Page 20 of Colton

“You mean, human experiments?” I whisper-yell.

Grace bursts into a fit of laughter, her shoulders shaking a little. “God, Ava, I fucking adore you. Do you think a place where human experiments are being done would be available to the public?”

“Well… no,” I mumble.

Okay, I know I’m being unrealistic, and slightly overreacting, but it’s my fight or flight activating. And right now, I want nothing more than to run away. The sight of the guards so heavily armed, with uniforms and terrifying expressions made my skin crawl. From the moment we arrived at the gates, to the moment they allowed us entrance, goosebumps were all over my skin.

Even now, they’re stubbornly there, almost as if to remind me not to lower my guard down even for a split second.

“Let’s get to the hotel first. We have to check in, then we have restaurant reservations.”

“Sophia told me a little about this city, since she was here once,” I start talking, leaning back into the seat. Grace’s ears perk up, but she doesn’t say anything, letting me continue with the story. “And if Sophia Sloane got scared of the dark in this place, I don’t think we should be out too late.”

Grace pauses, thinking about it.

“Eh, that was Sophia’s experience. Ours will be better.”

“This isn’t a restaurant we’re talking about, Grace. We’re in enemy territory, and considering how reckless you can be, I dread imagining what you’ll put us through.”

“As long as we make it back alive, we should be good, no?”

I sigh. “Sure, whatever you say.”

Grace drives off, and the feeling of uneasiness lingers behind. Something is going to happen very, very soon. I can feel it in my bones, and the more I think about it, the more I’m regretting ever coming here.

God, all I’m asking for is to go back to the Academy alive.

And in one piece.

7

I take a deep breath as I step out of the vehicle, and the driver, Dan, takes off in an instant. He knows this isn’t a place for him, and I don’t need him waiting for me here. When I call for it, he’ll come back. It’s as simple as that in this place.

There’s nothing but a forest in front of me, which is the only path to the secret basement, hidden beneath all the leaves and mud. I don’t know exactly how long ago this was built, but I know that it was used as a sacred, secret place. A place only people of the founding families ever had access to.

It’s been a while since I came here, too. If it were up to me, I’d still be at the Academy, far away from the nonsense Artemis has pulled me into. She called a couple of times, demanding I show up for the meeting that the rest of the families have called. Right now, I’m the oldest one; hence, the main seat at the table is mine.

It’s usually determined by one’s will, power, and ability to lead. Age matters only when there’s a significant gap between the family members. All of our parents had children late, except for mine. It’s no secret that I’m an accidental child, which is why I’m the oldest here.

The second oldest is Abraxas Monroe, and he’s in his mid-thirties. The rest are between twenty-two and thirty-two. And thus far, only Blake Hill, Abraxas, and Clyde Elsher have shown good qualities. Well, better than the rest.

No matter how much I find Blake’s personality irritating, he’s good at what he does, which is why he has a seat at the table instead of his sister. This meeting, however, concerns all of us; hence we’ll all be here.

When it’s a more serious, private matter, only the heads of the families would be there.

The night is growing more chilly, and I’m eager to get back to the Academy. This place is my home, and I cherish it beyond words, especially given how much I’ve been working for this town.

The branches break under my feet, and once I reach for the clearing in the woods, I know I’m in the right place. I make sure no one is around me, though realistically speaking, no one would dare enter the private property of the founding families unless they wanted to face their wrath.

The door leading underground isn’t as hidden tonight, meaning that everyone else is already there. I crouch down and pull it up. The creaking noise mixes with the wind, filling my ears, and I’m greeted by old stairs and flickering lights on each side of the wall.

My feet carry me downstairs until I can fully close the door, then continue. The layout is simple: one room with a massive oak table and matching chairs. A couple of lamps in the corners to provide some light, and that’s it. No bathroom, as we’ve never been here long enough for anyone to require it, and no other rooms. Just this, little, secret place that goes back centuries.

“You’re here,” Artemis says as soon as I enter their view, and all eyes snap to me. There are two empty seats, mine at the head of the table, and the one right next to me. “Sit, there’s a lot to discuss.”

I quirk a brow, though I remain silent, taking my seat and pulling the chair closer to the table. On my left, aside from the empty seat, sit Artemis and Blake Hill, Clyde and Serena Elsher; on the right are Celine, Stefan and Lawrence Silvester, followed by Sebastian Monroe. His elder brother, Abraxas, sits right across from me, the other head of the table.

“Your sister isn’t here,” Serena says, her eyes narrowing. “Is it alright to keep her out of this?”