Page 75 of Anatomy of the Immortal Species

“Hmm…”

Alex opened her notebook to a fresh page and, in large enough letters for Amelia to see, wrote ORACLE at the top, jotting down something smaller underneath.

“What did you write?”

“‘Feels discomfort discussing her physiological needs.’”

“Did you really need to write that down?”

“They say the powerful rule chaos. I say the wise take notes! You might find it absurd that I could forget such basic information, but if your daily life was as full of mental exercises as mine, you’d understand…”

“No, I don’t get why—” Amelia cut herself off. There was no point delving into the girl’s thought process or holding her accountable for taking notes on her private affairs. Instead, she smiled. “I hope I was helpful.”

She stared out the window, wondering if sleep might come easier on a plane.

Alex’s voice cut through her thoughts. “How about sex? Has that changed since your transformation? You must have a lover at the Hospital, no?”

Amelia almost jumped in her seat. After discovering the world of immortals and becoming one, she’d thought nothing could surprise her anymore.

She hadn’t expected Alex Volk.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t intend to discuss my love life.”

“Hmm…” Alex’s pen moved swiftly across the page again.

Amelia tried to sneak a peek, but Alex’s hand blocked her view. “What did you write now?”

“That you’re hiding something.”

“Why would you think that?”

“Silence always hides something.”

“I’m not being silent. There’s just nothing to discuss.”

“You don’t have a lover, then?”

Amelia sighed, giving up. “No. I don’t.”

Alex squinted, and just when Amelia braced herself for an accusation of lying, worse came instead.

“Then may I suggest someone?” Alex pursed her lips. “Carlos Setti. Sixteenth floor, West Wing – apartment nine or ten, I think. I’m not sure, but I can check for you. They say hehas a very… accommodatinginstrument. Not too big, not too small. Just right. His vampire nature implies dexterity, and the rumours confirm it. His cunnilingus skills are legendary, not to mention his rich vocabulary – always a bonus in bed. The only downside is, he’s quite busy. Understandable, given all those qualities. But seeing as you’re the Oracle, you’d probably get priority.”

Amelia studied Alex’s face, searching for any sign this was some twisted joke.

“I must warn you, though,” Alex continued in the same formal tone, “don’t let yourself get emotionally attached to Carlos. He’s very much a polygamist, and sharing… let’s say, the object of your affection, is always stressful for a woman.”

Amelia kept staring at Alex, unable to believe the words coming out of her mouth. Was she for real?

“It doesn’t have to be him, of course. Could be someone else. It’s just that I’ve heard exceptional things about him. Judging by your expression, you haven’t thought about it much, which leads me to believe that you’re not yet feeling the urges of the transformation. Don’t worry, they will come…”

‘The transformation is overwhelming. It awakens desires you might not expect…’Mikhail’s words were so vivid in her mind, from their time in the forest, that it felt like he was right there, whispering in her ear. A deep sense of longing filled Amelia, and her cheeks heated at the reminder of their time together.

Alex tilted her head and lifted a finger. “These things aren’t shameful to discuss, Amelia. This is what all those brave women fought for in the early twentieth century women’s rights movements – to freely discuss and demand the fulfilment of our sexual desires.”

“I thought they were fighting for gender equality,” Amelia said. “And they were mortal women. Human women.”

“Well, yeah.” Alex shrugged. “In the immortal world, womenhave always been free, but I admire those mortal women’s feminist movements. Sometimes, I like to think of myself as one of them. But where it starts doesn’t matter, because… Don’t you agree it’s nice to be able to sit here, side by side, and discuss our needs without restraint?”