HOLLOW

•FIVE•

•Athanasios' POV•
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"What is it?" I ask, folding my arms. I braced myself for the news I was about to be told. "Guards have been... disappearing when they are on duty." He says. My arms immediately fell to my sides. "How long has this been going on?" I ask, growing angry. Orion stiffened and I could practically smell the fear dripping off of him. "About two weeks," he says. My eyes glared at my beta as his head hung low. There was no room for this nonsense in my pack. "And why has it failed to reach my attention?" I question. My voice overpowered the wildlife going on around us. "Next time, you tell me as soon as it's within your knowledge." With that, I turned around and left my shaking beta there, in the middle of our woods.

•Natalie's POV•

Since I was stuck in the room, I decided to actually read the book Athanasios gave me. It all seemed like another universe as I flipped through the aged pages. The information that the book stated didn't seem believable. It was all just too new. I felt as if I was living in a dream. My eyes danced across the ink-written letters. New information flew around my head and I didn't know what the heck to do with it. Finally deciding that I've had enough, I shut the book closed and set it on a table. A yawn escaped my mouth and I suddenly felt tired.

What time could it be? Feeling curious, I walked over to that big window and pulled back one of the thick curtains. The soft moonlight shone through the glass of the window and onto the floor. My jaw dropped at the beautiful sight. I had never seen nature so beautifully before. I looked out the window and it seemed like this room was here for a reason. The moon was shining brightly in the sky and the stars shone around it like little ducklings following their mother. This was all in a sea of blue and black.

I decided to leave the curtain open while I rest. I walked over to the large bed and lay down where I was when I woke up. The covers warmed my body and the mattress didn't even compare to the one I had slept on at a resort. It was an expensive vacation too. My feet didn't even reach the halfway mark of the mattress. How tall is the man who sleeps here? I feel myself falling unconscious in the comfort of the bed so I decide to let go of my thoughts for the rest of this night.

______

I felt a light warmth rest on my face as I flutter my eyes open. The bright sun is shining in my eyes through the curtains, causing me to squint. This was a nice way to wake up. I looked around the room and it was still empty and as still as ever. I didn't know how to feel about that. Yesterday's sleep was much better even if I didn't get a full eight or so hours. Although the brute I had woken up next to yesterday was quite comforting, I needed some space and time.

I rub my eyes softly and sigh. Sure, I wanted to go home but this whole thing seems like an adventure- except for the part when I was locked up. My eyes wander to the nightstand and I spot a small folded note with my name printed on it in pretty letters. I took the paper in my hands and slowly unfolded it.

There are clothes in the bathroom for you. I will come to get you at ten.

- Athanasios

My eyes almost popped as they looked over at the large clock hung on the wall. It was almost ten. I threw the blanket off of myself and rushed into the large bathroom made for a king. There was a pair of leggings and a long-sleeved shirt. I yanked the articles off of the hanger and changed into them as quickly as my weakened body could go. Just when I thought I was done, I got a glimpse of myself in the mirror. It was a horrific picture. My hair was disastrous and my face looked beyond tired. I quickly tied my hair into a messy bun and washed my face with some cold water. My bare face would have to do today.

I let my face air dry so I could be ready when Athanasios got here. Maybe he would let me go home. Once I was finished in the bathroom I ran into the bedroom and sighed when I saw Athanasios wasn't here yet. I glanced at the clock and it was five minutes till ten. I glanced at the book that seemed to stand there, intriguing me further. I could get a few pages done in five minutes, right?

It was amazing how much information I can read over in a few minutes. Before I knew it, the door began to open up. Athanasios walked through the large door that was obviously built for him due to its height. His brown eyes were focused on me and I felt myself becoming flushed. "Are you ready?" His deep voice entered my ears and it had me nodding immediately. I rose to my feet and headed over to Athanasios. I had the book tucked under my right arm as I came to Athanasios' right side. I felt small next to him as I was almost half his size. I said a quick thank you to him as I walked through the door that he held open for me.

"How are you enjoying the book?" He asks as we walk through the endless halls. "It's very good... informative." I answer him, looking down at the book. The only sound that was heard was our shoes hitting the floors. It was hard for me to keep up with him due to our height differences.

After a few minutes of silence, I thought of a question that I really wanted to know the answer to. "Um, may I leave?" My voice echoed throughout the hall and I could practically feel him stiffen beside me. "No." Was the immediate response. "Why not?" I question, becoming angry. "Reasons you are not ready to hear yet." He says. I keep quiet and continue to walk beside him.

I watched as he lead us outside into the snow and into the woods. I wanted to ask where we were going but I trusted him not to kill me this soon. The coldness started to get to me and I found myself getting cold even though my coat wrapped tightly around me.

I grew more and more curious as we the trees started to space out further. Athanasios suddenly stopped and it surprised me a bit. "Watch your step." He wraps his arm around my waist, stopping me from going any further. I look at him, a little embarrassed at our position. He made no effort to remove his hand from around me and it was annoyingly comforting.

"You're cold." He says before wrapping another arm around me. I felt blood rush to my face but there was no doubt that his touch made me feel warmer. Trust me, if it wasn't benefiting me, I would have definitely thrown his arms right off of me. "Look." He pointed out in front of him and I noticed that we were on a cliff. It was beautiful. 

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