From the Ashes (Ember Society Book 5) by AR Colbert

Author:AR Colbert [Colbert, AR]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ramsey Street Books
Published: 2021-06-23T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

After just a few short hours of fitful sleep, I awoke tangled in the sheets that were stuck to my sweaty legs. The air in the room was heavy, weighing on my chest and making it difficult to breathe. I yanked the plastic off the vent in the ceiling, closing my eyes as the cold air washed over me, but it didn’t relieve the pressure. There was still a strange, unnatural intensity in the atmosphere.

Something wasn’t right. I could feel it throughout the building. I knew it couldn’t have been my little speech last night with Sela that had the whole place on edge, though. If my mother had heard it already she would have certainly had the Protectors march in and seize me in my sleep. No, she didn’t know yet, but it was only a matter of time. I had to get out of here.

I dressed quickly, already planning my escape. Protectors were regularly stationed near the front entrance and all around the gates of the camp. I’d have to try for Lettie’s courtyard again. There just weren’t any other options.

With my hair pulled down loosely over my cheeks to obscure my face as much as possible, I reached for my bag and noticed a light blinking on my communicator.

The Capitol communicators were different from those Emilio made us in Classen City. These had multiple buttons and the ability to leave messages with video, sound, or basic text. The message awaiting me now was written in text:

Saw your vitals spike in the night. Looked serious. Checked vocal records and purged everything between 9PM and 6AM. She doesn’t know. Keep fighting—the smoke is growing thick. Fan that flame, baby. We’re ready. -A

Anise purged my records. My mother never heard my conversation with Sela. That might make things easier, but it didn’t change the fact that I had to get out of here. I couldn’t get on that plane for St. Frederick. Deleting the message, I shoved the communicator into my bag and cracked open my door.

The halls were bustling with Workers. The camp was full of life—much more than I expected to see at this early morning hour. And the intensity in the air was thicker here. Nerves and anxiety twisted together, weaving between the Workers as they went about their business.

“Madame Greenwood. I’m glad to see you’re awake. I’ve just been sent for you.” A soft-spoken attendant stood a few feet from my door, just out of my line of sight when it was cracked. I opened the door fully and addressed her.

“Is it already time to go? I haven’t packed yet.”

She tilted her head. “I’m not sure I’m following. You’re not leaving the camp. I’ve only been asked to bring you to the main office. Madame George needs to speak with you.”

“Ah.” That was only slightly better. I followed the young woman down the hall, confused even further by the vast array of emotions I picked up around us. “Is there something going on?”

“I think it’s best if you speak with Madame George.

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