Thorns of Fate: Serendipity Saga Book One

Chapter Thirty-Nine

I came out of my revery as the pilot announced our imminent descent, spouting off the weather conditions on the ground as the plane drifted closer to the Roman tarmac. Will's image danced through my mind again and again, replaying every old memory that he had. What if Henrick didn't wait? What if Carson and Anton followed me?

I shoved my panic back into my belly, not able to think with the swirl of emotions blinding me. Control was proving to be horridly difficult without Anton's assistance. I wondered for a moment if I was feeling emotions that weren't mine but I didn't understand my own raging mess, let alone be able to pinpoint Anton or Carson's feelings amidst my own.

I slid the shade on the window up as the plane came in for a landing. Rome unfolded before me and it was stunning. Buildings of ancient architecture stretched out as far as I could see, absolutely gorgeous. I wished for a long minute that I was here under better circumstances but I shoved it to the back of my mind.

Shut down your emotions, I reminded myself mentally.

The plane taxied down the runway, making a quick job of maneuvering the airports zigs and zags and stopping us at our gate. I was thankful for that. I had fought to remain calm throughout the flight, smothering my tears when they came and I didn't know how much longer I could fight off my pain and anxiety.

I removed my duffle bag as they advised us that we were now able to exit the aircraft. I sling it over my shoulder and took a deep breath, exiting into a city I had always dreamed of seeing, even without Achillia's influence.

I pulled my phone from my bag, powering it back on to see a slew of messages from Kellic and two unknown numbers. They were messages of panic.

Kyra?

Where are you?

Please, answer the phone!

Kyra!

Please!

Where are you?

You shouldn't have left.

I'm begging you, please!

Kyra, I love you.

There were a total of 38 unread messages.

I swiped the notifications clear, already feeling hot tears on my face and knowing I couldn't take anymore. I quickly flipped through recent contacts and found the number that Henrick had dialed me from.

He answered after only one ring.

"Are you in Rome?" He asked, immediately.

"Yes," I replied. "Where do I need to go?"

"Come to the Coliseum and come alone," he commanded and disconnected the call.

I stared at the image on the phone, taking deep breaths before flipping open a ride sharing application. I ordered a ride, using my bank account.

I knew that Kellic could see that and tie it to my location but I hoped I'd gotten enough of a lead to get to Will before they could catch up.

It didn't take long for a car to pull up as it seemed there were many that flocked around the capital. There was an unassuming man driving, and he pulled along the curb rolling his window down. My phone dinged at the same moment with the notification that he had arrived.

"Signorina Lucius?" The man called through the open window. He was middle aged and wore a flat hat on his head and a pair of square rimmed glasses. He had ruddy cheeks and flashed me a smile. I tried to smile back but I knew it was completely fake.