THE UNBREAKABLE PIECE (FIRST BOOK OF THE HIDDEN WORLD) English version

CHAPTER TWENTY: RUMORS

"Oh, look who deigned to grace us with her presence."

Lexi's eyes were usually sky blue, but I could swear that every time she addressed me, they turned that snake-like shade of green.

"I am the princess, and your future queen, so I can say with total confidence that you've arrived very early, and I am right on time."

Before she could lunge at my throat, I saw Jayden subtly grab the hem of her training shirt, causing her to stop mid-motion. Forgetting all protocols toward royalty, Gemma practically flew to my side, sheltering me under her wing and taking me away from what could have become a bloody scene.

"I must say I love this new Amy who knows how to put Lexi in her place."

"Advantages of royalty," I winked, "Practically makes me untouchable."

Gemma burst into laughter, casting a final glance over her shoulder at where Lexi was fuming.

Block E, until now, was the largest cabin I had seen in all of Axis, and I could say in my entire life. It had a peculiar smell of earth, blood, and rain, as if the scent of past moments had clung to it. The auditorium, as it was often called, was made up of large, concise, and heavy wooden blocks. The roof, unlike the rest of the building, was covered by a thick oval-shaped layer of iron that enclosed us as if we were inside an egg. The left wall was covered with mirrors as tall as its structure, reflecting the windows that covered the rest of the walls from floor to ceiling, providing a beautiful and peaceful view of the eternal sea.

Its design had been planned to allow the maximum amount of light, making every corner of the training block visible. The terrain must have extended for meters, with a wide arena ready for all kinds of combat.

Gerard, as promised, had escorted me to the door and made sure to send the books chosen for me to the castle, for a "light" reading task. Apparently, Eamon's uncle didn't know the true meaning of the word "light."

"I don't want to point out the elephant in the room," I whispered conspiratorially to Gemma, "but I think everyone is watching me."

As true as saying the sky was blue, at least 50 pairs of teenage Onpix eyes were fixed on each of my movements. Observing my walk, my clothes, even murmuring about my hairstyle and my way of dressing, which was identical to theirs.

As I placed one foot in front of the other, they moved away from my path like water surrounding a rock. Tipping their heads, letting me know that here, I was different. Just as my skin had known from the moment I had awakened on this island, they recognized it too. Never in my short life, even when walking the halls of Lincoln High, had I felt as inhibited as in this auditorium. Only for a few seconds, upon opening my eyes outside the infirmary, finding strangers of different ages on their knees and bowing towards where I stood, with my silk pajamas as armor. Unlike that episode, now they only whispered my name, dragging it across their tongues as if it were theirs. Allowing the rumors about my abruptness from the previous day to take place.

A man nearly two meters tall stood in my way and Gemma's. He was much taller than Jayden and any castle guard, his back broad and solid, giving him an almost terrifying appearance if not for his golden and gentle gaze. His skin was the same olive color as Ben's, and his jet-black hair grazed his shoulders.

"Gideon Hayes, Your Majesty."

The enormous man made a small bow, letting his silky hair fall like a cascade over his sharp and masculine face. There wasn't an aspect of that figure that didn't scream, "I'm tough, and if you mess with me, you'll get a beating you'll never forget."

"Please, the princess needs her space. You must respect the protocol" this time he addressed me, covering his mouth with his hand so the others couldn't hear "I'm sorry, Princess, they're just curious."