. We seem to understand each other, or at least truly see one another.
Almara’s PovOn the way home we make a pitstop to a very special place. “Why are we seeing more dead bodies?” Grace asks, her tone telling me we are nearing a full-blown tantrum.“This body belongs to someone very important in our family,” I tell her calmly and hike her up on my hip. I’m not sure if my words got through to her, or maybe it’s her father's serenity as we ascend up one final hill to where Bess lays.Bess’s gravestone is set apart fro
Almara’s PovWith the vortex closed off and gone, the air becomes breathable again and the storm lessens. Still, my paws squelch in the wet terrain.Unfortunately, as I look around at the battlefield and see the piles of bodies slumped over one another, I think it’s more than just mud causing the stickiness.I try not to look down at the innocent blood shed on the ground. As I take careful consideration to step over and around the bodies, I tell myself they chose to come out and hel
Almara’s PovCathy and I weave through the castle, barely missing rubble crumbling off from the stony walls. We leap over counters, using everything we have in us to catapult ourselves past knocked over statues of gargoyles and shredded velvet furniture.“Catch!” Cathy calls out and reflexively I snatch a jagged shard of ceramic in my hand. I recognize it from a broken pot on the ground. Then out of the corner of my eye I see something else flying at me, though I don’t catch it this time, I duck.
Almara’s PovI’ve never seen Cathy look more confident and proud than she does at this moment. She stands tall, cuts strewn across her body, but they only add to her tough exterior. She’s covered in her enemy’s blood and she has a thrilling look in her eyes.“Have you seen Arthur?” I ask cutting to the chase. Cathy nods back towards tall white cabinet doors. I turn back to look at my mother who nods in confirmation. I rush over to the door and throw it open.
Almara’s PovI awake to a familiar beeping sound. It’s faint at first, like a distant call from far away until it’s suddenly blaring in my ears. My eyes shoot open and the blood in my body rushes to the important organs and I sit up with a jolt.“Where’s Grace?” I ask before I can make out anything else. “Arthur? Robbie?” I call out, hoping the sound of my distressed voice will cause Robbie to cry back.“Shhh,” a gentle voice says with
Almara’s PovArthur flings open the door, this time it breaks off the hinges. I guess there’s no changing our mind now. I keep Robbie wrapped up in both my arms and under my shirt.Arthur uses his body to guard mine, outstretching his arms and a puffed-out chest as he keeps his eyes zeroed in on every moving body around us all while moving us forward and falling in exact pace with each of my steps.We fight through sideways rain and vicious winds, it dawns on me that this storm isn&