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 PovAfter being far enough away from the vampire territory, we haul a cab. We take the long ride to gather our thoughts and massage our aching muscles, or in Robert’s case his throbbing shoulder.Though he wasn’t bit which is the important part, that wound is going to need to be cleaned or he’ll risk a serious infection- even if he insists he’s fine. We ride the rest of the way in silence, the sun coming to a close behind us.We finally reach home. I excep
Almara’s PovI’ve been to Bess’s shop numerous times and not once have I felt this cold presence that I do now. This flower shop is usually a sweet escape into a lush land that’s vibrant with colors, buzzing with life, and radiating warmth.Though now somehow that same place, even though it looks exactly the same, has been replaced with a cold distance. As if the flowers know their caretaker is in trouble and they’re wilting away in spirit. The usual bright lights that shine in radiance is now harsh on the eyes. The aroma of fresh dirt and flower
Almara’s PovRobert and I return home, empty handed once again. We step into the living room and I must say I’m a bit relieved to see it’s empty. I assume Roman is upstairs sleeping, I just can’t handle another hopeful look in his eye only to dim when we have to tell him we don’t have the potion, yet.It pains me just as much as I’m sure it pains him. I ascend up the long stairwell using the curved railing for support. I need to see Grace. I crack open the door and step into her nursery. The room is a shade of dust rose with painted clouds
Almara’s PovI’ve mostly come to terms with the very real possibility that Arthur is going to die, or so I keep trying to convince myself that I have.As of now he rests on this white armchair, cradling him the way I hold Grace in my arms. I’ve been watching as his breathing has become more and more shallow, his skin more and more cold no matter how many thick blankets I layer on top of him.I lay my head on his chest and listened to the rhythmic beating of his heart, until I