A Hunger to Share ( Book One )

chapter 40

James

They ascended a set of stone stairs, emerging into a grand entrence hall. There was a big wooden door on the right, and a big marble staircases spiraling to upper floor on the left.

People were coming, and going all around them. Wemen, men, even children, of all races, genders, and ages. None of whom spared them more than a glance. This place was full of life, nothing like the horrible place Steven had warned them about.

They ascended the staircase on the left, and found themselves in front of a set of huge double doors. The woman pushed them open.

James's eyes widened when he saw the interior, and the colorful walls. What was this place exactly?

"I'm this close to strangling you." The woman glared at the man sitting on the throne in the end of the circular room, holding her index finger and thumb a few inches part.

He was leaning back, drumming his fingers on the armrests. His brown eyes reminded James of eagles. This man looked like a true king. He was quiet young, not the old man James had imagined.

James wondered if he should kneel.

Adrian stood up, and walked towards them. "What happened? Are you all right?" He looked worrid. He caressed her brown skin gently.

James had not expected any gentleness from such a man.

"Thanks to them."

"Who was it?"

"Johny. I told you he looked shady but did you listen to me? No."

"I'm so sorry love. I made a mistake..."

"And cost an innocent man his life..."

"What?"

"Where the hell is my sister?" Nora asked loudly.

Adrian dropped his hand,
and looked at them with sad, remorseful eyes. "She'll be here shortly." He gazed back at the woman. "Will you tell her please?"

"Sure, but next time I'll do the interviewing to avoid such disasters." Her gaze slid to Ben's body. Then she turned around, and left the throne room.

"You can put him down there if you want." Adrian adressed Nora, and motioned to a couple of black couches that were positioned against the white wall. She did. "I'm sorry about your loss. I should have known Johny was a spy..."

"For someone so old you sure look really dumb."

"Nora." James hissed in her ear.

"She's right. It was my fault. This cat, and mouse game with my siblings has gone on for far too long..."

Siblings? How many more of these Ancients were out there? How much had Steven not told them?"

"Then why don't you put a stop to it?" Jack asked, curious.

"It's not that simple..." Adrian said with a heavy sigh.

"With all due respect Mr king, I don't care about your petty sibling fights. I just want to get my sister, and get out of here." Nora cut in.