Page 11 of Guardian

We were as alone as one could be surrounded by guardians. Despite that, it was a reminder of their role: to keep an eye and an ear on anything that could be reported back to That Man.

Mother had said it was for safety measures due to our lineage and history, but I knew it was to avoid the shame that was once bestowed upon That Man’s name after her passing. He couldn’t risk it repeating with his heirs— sons that already had a longstanding reputation for their troubling actions.

In turn, Tristan bore his mask of guardian without breaking, and I of the fourth oldest.

“Alek,” he said as he bowed. My brothers nor I enjoyed being referred to by the last name we shared with That Man. It worked in my favor, of course, since Tristan and I had a partnership that went beyond the social etiquette forced upon us.

“Was Kaleb pleased with your assistance?”

Tristan nodded while his shoulders straightened. “He was delighted by your execution turnaround, and as a reward, he’s allowing you to accompany him to tonight’s feeding.”

The vault’s feeding spaces were assembled per Noah’s requests, the purpose behind it pertaining only to the oldest. Due to Christopher’s indifference, Noah and Kaleb had taken the feeding spaces for their private affairs. Jacque, Jacob, Raphael, and I were never allowed unless we were gifted with a proper invitation. It was aimed as a commendation, and to deny it was to go against the authority of the oldest.

I wasn’t sure if to feel accomplished or dreadful at the thought of tonight.

I nodded at Tristan, the gesture targeted for his departure. He didn’t move.

“Is there something else you’d like to mention?”

Tristan’s body grew stiff, his nostrils slightly flaring. “The new private guardian has arrived. She’s inside as we speak.”

I instinctively concentrated on the surrounding presences. The guardians’ history was confidential to both vampires and humans. After some time, Tristan was able to disclose what little information he could.

Guardians were considered half-humans rather than half-vampires due to only sharing one similarity with vampires: their enhanced abilities. They were stronger than humans and close in strength to vampires, but while a vampires’ strength was permanent, a guardians’ was temporary. Their strong physical capabilities came from the routine ingestion of vampire blood, still holding the ability to revert to normal if they didn’t continue.

They retained the appearance and diet of humans, their strong footing varying. With training, guardians were able to learn how to conceal their steps like vampires. Although they never mastered it, it was still necessary for my brothers and I to recognize their presence since it lingered like a fire in a distant forest. We could detect their presence from afar or up close, depending on how enduring it burned.

Tristan’s was only a wisp in the air, never disturbing through a steady control. Since his never altered, it was a familiar radiance that was earnest and validated his loyalty.

The new guardian was untraceable, confirming his silent inquiry.

“You’re dismissed,” I said, Tristan bowing as I stepped through the double doors that led into the gathering room. It was empty, yet I steadied my breathing while whispers echoed from the foyer. I could distinguish Christopher’s firm tone and Noah’s witty voice, Kaleb’s insolent comments voiceless in the ongoing conversation. However, I felt his presence emanating through the walls. I grew uneasy at the thought of Kaleb’s silence.

Though curiosity tugged at my attention, I forced myself to remain hidden within the gathering room, such a critical moment potentially ruling in my favor or in the opposite direction.

“I will ask again, Ms. Eli,” Christopher said, his voice now gravelly. “Why were you sent?”

From where I stood, I caught hints of Christopher’s and Noah’s backs to me while Kaleb was out of sight. Their bodies circled a small figure within the households’ darkness.

Her tone was composed. “Like I said, I was hired by the Premier to continue the term of your previous private guardian. The head of the CEG sent notice before my arrival.”

“We received no notice!” Noah said as he paused, his slender figure looming over her. “And we signed no agreement to have another guardian be sent!”

“Your previous private guardian had been assigned a long-term,” she responded. “They breached the contract. I’m only here as their replacement until the term ends.”

“And when will that be?” Kaleb asked, his question masked as a challenge. Kaleb and Noah interrogated every new private guardian. By sharing a few words, they were able to uncover a guardian’s motives through tone of voice and choice of words. Actions were the most telling since they tended to be calculated— similarly to the eyes, someone’s body language responded before words could.

Especially guardians.

“I’m not sure,” the guardian responded. Her words were honest, with no hint of secrecy lingering. Although my brothers obstructed her movements, I could judge that her body didn’t shift or stiffen. Instead, her shoulders slouched while she held her head high, demonstrating confidence in her words. “It depends on how long you keep me here.”

Kaleb’s laughter thundered through the foyer and into the gathering room. “A guardian with optimism, a wonder to witness.”

“Oh, I’m already assessing how long you’ll last! Truly, Brother, a wonder indeed, even alluring if I may add,” Noah pitched.

“Yes, such a pretty one. Pity.” Kaleb came into my view while Noah strayed from the woman’s side, Christopher now standing apart from them. Although I could distinguish each of their presences easily, there was still no trace of hers. Distance didn’t matter, nor did walls obstruct it. Surely it was due to my brothers’ clashing presences overshadowing hers. I’d never witnessed it before, though. Had my brothers noticed it?

The thought itched against my skin and drew me closer, my body silent while my stomach constricted.

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