The Rise of Athelia by Alisha Trent

Author:Alisha Trent
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: masked soldiers, strong females, fangs, psychic powers, chosen one
Publisher: Alisha Trent
Published: 2024-10-17T00:00:00+00:00

TENSION FILLED THE ride to the hospital. No one spoke and Annika kept her eyes glued outside, twisting her seatbelt. Armed guards stood at attention around the perimeter of the whitewashed building with a huge red cross sticking out of the side near the roof when the king drove up.

More armed guards inside made everyone go through a security scan and wear a special badge that was to be turned in upon leaving, as if they were at the base. Tracy showed Annika how to scan her badge in the elevator so that it would take her to the correct floor.

Annika’s stomach fell as the elevator soared skyward. Then it stopped just as suddenly. The doors opened and Annika peered into a quiet hallway with white floors, walls, and receded ceiling lights. She hadn’t known what to expect, but this abundance of stark-white furnishings against the black uniforms of doctors and nurses walking around felt too juxtaposing—almost unreal. It didn’t feel like a place of healing, more like a place of business. There wasn’t any heart in this place.

She shook out her hands. Nerves. That’s what it was. Just nerves.

King Donauska exited first, followed by Tracy, and Annika inched out with tentative steps. Her heart thumped louder in her ears. Every door they passed was closed. Annika wondered who was suffering behind those doors, or if no one was. She hoped for the latter.

When they turned a corner, the hallway opened to a seating area with a reception desk. Several couples about Ista’s age sat huddled together at the far end of the room. They raised their heads and nodded. King Donauska walked up to them, but Tracy held Annika back when she went to follow.

“Those are some of Baar’s family,” she whispered in Annika’s ear. “They will want their space. Even though you are on our side, your presence might be upsetting for some. Stay close to one of us, just in case.”

“In case of what? I helped.” Annika looked around in search of Tiana. Was she visiting with Barr in one of these rooms?

Tracy merely patted her shoulder in reply. The king returned and ushered them down a different hallway. They turned another corner and a second seating area presented itself.

Soldiers milled with civilians in the packed space; all consumed with agitated energy. The king cleared his throat and everyone turned to him. Annika stood taller, feeling eyes travel from the king to Tracy to her, and stay there.

A huge soldier stepped up to her with a curl of his lip.

“Stop,” King Donauska commanded.

The soldier clenched his hands and turned to the king. “Why won’t they let us see him? He’s our captain! It’s not right. This Rovalkian shouldn’t have more—”

“Stand down, soldier,” the king boomed. “She’s who saved you and you all know that. I think a thanks should be in order.”

“But how did she know?” another soldier growled. Annika stepped back. She sensed this man would have his hands around her throat if given the chance. His hands were clenching and relaxing, and his fangs bared.

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