The World that Was: A Haunting Dystopian Tale Book 2 by Heather Carson

Author:Heather Carson [Carson, Heather]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-06-23T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

∞

I wouldn’t be going to the university where the professor taught. Alister had arranged for me to stay at the house here instead. Without a tracker, and no family to speak of, I’d draw too much attention to myself. Until Alister was sure he could find a way to clear my name and put The Nocere mess behind us, both men agreed it was best that I stay hidden.

The old stone building was vast. The marble floored grand room entrance held ancient paintings enclosed in glass. The canvas was so faded on most of them that it was hard to make out the image. This gave the building the sense of dignified respect. I tried to tiptoe past them so as not to disrupt their sleep.

One of the paintings with curling edges displayed an old and knotted tree. I thought of Juniper and my heart ached for the village I’d left behind. I sent up a silent wish to Vorie that she’d check on them for me.

Double doors off the main room creakily opened into a dusty library. Metal bookshelves were installed in front of the crumbling wood ones. Large volumes were stacked unevenly high on the table in the center of the room. I pictured the professor conducting research and leaving these discarded as he carried the rest to his office. Silently scolding him for his carelessness, I ran my finger over the titles. I was surprised to discover a fiction section.

“Does this make you happy?” Alister asked as he leaned against the doorframe.

“More than you know.” I smiled as I joined him for the rest of the tour.

Outside the back door was an enclosed courtyard. A dirty and broken water fountain sat in the middle of intricately carved stone benches. Towering trees casting shade grew between walls of ivy and overgrown bushes. The flora was bent on reclaiming the oasis and it made it hard to navigate the walkway.

“In the spring,” Alister said, directing my attention to a few trees with barren branches, “These will bloom with cherry blossoms.”

I nodded my head slowly as I took it all in. “Do you think I’ll still be here in the spring?”

“I hope so,” he smiled tenderly. “I hope you’ll always want to be here.”

“I mean right here.” I rolled my eyes. “How long do you think it will be before I’m allowed to leave? I want to check on Brayson at some point and I’d like to get in touch with Genie again.”

“I’m working on it.” He held out his arm to lead me back to the building. “Come with me. I want to show you your room.”

We walked up the grand staircase and turned right down the hall. Alister pushed open a heavy ornate door with cast iron hinges. The windows were left open and the breeze blew against the curtains. Inside the room was a heavy dark wood dresser, a matching wardrobe, a vanity table with mirror, and a large white velvet chair you could lay down on.

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