The Seasons

Chapter 47

Once Emil finished his speech, he stared at Summer for the longest time. Summer had tried his best to keep his heart steady. He knew the vampires could hear it pounding, which would only lead to more suspicions about him, and then he would have no way of sneaking off to find that door.

Summer wasn’t taken away this time as he had been last time. He stayed as he mingled with a few people, and they all talked about their doubts, while two people, in particular, said it was a great thing Instuita was doing. They finally realised that humans were at the bottom of the food chain and should learn their place. He hated how the woman had made a speech about humans being their prey and them being the predators, all the while keeping her eyes glued to him. So, once she finished, he excused himself and practically ran across the room, apologising as he weaved in and out of the bodies.

After listening to another group debate the same conversation, he realised all these people saw him as the weaker species, and he no longer felt safe. He could feel eyes on him as he continued weaving in and out of people, trying to find the exit which seemed so far. He needed to get out and get some fresh air.

“Summer,” he stopped as he turned around. He had recognised that voice, the soft, gentle tone. He saw Xana standing there, a smile on her purple lips, her blonde hair again having the same wet curls and her eyelids glimmering under the harsh fluorescent lighting. She wore a black bralette with lace and some black shorts, and the gold and green scales seemed to shine.

Summer had heard about the gold scales; Jasper had told him about them. He said they signified something. s**t, what did they mean?

“Xana,” he said, smiling politely when he realised he had been staring at her for too long. “It’s lovely to see you again.”

“You too. How did you find Emil’s speech?” she asked, lacing her arm through his. When the duo stood beside one another, Summer realised how tall she was. She towered over him, although he hadn’t been able to tell when they had first met as she had been sitting down.

“It was good.”

“Really?” she asked, leading them out of the room and down a hallway. “I found it to be a bit repetitive; also, he needs to smile more, don’t you think? He looks like a robot, standing up there speaking in his monotone voice with a dead expression.”

“Well, he is dead.”

Summer panicked a little when he realised she was leading him further and further away from the door. He knew he was human, and he couldn’t do much against all of the Entia. But he had heard the cries of someone begging to be let out, and he wanted to help them at the very least.

“Xana.” The duo stopped and turned around; Summer wasn’t sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing that Emil had stopped them. “You’re needed; Vanessa was looking for you.”

Xana smiled as she let go of Summer’s arm and smiled at him. “I’ll see you soon, Summer.”

“Bye,” he replied. Both men watched Xana leave, and once she was out of sight, Emil turned to stare at Summer.

“Go back to the room.”

“I don’t know where it is.”

Emil sighed, turned on his heel and began walking away; Summer took that as his cue to follow the man, so he did. He was led back to the room, and Emil left. He waited approximately five minutes before leaving the room and making his way down to the door, and once again, he made no mistakes despite how confusing these hallways were designed to be and stared at the black doors.

The faint cries of someone begging to be let out rang in his ears. He ran his hands down his pants, exhaled and placed his hand on the doorknob.

~*~