15 - Abby POV
1384 Words
I have been dreading this day since the Induction ceremony.
Astrid made the announcement at work that Gabe would no longer be joining us. The reason she gave - he has moved away to be closer to the one he loves.
I gave her a cold stare when she said that and turned towards me; she winked at me before turning back to her office.
I didn't miss the hidden meaning behind her message. She knew Xavier was dead. 'Closer to the one he loves' was her subtle hint to me that she hopes for his execution still.
The others on our team were hurt. Hurt that he never mentioned how serious he was with someone and hurt that he didn't even say goodbye to us. Yeah, he really loved Xavier - tried to kill Colt to prove it.
Now, it was Saturday morning. Colt ans I were heading down by ourselves to London. Austin and Naomi were in charge of running the pack. Jason and Nicole were relinquished of their guard duties for me for the day since we were in the capital and it was, apparently, heavily guarded by the Council; this is why Xavier needed a large army to attack it.
"Are you alright, Abby?" I had my arm linked with Colt as we walked towards the Houses of Parliament. He had rested a hand on top of mine as we strolled in the Autumn breeze.
I nuzzled my head into his shoulder. "It still isn't sitting right with me. Gabe is, no was, my friend. How could he go to such extremes for Xavier? He wanted you dead, Colt."
Colt rests his head on top of mine. Our pace slows to accommodate. "I'm trying to picture how I would feel in your shoes. But, it is hard. I can't imagine what you are going through." He places a soft kiss on the top of my head. "Just know that you don't have to face it alone."
I smile up at him, pushing up on my tiptoes so I could plant a kiss on his lips. "Thank you, Colt."
I stare up at the Houses of Parliament, steeling my breath as I take it all in. "So the Council hold their trials here?"
"Ever since the place was built they have used the underground rooms for their meetings and trials. Did you know they used to have shops under this place?" Colt cites as we approach the guard. Colt hands over a letter which the guard takes before letting us in.
"I bet they saw all sorts of nefarious back handed deals take place. You know? The ones where people are scheming to overthrow people like they did way back when."
"Why, yeah. It was actually a pair of vampire guards who discovered Guy Fawkes with the gunpowder barrels on November 5th." He gives a smile as he recalls his knowledge, content that he knew specifics.
"Seriously?"
"Yep, and dark wizards were the ones to carry out his interrogation." He used air quotations when he mentioned 'interrogation'. Torture, that's what it was.
We continued through the halls before we are halted by a security guard. "The Prime Minister requests an audience with you." The guard's eyes flash red, indicating he is a vampire, and signals for us to follow.
We walk in silence as we weave our way around the corridors towards her office. I hope he leads us out, for I am lost.
We halt outside a large wooden door. The guard knocks twice before turning to us. "Wait here." And then he walks away.
"Enter." A call comes from behind the door.
We walk inside and-
"Oh my God!" I avert my eyes immediately. Sue Grecan, our prime minister, had blood dripping from her mouth which she was wiping away with a handkerchief. The source of the blood? Appeared to be an intern with her shirt unbuttoned. Blood surrounded two puncture wounds in her neck.
"Take it you have not seen a vampire feed yet?" She comments as she wipes away the blood on the intern's neck before they leave the three of us in the office.
"No, and I was not expecting to see it right now. Sorry." I slowly turn my gaze back to her. Colt leans in close to me. "You get used to it when dealing with vampires."
"Like vampires have gotten uses to speaking to two people when dealing with one werewolf. It's like dealing with people with split personalities." They stare each other down before a friendly smile graces both of their faces. "I wish we didn't have to meet on such pressing matters."
"I'm sure we can host you for the weekend once we get our new packhouse sorted."
"That nearly sorted?"
"We have scouted a few other potentials but, Newstead Abbey maybe our best option." I couldn't help a small shudder run down my spine. Colt just gave me a sympathy glance. He had mentioned before that we may have to take it and so I am trying to associate my feelings with the people who causes them ans not the place.
"Very well, let me know if you need any further assistance." She nods and gestures for us to follow her as she heads towards the door.
"Was there any reason you needed us to come here before the trial?" Colt questions her as we all leave her office and begin to head down more corridors and stairs. I am definitely lost.
"I wanted to see how you both were, especially you, Abby. I know he was a friend of yours so this must be hard." She turns to me, a subtle hint of sadness crosses her eyes before she masks it with a stoic look.
"I'm keeping it together so far." I answer as honestly as I can. "Think I only know how I truly feel about it until I see him."
"Understandable. Now, I want to run you through how this works so at least it's not all new to you."
She starts leading us down a set of stairs which takes us further and further into the darkness; small wall lights our only light source.
"Awfully dark down here." I couldn't help but state.
"How us vampires like it. Besides, it adds a little intimidation for the people on trial." She leads us down a few corners before halting outside a large set of black double doors.
"Now, you will be in the public gallery with the other Alphas and Lunas from the United Kingdom and Ireland. The Council will sit in a semi circle across the room from you and the accused sits dead centre facing us." She runs through. I could hear small chatter behind the doors which peaked my interest as well as my anxiety at once.
Colt seemed to sense this as he placed a hand on my back and started rubbing small circles with his hands.
"We have had the trials for those who went rogue after the fight last Friday." Anyone who could be deemed a peaceful rogue that didn't join the pack were let go by the Elders that Saturday. The ones who couldn't became rogues and had to be imprisoned until sentenced.
"What was the outcome?" Colt held a serious tone to his voice.
"All bar ten have been imprisoned underneath the Tower of London." She turns to me with a sigh. "The ten who we didn't imprison - their crimes were too great as a lot had murdered or tried to commit murder on countless innocent lives."
I couldn't help inhale a sharp breath. "They were... executed, weren't they?" The Prime Minister nods in response.
"So... with Gabe? He tried to kill Colt... he would..." I didn't want to finish that sentence. Knowing someone I did used to care about could be killed in front of me
.. I don't want to be a part of that.
"You ready to enter?" They both look at me. I can only give a small nod in response.
"If you don't want to then we can leave. Same applies for any time during the trial." Colt leans down so he was in my eye line.
"OK..." Was all I could mumble before the doors opened. The trial was about to begin.
- Writer
