THE CAGE (The Chosen Series #3)

CH33. ♘f2 c1=♛+

It's been three days since the Belle Garden and 48 hours since I last spoke with Alexander. Each hour that slowly ticks by increases the discomfort in my chest with the absence. I need to see him, feel his warmth, and share the letter from Annabelle that has been burning a hole in my pocket ever since.

I've read and re-read her note several times. Her words are now committed to memory, and while her message explained so much, her letter also created many more questions.

Annabelle's writing started strong. Her words were heartfelt and clear. However, the penmanship becomes sloppy toward the end, and the words are almost incoherent. A rambling of sorts.

But her use of the word divine sparked something deep inside me. Recalling my conversation with Sebastian, where we discussed the symbol on the cover of my diary, there may be something more to her use of the word.

So this is why I'm currently buried behind a mountain of books in the back of Alexander's library, searching for anything that might shed light on its meaning.

Forgoing my morning run, I've been reading since the wee hours and have been unsuccessful in locating anything of substance within the pile of ancient tombs.

It's now well past noon, and with the exception of an old poem written in a book of children's fables, I've found nothing that speaks of a key or the divine.

Even the poem, written in Latin, doesn't use the actual word divine, but rather divus, which can be translated to mean many things.

Sighing, I close yet another tomb and crack my neck to relieve some tension. I know most of it's coming from frustration at yet another riddle. However, I also began to notice a heaviness in the air, which has been playing havoc with my energy.

It wasn't here before, but it's been growing stronger since I returned to the Manor.

Squeezing my eyes closed, I allow my senses to reach out and search my surroundings. Immediately I can feel Maria, Grigori, Cook, and several other staff members within the large house. But apart from the people within the Manor grounds, I sense no other life force.

Inhaling again, I hold the air in my diaphragm and apply additional focus before pushing out again. Nothing.

Confused with this new sensation that feels like an itch that can't be scratched, I grind my jaw and stand. I've had enough reading for today and need to do something to clear my mind. I was hoping Shay would have returned earlier than planned, but he isn't due back for at least another week.

Stretching, I feel my tummy rumble and welcome the new distraction. I shouldn't have skipped breakfast or lunch, and I know I'm in for a lecture, but I tend to become hyper-fixated when I don't know the answers.

It's time to pay Cook a visit. My stomach responds in agreement.

Walking toward the kitchen, I see Maria and Grigori off in the distance, talking with their faces only inches apart. Again, Annabelle's letter comes to mind, and I can't stop the pang of sympathy for the two of them. I've always wondered why they haven't gone public with their bond, but I know they must have their reasons.

Cracking my neck again, I pass several other house staff, who nod politely in my direction, but then quickly scurry off to whatever part of the Manor they are heading to.

It takes me only a short time to get to the kitchen, and I'm surprised to see it empty. Usually, Cook or one of her assistants can be found arms deep in dough or working on some other delicacy.

Feeling slightly parched, I remove a glass from the overhead cabinets and use the filtration system attached to the farmhouse concrete sink to fill it with water. From my new position, I can directly see out of the window at the rear of the kitchen.