Rhapta found
The expansive auditorium held hundreds of archaeologists and scientists from around the world. Since discovering Rhapta, the smiles never left Charles Hunt's face. His grin was now a permanent fixture of pride. Izzy never left his side either. She'd not been quite the same since their return and her three-year captivity haunted her each night, robbing her of her zest for life. Dr. Jones worked closely with her, but despite his efforts in getting her to open up, she refused to talk about what had happened. And that was okay. She was alive.
Sam Quinn's calm presence was assuring to Alex as always. His never-ending strength and encouragement never ceased to amaze her and for the first time in a very long while, Alex Hunt found herself happy.
The auditorium fell silent before Professor Keating's voice echoed through the hall.
"And now, the moment we've all been waiting for. Please put your hands together for the courageous Alex Hunt!"
When the audience clapped and cheered as Alex took her place behind the podium, her tummy fluttered. She had hope. Hope in mankind, and hope in her future. She watched as Charles Hunt jumped to his feet with excitement, his wife safely by his side.
Sam Quinn's firm hand was on the small of her back as he proudly stood behind her on the stage.
"You did great, Alex Hunt," he whispered behind her.
They were a team now and she wouldn't want it any other way.
The crowd cheered and applauded with a thunderous ovation as Alex invited Charles and Izzy to the stage with her. The Hunt team had done it again.
When the crowd finally settled down, Professor Keating spoke a few words in honor of Charles.
"This is a bitter-sweet moment for us today. After years of loyal service to the university and the archaeology faculty, Professor Charles Hunt and his lovely wife, Izzy, will be entering retirement. They have endured and sacrificed much in their fight to preserve history and science and they will be sorely missed. We are fortunate enough that they've left us a legacy. One that will stand in their place and continue to carry the Hunt torch. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome their courageous daughter, Alex Hunt!"
The crowd cheered as Alex stepped up to the microphone to deliver her speech. She cleared her throat in an attempt to hide her nerves.
"I stand before you today, a different woman, different in so many ways. Proud and grateful but above all, humbled. Because, not only have I found my mum again, I am privileged to share this stage with both my parents and my best friend. You see, finding Rhapta wasn't just another quest for lost treasure. It was my mum, Izzy Hunt's lifelong dream. She made it her life's goal and never gave up. Her determination and strength surpassed all, without which, none of this would have been possible. I'm different today because I've learned to never give up on my dreams. To push past your challenges and allow your passion to guide you. I'm different today because I've also learned not to rely only on myself but to let people in. Vulnerability is good. Now, without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, the Hunt team, is proud to share with you, our esteemed colleagues, the lost city of Rhapta!"
The audience was up on their feet again, this time silenced in awe. Behind the stage, the enormous, polished raptor sign lowered from the rafters. On either side of the stage, the projector screens displayed the multitude of photographs taken throughout the exploration and they watched mesmerized as the images told the story of their discovery. And when the crowd eventually dispersed to move between the displayed relics, Sam spoke quietly next to her side.
"You are one special woman, Alex Hunt. You had this bunch hanging onto your every word."
"Well, Sam Quinn. I couldn't have done it without you."
"So, does this mean I can join you for the next hunt?"
"I think it's safe to say you are officially hired, Quinn. It wouldn't be much of an adventure without you."
He flashed a smile and planted a gentle kiss across the light pink scar on her forehead.
"My bags are packed, Alex Hunt. I'm ready to go wherever you wish to take me."
Thank you for reading THE RHAPTA KEY. I hope you fell in love with Alex and Sam as much as I did while creating them.
Their story continues in book 2, THE GILDED TREASON. Where will their next adventure take them, and will Sam manage to bring down the walls around Alex’s heart?
One-click The Gilded Treason now!
“Intriguing and full of surprises with a tad of romance involved. Alex and Sam don't know who to trust. Now, they have to go into underground sites and temples, being secretly followed and shot at. Urcelia Teixeira writes to keep your attention to see what will happen next. I love the characters and they work well together. I could not put down this book because it was so fascinating.”
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Turn the page for an excerpt from The Gilded Treason.