Read The Gray Institute (The Gray Institute Trilogy Book 1) for Free Online Page B

anger to explode. Instead; the corners of his mouth turn up in a smirk, his eyes crinkle and he stares at me in amusement.
     
    'Actually, Miss Ryder, that is false, as are many of the myths surrounding our existence. I imagine this will fall into the category of 'hard to process', but you will never impale yourself – even if you wanted to. Your skin, my skin – ' He holds his hands up to the light in demonstration. ' – Is the strongest material in existence. There are no objects sharp enough, no metal strong enough to pierce even the first layer.
    You will never die, Miss Ryder, no matter what you do.'
     
    As an instant reaction of my scientifically-wired brain, I eye the sharp letter opener, just inches from my hands on his disorganised desk. My mind is programmed to test theories I don't believe, as proof is the only way to know for sure. A fair test, under experimental conditions in a scientific manner will determine information to be true or false. That is the way of the world.
    Sir Alec catches my gaze and follows it, leaning back confidently in his leather arm chair as he spies the object of my interest.
     
    'Indulge yourself.' He smiles and, with his permission, I snatch the letter opener from amidst the piles of paper and hold its wooden hilt tightly in my fist. Laying my free hand flat on the table, I raise the sharp blade high above my head, bending my shoulder and elbow to obtain proper force.
    It's difficult to bring the knife down; every fibre of my being goes against it, despite my willingness – no; desperation – to end my life just a few hours ago. I fight a mental battle with myself, forcing my brain to tell my arm what to do. 
     
    After a few more seconds' hesitation, the blade swoops down, past my head, leaving a sound trail in its wake like the soaring of a plane. The tip of the steel blade crashes into my skin.
     
    I feel the blow – it's painful – my nerve endings and pain receptors run wild, screaming in agony. The pain travels from the back of my hand up to my wrist, spreading like a disease.
    It feels exactly like what it is; a blade stabbing my skin with excessive force. There is only one noticeable difference to the blow; instead of piercing my soft, delicate skin; the blade crumples, like a piece of paper in my hand. It curls in on itself, splintering into shards until the hilt of the blade rests on my hand and the sharp metal tip is nothing but a pile of metallic ash.
     
    My skin is unblemished; no scratch or even a red mark. It remains pale white and perfect –untouched.
    My breath catches in my throat. This couldn't be a trick of the light or the product of hallucinogenic drugs. I felt that blade in my hand, the smoothness of the wood, the sharp metal colliding with my skin, the piercing pain, the trapped nerves.
    I have no explanation for it within the boundaries of modern science.
     
    'So, you see, Miss Ryder, you must accept that you are an Immortal. You have no choice.' Sir Alec drawls from behind his desk.
     
    'It's impossible,' I breathe, unable to tear my eyes from the crumpled blade. 'It's scientifically impossible!'
     
    'On the contrary – we are very scientific beings. Our biologists work around the clock to study our unique biology and find a blood substitute.' Sir Alec informs me smugly.
     
    'Blood?' I raise an eyebrow, glaring at him. 'So that part is true?'
     
    'Indeed, Miss Ryder. Tales of burning in sunlight, garlic and holy water are beyond ridiculous. But it is true that we must feed on blood.' He nods swiftly, standing to address me.
    'This information will be explained to you in far greater detail when your lessons begin; you'll be studying our biology, history, taking part in physical practice – even forensics. But for now Miss Ryder, I'm afraid we're out of time.
    As part of our mandatory procedure I will need you to take a test. It will be quick and painless, if you'd just like to follow me...'
     
    Sir Alec crosses to the double doors, pausing