The Emerald Virgin (Gem Apocalypse Book 1) by Ravyn Rayne Page A

reaction to her dark roots turning light. When she finished, she would be a blonde. Aria showered the lightener from her hair, the water frigid and unbearable. She'd been given brown cargo pants and a black t-shirt to wear. It fit snug but it didn't matter, she gladly wore it over the green dress and pettiskirt.
    Aria towel dried her hair as quick as possible. Everyone wanted a turn in the bathroom and she did her best to be considerate. Once she cleaned the sink area up, Aria brought the contacts to Rhys and shoved the empty case for the lenses into her pocket. "I don't know how to use these," she said.
    "Sit down over there," he gestured to a chair and followed her. "Now just try and relax."
    Aria wished she could relax. He opened a fresh set of lenses, one at a time. Putting the contact lens on the tip of his finger he brought it to her eye and managed to hold her eyelid open. It felt awkward and uncomfortable but he got it on her the first try. She wondered how many times he had to help others with the same task? He repeated his movements with the second lens.
    "Blink, Aria. It won't hurt you." Aria wiped the solution that had dripped down her cheek like tears.
    "No one will recognize you. I want you on my team."
    Would the rebels be able to protect the courtesans and slaves against the armed guards? The auction had a dozen guards at most, the palace had far more.
    "What about James?" Aria asked. "Is he coming with us?"
    "That's up to you," Rhys said. "If you think he'll get in the way, we'll leave him behind. However, if he can help convince the guards to fight on our side, we bring him."
    "He comes with us." Aria had to believe James would do right. Did it worry her returning back to the palace with him? Absolutely, but what other choice did they have? Great change required even greater sacrifice.
     
    * * * * *
     
    James sat outside, using a pocket knife to carve a sharp edge to a branch. Aria stepped out into the morning sun. The sun warm but not unbearable yet.
    "Hey," Aria said and smiled at him. Did he intend on using the branch as a weapon? The point grew sharp like a spear. "Where'd you get the knife?"
    "Borrowed it from another guy here." James kept carving away at the wood, slicing each layer. He hadn't so much as looked up at Aria. Though she didn't blame him, she didn't want him to cut his fingers either.
    "Making friends then?" She liked to hear that he adjusted here. Perhaps Rhys and the others would realize he wasn't like his brothers and King Gideon, after they stormed the palace.
    He paused, long enough to glance up at Aria. Would he have recognized her if she hadn't walked over and started talking with him? Now she'd never know.
    "You look—different."
    "That was the idea," Aria said. "Rhys and I want you to join us when we release the hostages and take over the castle. Are you up for it?"
    "Was this Rhys's idea or yours?" James asked. He closed the switchblade and turned, handing it back to its original owner. No words were exchanged between them, but a silent nod seemed to be enough to satisfy one another.
    "Does it matter? We think it'd be beneficial to have you join us," Aria said.
    "If Rhys is sending you back into the palace, then I'm going too. As long as my father is there, I'm not going to let you go alone."
    Aria smiled. "I'm not alone, but thanks." She appreciated his concern.
    He placed the dull rounded edge of the stick at the ground. The spear was long, big enough to catch fish if they needed to. However, she had the feeling he was using it for protection, she just wasn't sure from whom.
    "We're gearing up in twenty. Grab breakfast and then let's go!" Rhys said.
    Aria followed after Rhys. "Gearing up?" she asked. "Are there enough weapons to go around?" She never used a pistol but wanted some level of protection.
    Rhys paused in the kitchen, grabbed a plate of biscuits and handed her one. From the window Aria spotted four vans unloading and several more cars pulling up outside. It seemed