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The Phoenix Nest: The Griffin Sanctuary, #2
The Phoenix Nest: The Griffin Sanctuary, #2
The Phoenix Nest: The Griffin Sanctuary, #2
Ebook186 pages2 hoursThe Griffin Sanctuary

The Phoenix Nest: The Griffin Sanctuary, #2

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Now Charlotte is apprenticed with the Griffin Sanctuary's vet, she discovers more about the other mythical creatures living at there and the dangers they pose to the public, the keepers, and each other. With the Sanctuary's phoenix eggs about to hatch, the staff's main goal is to stop the hatchlings from burning down their own enclosure...

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The Phoenix Nest is book two in the modern fantasy Griffin Sanctuary series. It is packed full of adventure, mythical creatures, and an f/f romantic sub-plot.

LanguageEnglish
PublisherVampari Press
Release dateJan 20, 2022
ISBN9798201306229
The Phoenix Nest: The Griffin Sanctuary, #2
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    The Phoenix Nest - Ariana Jade

    ONE

    Working at a sanctuary for mythical beasts was a dream come true. Being called in for a personal evaluation by the director, not so much.

    I rocked back and forth in my chair, trying to calm myself in time for the meeting. My feet were firm on the blue carpet in an attempt to ground myself but it wasn’t working. As far as I knew, none of the other interns were being evaluated at the moment. I supposed, technically, I wasn’t an intern anymore, I was an apprentice in the vet program, but the logic still held. Why had Director Ella only scheduled an appointment with me?

    God, this was worse than being called to the principal’s office.

    Just when I thought I couldn’t cope with the nerves anymore, the door on the opposite side of the room swung open and a middle-aged woman with stern but kind eyes waved me in. I’m ready for you, Charlotte.

    I took a deep breath before crossing the room. I needed to keep my nerves under control but I wasn’t doing a great job. If Director Ella noticed, she was kind enough not to mention it.

    She took place in a swirly chair behind her desk and gestured to the free seat on the other side. Please sit

    Thanks, I replied, clearing my throat so I wasn’t mumbling. Thank you.

    The director smiled somewhat reassuringly as she opened up a brown file. She flicked through the pages, tentatively like she was really paying attention, before addressing me again. So, Charlotte. How’re you getting on?

    Brief panic flitted through me. Sorry?

    It’s been almost a month since you changed from your Unicorn internship to a vet apprenticeship. I know that wasn’t what you came here for so we wanted to check-in, make sure you’re still happy with the change.

    Oh. I wrung my hands together. I like it. I’ve been learning new things every day. Jacob is a great teacher.

    Are you getting along with the other apprentices? she inquired, scribbling a note down on the page.

    I think so, I replied slowly. I wasn’t too sure if they liked me and I hadn’t had much to do with them yet. I mostly saw them in passing. There wasn’t much time for personal chit chat. Most of them also knew each other already so I stuck to my group of friends I made when I was a keeper intern. I’m gradually getting to know everyone.

    She clicked her pen and nodded. Very good. I’m glad to hear. Okay, then. I don’t want to keep you from your work, I’m sure Jacob is already looking for you.

    So that was it? Surprised, I looked up at the director, not able to hold back. So I’m not in trouble?

    Ella paused. Have you done anything to get you in trouble?

    No, I mean, I don’t think so.

    There you go. She pushed her sleeve up and checked her watch. Oh, looks like it’s about lunchtime.

    That was my cue to leave. I rose from the chair, still not sure what the purpose of this meeting was. Did she really make time for me just to see how I was doing?

    I was halfway out when I turned back around. Can I ask a question?

    The director nodded.

    Why me?

    Her eyebrows flew up. I’m sorry?

    Why did you pick me to transfer to the apprenticeship program? I asked, voicing the question I’d been walking around with for weeks, but never had the courage to ask. When Ella didn’t reply, I elaborated on my question. I don’t want to question your judgement but both Aaron and Felicity, I worked with them at the Unicorn House, are very talented. They come from better schools, they’re just as smart so… why me?

    A slight smile brightened Ella’s face. She stepped from behind her desk, her demeanour slightly less intimidating. There’s a certain quality we look for when it comes to vets working with mythical creatures. As you know, most vets specialise towards the end of their studies but here at the sanctuary, that’s not much use. It’s impractical for a vet to specialise in just unicorns, there aren’t nearly enough left anywhere. Instead, we look for people with flexible minds, that have an affinity with all sorts of animals and the ability to absorb a lot of information. Your former mentor, Nissan, mentioned that from all his interns, you were always writing down things and making notes. That’s the kind of mentality we want from our vets.

    Oh. I wasn’t sure how to respond, I always thought of the change in my trajectory as a demotion of some kind but it didn’t sound that way. If anything, the things Director Ella was saying were high praise.

    Even more awkward than before, I conjured another smile. Right. Thanks. I should get going, you’re right, I don’t want to keep Jacob waiting and he said we were needed in the Phoenix house this afternoon.

    Ooh, right, it’s mating season. The other woman nodded absentmindedly. I sure hope we’ll have little chicks soon. Hmm-hmm… I should order more fire extinguishers. The hoses might need replacing too. Sorry, I didn’t mean to keep you.

    I gave her a little wave. No worries. Thanks for taking the time to check in with me.

    Of course. If you’re ever unhappy, please let us know. Our door is always open.

    I’d heard that so often but I actually believed the older woman. They seemed very hands-on and considering the nature of this job, they had to be. This wasn’t something anyone did if they didn’t love it.

