Almara’s PovArthur and I sit across from the mystery lady, Chirstina, at a high end coffee shop. We’re separated from other guests by a velvet red rope and security guards. Arthur wanted to bring Christina here to remind her who she’s in the presence of, lest there be any tricks up her sleeve.Although, Christina seems to be at home in this elegant atmosphere. She stirs her tea precisely three times with her spoon before clinking the silver against the fine China and bringing the tea to her rosy pink lips. Arthur leans back with his arms crossed and I fidge
Almara’s PovLater that same night I recount to Arthur the wild tale that Bess, Robert, Roman and I ventured on in order to secure the ingredients for Arthur’s remedy. We lay in bed with Grace between us looking between her mother and father as we speak completely enthralled by our voices.To my surprise, Arthur listens to the story with a child-like interest. I tell him everything from running down the gate, to my unfortunate run-in with Claire. I half expected him to be concerned, enraged, or even embarrassment, but by the end of it all he cups my face and says
Almara’s Pov“So did it hurt?” Cathy asks hunching forward and popping a fry into her mouth. Her cherry red lips ae curved into a smile as she focuses on Roberts words. The whole night Arthur and I have been exchanging amused glances with one another.We’re both amazed that this date is going so well. “Nah, I mean I have a really high pain tolerance.” Robert says, clearly bluffing but Cathy just laughs and seems genuinely impressed by him.Arthur looks at me
Almara’s PovHow did we end up here, again? The car rolls up to gray building that looks like it’s about to be knocked over with one final strong gust of wind. If only we could be so lucky. Granted, we haven’t been in this part of town yet but nonetheless were still in vampire territory.Never in my life did I expect to have seen so much of this town. I suppose, much of my life wasn’t what I expect- for better or worse. As if on the lookout, three more guards emerge from the crippling cinderblock building as soon as the car goes into park.The doors are swung open and bone hands are prying us out of our seats. Arthur gives a growl and one instinctively pulls his hand back, causing Arthur’s lips to curl in smile that I find incredibly sexy, the guards on the other hand handle him much rougher now- not that he can’t handle it.Once inside were immediately walked to a holding cell. The cell is just past the entrance waiting room, if you can even call it that. There are no chairs, only ye
Almara’s PovRoman was right. A few days have passed and we’re still locked in this cell which seems to be getting smaller by the day. I desperately want to change out of the little red dress that I’m wearing, which seemed fun and flirty on date night and now has become nothing but a pain.We’ve been using Arthur’s jacket as a community pillow and Cathy’s sweater as a blanket. I have the feeling they offer more comforts to the vampires they arrest, though there’s no way to prove it. At least a guard escorts us to the bathroom five tim
Almara’s PovI think another day goes by and the delusional giggles have died down. Arthur suggested we defend ourselves just to get some sort of process going. So, instead of making up stories we’ve been reliving the same one in excruciating detail.We told the officer watching us that we are going to defend ourselves and he didn’t seem like he cared one way or another about it. He got us the files that showed what the vampire police report has against us and Calvin was at least right about the case being built of straw. Still, we want to be prepared.
Almara’s PovMy heart sinks as the odds stack up against us. By the looks of Cathy and Roberts fallen faces, they seem to be thinking the same thing. We’re doomed. Only Arthur maintains his disposition and holds his head high with an air of respect pouring from him.“Please sit.” Delfino says as he takes his own seat in what appears to be a throne.“How do the defendants plea?” Delfino asks looking at us like we’re gum on the bottom of his shoe.
Almara’s PovWe’re settled back in our seats waiting for the hearing to resume. Maybe it’s just the potion taking affect, but my sense of confidence is returning. I sit higher in my seat knowing that with the biggest charge against us weakened, there’s little else to persecute us with.Besides it’s our turn for witness questioning. On the stand is Timmothy, looking nervous as if the entire verdict rests on his answers and I suppose in some way it does. Timmothy will be eager to help the Councilmen, but we’ve prepared our case.