Page 26 of Hospital for Immortal Creatures

“A nymph?”

“You’re pretty like a nymph.” His cheeks flushed at his confession and he lowered his stare to the floor.

“Thank you. You guessed it – I’m a nymph.”

His gaze flew back to hers. “I knew it! I always guess!”

Her smile withered. As much as she enjoyed his company, it was time to leave. “Dave, please tell me how to get out of here.”

He grinned like a little devil. “Only if you tell me what you did to upset the Tribunal.”

“But, Dave, if I do, then you’ll be at risk. I wouldn’t forgive myself if they came after you, too.”

He crossed his arms over his T-shirt. “They can’t break me that easily, Amelia. In two months, I’ll be ten. I’m a grown man.”

“I’m sorry, Dave…”

He sighed. “All right, then.” He turned his head to the side abruptly. “Someone’s coming—” he whispered, alarmed. “It could be the Tribunal. Quick! Hide in the wardrobe.”

He opened the narrow cupboard, pulled out a small sack and a pair of shoes, and ushered Amelia in. She settled into the suggested hiding spot, holding her breath.

“Don’t you worry. I’ll deal with them.” He closed the door and left her in the dark.

For a few seconds, the erratic beating of her heart was her sole company. Then, the hinges of a door creaked as it was pushed inwards and…

“Mikhail!”

No. No, it can’t be.

“Hey, Dave. What’s up?” The man’s voice made her stomach tighten.

“Not much. Mom’s still the same.”

“I’m sure she’ll get better. Listen, Dave, I’m searching for a young woman. Slender, blonde, not too tall. Have you seen her?”

Her heart somersaulted and dropped in her shoes.

“Amelia?”

“Yes. Exactly.”

A brief silence elapsed.

Dave opened the door to her hideout. “There she is! Don’t worry, Amelia. I told you I’d help you escape the Tribunal. Mikhail is a very good friend of mine. He’ll keep you safe. Right, Mikhail?” The boy’s face was glowing.

Amelia couldn’t do anything other than pad out of the wardrobe. Her heartbeat raced at the sight of him. There was a gleam in his green-brown eyes that warned her against doing anything rash.

The man pointed to the hallway with his chin. Defeated, she headed for the door, because she didn’t want to provoke him around Dave. What would happen if he transformed into that monster in front of the boy and his poor mother?

“Amelia, will I see you again?” Dave asked.

Glancing over her shoulder, she forced a smile. “Of course.”

“Protect her from the Tribunal, Mikhail! Mom says they’re dirty bastards.”

Mikhail’s face softened. “They’re just doing their job, Dave. Don’t worry, though. I’ll protect Amelia from them.”

Oh, how smooth and friendly he sounded! The same as he’d been when he’d saved her from the Mercedes guy. A beast in disguise.

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