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.
Almara’s PovThe media tightens the circle around Robert and Roman, thrusting eager questions their way and shutting me and Arthur out. In the midst of this, one voice captures my attention.“Almara! Almara!” I hear over the excitement. I turn around and instantly see who’s calling me. My mom and dad are pushing their way through the crowd.“Mom? Dad?” I respond, mostly to myself. Wasn’t expecting that. Lily jumps in. Her voice startles me.
Almara’s PovThe moon is a silver crescent high in the sky casting just enough light on my parents faces to accentuate the concern wedged in between their furrowed eyebrows. I lock my eyes onto theirs hoping they pick up on the utter exhaustion and save this conversation for later. Of course, they don’t.“Why have you guys been so cold to Arthur? You’re acting like you don’t even know him.” I say and slightly regret the attitude in my voice. I’ve never been rude to my parents, but they barely know the half of what I’ve been thro
Almara’s PovArthur and I retreat back up to our bedroom with Grace. I have her sprawled out on the king-sized mattress while I lie my side next to her. “I’m sorry about my parents.” I tell him absent-mindedly as I stroke small circles on Grace’s pudgy belly.“Nothing for you to be sorry for,” Arthur calls out in reply from the walk-in closet. “Can’t say I really blame them. I mean, does it sting? Sure, but there coming from a caring place.” Arthur returns down the hall with two designer suitcases in his hands.
Almara’s Pov“Arthur, where are you taking me?” I ask for the fifth time since we’ve gotten in the car. I mostly want to know because the suspension is killing me, but also Arthur blind folded me and I’m starting to feel car sick.“We’re almost there.” He says, which is what he said the last two times I asked.“Will you at least tell me what Grace is doing?” I ask.