Page 73 of Hospital for Immortal Creatures

Amelia knew that he wasn’t at the Hospital, but the confirmation helped her relax further.

“Do whatever you want. I told you what should be done.”

“It really hurts!” Amelia cried out from the bed.

Doctor Nyavolski shot the hybrid an accusatory glance.

She finally relented. “All right, I’ll take her downstairs.”

“I’ll come see you later.” He winked at Amelia and left.

“Can you walk, human?” The hybrid stood beside her, her expression showcasing discontent at the turn of events.

Amelia curled up in pain again. She had to be as convincing as possible. “I don’t think so…”

The hybrid paced to the door and issued orders for a wheelchair to someone in the hallway – probably her sister.

“Sit!” She barked when the wheelchair arrived.

Amelia obeyed and prayed in silence while the woman pushed her to the door. The other hybrid was nowhere to be seen, but as they passed by the statues, Amelia’s heart raced. Glancing at the beautiful figure of Ana, Mother of Nymphs, Amelia realised this was the same Ana from Dave’s story. And now, it wasn’t the statue’s exquisiteness that grabbed her attention – it was the nails resembling weapons. Because that was the nature of all the creatures in this world. Beautiful outside, beastly inside.

“Hey, don’t you die on me! Your pulse is elevating,” the hybrid said.

On their way down in the lift, Amelia managed to deepen her breath while she counted. Numbers calmed her down.

Ten, nine, eight, seven…

They reached the ground floor.

Six, five…

The hybrid pushed her out of the lift.

Four, three, two…

Through the Radiology door.

One.

At the opposite end of the lobby was the reception, just as Amelia remembered it.

The waiting area in the hall was full of creatures. Alas, her intent to not attract attention failed miserably. Every head turned in their direction when they walked in – or, more to the point, in the direction of the hybrid accompanying her.

A striking redhead in a white coat approached them and blocked their path. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Following orders. I’m not allowed to leave her sight,” the hybrid said.

“I see… And yet, you’ll wait outside.”

“She’s human.” The hybrid’s voice was as low as a whisper.

The redhead rested her hands on her hips. “I’m well aware. My husband warned me. Just as you are well aware that you are not allowed down here, frightening the patients.”

The hybrid didn’t move an inch. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but you cannot give me orders.”

Amelia couldn’t see the guard’s face, only the other woman’s eyes. There was a short silence, during which something unspoken and undecipherable passed between the two women.

Whatever it was, it forced the hybrid to take a step back. “I’ll be outside.”

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