The Selection: Third Generation

Ch. 17: Staying Alive

I don't think either of us is aware of exactly how much time has passed since the rebel attack started. We stay quiet, whispering to each other every now and then. Mostly, we keep to ourselves and try not to freak out.

Eventually, I fall asleep. When I wake up, Isabella is asleep on the side of me, and I can hear murmured voices behind the wall. I try not to move so I can hear a little better, but it is no use. 

"Isabella, wake up." I tap her shoulder and put a finger to my lips in a shushing motion. She sits up wearily,  listening with me. 

"It doesn't sound as chaotic, but I can't tell if it is a guard or someone else or a rebel." I nod, agreeing with her.

"I'm going to try to listen at the wall." With this, I slowly get up and walk over, being as silent as possible. I press my ear to the wall we came in and from.

"Go report to Prince Carlisle that we are halfway done with the first floor and there are still no signs of the two missing ladies. Assure him we will find them."

"It's a guard!" I scream. Isabella runs over and we both start banging on the wall and yelling for help. After a minute, the wall comes up and we have to look away from the light coming into the safe room.

"Ladies, thank God. Let's get you to the hospital wing to be checked." The guard says. He and the other two reach for us and help us start the walk.

"Where is Carlisle?" I ask.

"Is he okay? Are the others okay?" Isabella asks, desperation thick in both of our voices.

"Everyone is okay. We lost many lives, but all of the royals and selected are okay. Only guards and staff lives were lost."

"What about my maids? Are they okay? I want to see them!"

"We will have them brought to you in the hospital wing but you have to calm down, miss. You're in shock."

"No, I need to see them. They have to be okay. I need them. I need Carlisle. And Auggie. Is Auggie okay?"

As soon as the words finish leaving my mouth, I feel the pressure in my head and my knees buckle. Everything goes dark.

***

Everything is still black as I come into consciousness. The first thing I feel is a hand holding mine and something wet on my wrist. Then I hear whispers, but I cannot make them out.

"-will be okay. She just fainted from shock. They were locked in there for around nine hours."

"Okay, thank you."

At his voice, I open my eyes. Too fast, based on how I immediately have to shut them again, letting out a grunt of annoyance.

"Arabella?" Carlisle's voice is thick, and I know he has been crying. He squeezes my hand tight.

I slowly open my right eye and turn to look at him, keeping the other shut from the bright light. He laughs and shakes his head, and I open my other eye. I smile, happy to have brought a smile to his handsome face.

"Arabella, that was the longest nine hours of my life. I had no idea what to do with  myself, I was so worried."

"Longest nine hours of your life? I was the one stuck in a tiny room with Isabella." I say, earning two laughs - one from Carlisle and one from Isabella, who is in the bed to my left, sitting up and reading a magazine.

"I am so glad you're both okay. I am surprised that you made it without the rebels getting you or you killing each other." Another set of laughs, and I know we are all feeling a little better. Carlisle reaches over and kisses me softly. "I have to go and help father address the country. I will bring dinner to you tonight, okay?"