Page 36 of Guardian

Sophia Sephtis changed politics and made history. And she lay dead, right before me.

Her death had been ruled as a medical reason, never specified. But there were rumors surrounding it, the main one being suicide.

Alek walked inside, and my feeling trailed behind him. This wasn’t just anyone’s grave. So why would Alek bring me here?

He cleared his throat, his outline towering beside me. “You can take a seat.” He stopped before a long, white podium and placed the vase he was holding. In it were violet flowers, the stems standing tall, and the petals spilling over the glass like drapes. He stared at them for a moment and then took a seat against a cement bench.

I followed his lead and sat across from him, the podium separating us. I kept my gaze steady, focusing on his stiff posture and flushed face. Even the way he fidgeted with his fingers once he met my eyes.

“Ms. Eli,” he said, his throat throbbing, “My apologies for my actions and words so far.”

I studied him, searching for the lie in his pitched voice. His heartbeat stayed steady to the point it was still.

He was telling the truth?

My first instinct was to study his features, to tell apart any difference in his expression that could reveal otherwise. But his eyes didn’t sway and instead hardened against my glare.

Laughter escaped my lips. “What?”

Alek’s eyes widened, and his shoulders straightened. His cheeks tightened as he said, “My apologies, Ms. Eli, but did I announce something that was intended to be received with laughter?”

I quickly bit my lips shut. “No, no, of course not. I’m sorry, Mr.— I mean Alek. I’m just. . .” I was speechless, and not for the reason I wanted.

It didn’t make sense, unless—

“Are you apologizing to me because we’re alone?” It made sense. It saved him the same embarrassment Kaleb had gone through. What was it with them not liking to apologize when they were clearly in the wrong?

His fingers stopped fidgeting and formed into fists, his cheeks tightening even more. He breathed in and out a few times before he said, “Ms. Eli, I asked you to accompany me because I have important matters to address privately. My apology coincides, but if it suits you to think of our private encounter as a way to avoid an audience, then so be it.” His eyes were still on mine, darkening as light rays spread through the space.

“Privately, huh?” His cheeks turned bright red and a smile tugged at my lips. I didn’t mean to mess with him, but it was impossible when the chance came up. His reactions were cute.

He cleared his throat. “My sincerest apologies, Ms. Eli.”

I couldn’t help but study him, to take in the way his words flowed honestly. “Katerina.”

“What?”

“Call me Katerina,” I said, my guard still up. Sure, I was accepting his apology, not erasing everything that had happened between us. He was still a snake like his brothers. “So, what do you want to talk about privately?”

He regarded me for a minute, then nodded. “My brother, Kaleb, holds something valuable to me, and I believe it will be of value to you, too.”

Not what I was expecting. “What is it?”

“He possesses a notebook that harbors enough information to tear down the Ministry and the Human Intergovernmental Bureau alike.” He crossed his legs as he rested his back against the wall. “It also pertains to the CEG, which will be ruined if such contents are released.”

My body froze. “What?”

“If you help us retrieve the notebook, we can maintain peace between all sides.”

“Who’s us?”

He nodded toward the opening as Mr. Amelle stepped through. Today was filled with surprises.

“I don’t blame you for not trusting us,” Mr. Amelle said with a grin. “But as a fellow guardian, I can promise we’re doing this for the good.”

I shook my hand as my head spun with everything. “Wait, hold on. The two of you are working together to what? Take down Kaleb?”

Alek huffed a sigh as Mr. Amelle responded, “Yes, Ms. Eli. We can’t disclose all the details until you agree to align yourself with us.”

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