The Skin Thief

Chapter 107

I feel strangely numb as I look out the window of the slow, shuddering car. I thought coming home would be different. I thought I would look out at our beautiful capital city and feel joy to be back here safely. But it doesn't come.

My mind drifts back to my time in the Fourth Realm, specifically driving around the city with Marcus. My chest pangs, and I close my eyes, forcing the tears not to fall. I lick my dry lips and let out a long sigh, shifting uncomfortably in my grey uniform.

It feels wrong to me now. I don't feel the same pride I did the day Connor and I wore it to meet with the Prime Minister when we were given our orders. I take the grey cap off and look down at the pin, signifying my role as an agent of RISSA. It makes me feel a little sick now.

I look away, putting the cap back on with a sigh. As I stare back out the window, I realise we're approaching the parliament building. The driver stops at the large gates, and we go through the motions of showing our identification before we're waved through.

A lump forms in my throat as I look up at the large, red-brick building looming over me. Nervous flutters ripple through my stomach. Once I'm out, I pause and look at the vehicle once more. It is going to take me a long time to get used to these cars again. Though they are beautiful and elegant, with their gleaming metal vents and large circular headlights, they feel primitive compared to the cars in the Fourth Realm.

Before I can think about it further and fall into a sinkhole of comparing the realms, I turn and walk up the cream steps. My heart pounds nervously as I make my way through the beautiful halls. I forgot how stunning this building is. If anything, after all the sterile white and modern features of the Fourth Realm, I appreciate all the old wood and stone more now.

I approach the large green doors, and my breath catches in my throat. A bubble of fear twists in my stomach. The guard opens the door, and I step inside.

Just like before, the woman sitting at the large wooden desk doesn't look up from her typewriter as I enter. So, I stand in awkward silence with only the clicks of the typewriter for company as she finishes her sentence.

Once she's done, she acknowledges me. "Miss Elliot, I presume."

"Yes," I reply. She nods her head, stands, and makes her way over to the doors that lead to the Prime Minister's office. She knocks and walks in upon hearing a response. Seconds later, she returns.

"They're ready for you now, Miss Elliot," she says.

I take a sharp breath and straighten the black tie before adjusting the dark grey tunic. Then, I walk into the office.

The office hasn't changed since the last time I was here. I come to a stop in front of the large mahogany desk and stand to attention.

"At ease," the prime minister says, her red lips pulling into a polite smile. At least this time, she's acknowledging me immediately. Mr Day stands beside her, looking at some paperwork he holds. I look away from him and focus on Lucille Zhao, the Prime Minister of Athaine.

Despite the fact that she is about to be a wartime leader, she looks pristine. Perfect even. There isn't a hint of stress on her face.

"Welcome home, agent," she says to me.

"Thank you, Prime Minister. I'm glad to be back."

"I'm sure you're looking forward to seeing your family," the Prime Minister says.

"I am," I say, trying to ignore the excitement that swirls through me. Time away to go home and see my family has already been approved. I'm leaving as soon as this meeting is over.