    A glance at Ella confirmed that the conversation was over and I retreated, relieved I survived the meeting. More than happy to get out of the administrative wing, I made a beeline for the door. The warm sun greeted me the moment I stepped outside and I peered up, covering my eyes with my hand. It was a lovely autumn day, crisp and cold, but dry.

    How did it go? a familiar voice asked in a bored tone. Casually leaning against the wall, with sunglasses to cover her eyes and a Griffin Sanctuary cap on her blonde braid, Felicity stared at me. Did you get fired?

    I chortled sarcastically. Ha-ha. Nope, just a check-in.

    Shame. She pushed herself away from the wall and swaggered towards me. Lunch?

    Can’t, Jacob needs me at the phoenixes. I set in motion, unbothered by her detached attitude. I’d gotten to know her well enough that I was reasonably sure it was a front. After all, why else would she be waiting here for me?

    Felicity matched my pace effortlessly. Looks like we’re headed in the same direction for a bit then.

    Shame, I replied, echoing her tone from before.

    She nudged me with her elbow, the gesture undeniably playful. You can’t pull that off.

    Can’t pull what off?

    My cool vibe.

    I laughed as we continued on. Hey! I’m cool.

    Felicity shot me a bemused look. Sure.

    I am. I nudged her back, enjoying our usual banter. After the drunken kiss a couple of weeks back, I’d worried things would become weird between us, but they hadn’t. How are the unicorns?

    She shrugged as we paused at the crossroads. Good. Sticker has really settled into the herd and he’s making himself at home. I saw him and Candle chasing each other yesterday.

    Aww, that’s adorable. I knew they’d get along.

    I wish we’d be able to have little foals but I think Candle is on birth control.

    Aw, is she? I didn’t know that. Shame.

    Yeah. Although you never know. Nissan said Sunshine and The Sergeant were on contraceptives too and she got pregnant anyway, so. Animals are unpredictable, especially the mythical ones that we don’t know much about.

    A little happier, I nodded. True. And if Candle did get pregnant, I’m sure Jacob would take me along. I do have first-hand experience with the unicorns unlike some of the other apprentices so it would make sense.

    Guess I’m not quite rid of you yet, Felicity quipped, feigning exasperation.

    I knew better. If she really didn’t want me around, she wouldn’t voluntarily hang out with me. Like now, when we were standing still at the crossroads. I glanced at her and our eyes met. Heat rushed to my cheeks and I quickly averted my gaze, turning it towards the decorative arrow pointing towards the Phoenix house.

    I’m this way, I said, quite redundantly. Felicity knew the layout of the Sanctuary.

    I’m over here, she responded, equally as redundantly.

    Right… Well, I’ll see you later. I stalled slightly, unsure how to part ways. We straddled that weird line between friends and colleagues, which added a slight uneasiness to all our interactions. Although perhaps that was the kiss’ fault.

    See ya, Felicity finally said, turning left.

    I watched as she walked away, admiring her confident stride. Part of me expected her to turn around and wave again but she never did. I didn’t know what I was thinking, this was Felicity.

    Annoyed at myself for expecting anything else, I made my way along the windy paths towards the Phoenix House. On my walk, I passed the Antler Forest where visitors could interact with perytons and if they were lucky, pegasuses. It was currently closed, due to mating season and true to the keeper’s predictions, I caught a glimpse of a peryton doe flying around the netted enclosure with a stag in pursuit.

    I passed a group of admiring visitors and continued on to the aviary section of the Sanctuary. It was cordoned off for the public but one swipe of my badge and the world opened up for me. A colourful sign with a drawing of a phoenix and a thunderbird greeted me at the entry and I felt a smile bubbling up in me. Even though unicorns would always be my favourite animal, I was excited to get to know more about these mythical birds.

    TWO

    Gold-tipped phoenixes were one out of three species of birds that could set themselves on fire. They were the only ones stupid enough to burn down their own nests and surroundings though.

    I smiled as I passed the informational board, bemused by the fun fact. I wouldn’t have expected that from the majestic mythical birds but the collection of derpy pictures on the wall only confirmed what every phoenix keeper knew. They were some of the clumsiest and dumbest birds around. Besides fun facts, there were plaques with information about their origin and habitat but I didn’t have time to stop and read them all. Maybe when I had some time off, I could check them out.

    I adjusted my white coat as I approached the tall, dark man waiting by the entrance. Morning, Jacob.

    My mentor and one of the veterinarians of the Griffin Sanctuary turned around and smiled. Afternoon, Charlotte. You seem excited.

    I am! So why are we called here today? I inquired, matching my pace to his long strides as we entered the Phoenix house.

    He checked his chart and hummed. We’re here to check Apollo and Erinna. Lander thought he saw the hen limp so we want to make sure she’s okay, see if it might be hindering her from mating.

    Ooh, okay. That’s exciting. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a phoenix up close.

    Jacob swiped his identification card through the scanner, waiting for the confirming bleep to open the door. Are you familiar with them?

    Not really, I admitted. I had a couple of courses at school about legendary birds but I focused on hoofstock.

    He nodded. Right, you were previously interning with the unicorns.

    A waft of a distinct bird smell greeted me as I entered the aviary and I tried my best not to show my dislike. Compared to the grassy, herby smell of the unicorns, this was a completely different aroma. Much more musky, courtesy of their oil glands, and with a hint of burnt. Not very pleasant but I was sure

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