“You’re awfully quiet.” Sirius looked over at Ezra, who still had his nose in a book.
“Just thinking,” Ezra said, wearing a fitted black blazer and a white undershirt. He preferred to wear something less fussy.
Akira’s eyes bore a hole into Ezra’s neck. “I’m still trying to figure out how they got out in the first place? Eh, Ezra?”
Ezra set his jaw and didn’t let an ounce of emotion show on his face. He knew Akira suspected him. If he ever had a minuscule piece of evidence, he’d turn him in for treason. Akira, though a bit of a wild card, was the second in command for a reason. He was fiercely loyal to the Queen.
“She needs to know right away.” Ezra placed his book down on the end table Akira had been sitting on.
“Then, let’s go.” Akira jumped up. They knew their assignment at once.
They followed Ezra down the hall. One on either shoulder. The hallway was lined in an ornate flower rug that moved when they walked on the dusty hardwood floors. The walls were laid in gray-and-red brick, framed by a warm wooden trim. The Family’s young members stopped as they passed by, averting their eyes and bowing their heads. They clung to the edge of the walls to leave more than enough room for the Guard to walk. At the end of the hallway was a long winding staircase that disappeared into the ceiling above. They ascended, heads low and shoulders back. Every muscle held a level of discipline and reverence.
They stayed silent. Each of their minds in another place entirely. Until they reached Her room.
They opened the door to her chamber, a place only they were allowed to go freely. It was crafted to Her liking and had all the furnishing She could want, including a white canopy bed and a handcrafted vanity She would use to comb Her hair. Velvet couches and soft rugs from all over the world. She stood staringout the window to central Manhattan. Long black curtains blocked the sun’s rays from her skin. Her long white hair stretched down to her waist, and her porcelain skin contrasted with the red bricks that stretched to the ceiling. A thin veil grazed her translucent cheeks, shielding her eyes.
She turned to greet them, her satin white dress dragging across the rich hardwood floors. Her fingers danced on the top of the sleeping grand piano in the corner. There was always an occasion of great importance when all three guards were gathered in the same place.
They stood in front of Her and took a knee. One hand reached for the floor while the other hid behind their backs. The Guard always waited. Always willing.
Ezra, the leader of the Guard, spoke. “We’ve found them. The Calem brothers.”
The other Guard members dared not speak a word. Ezra was the only one freely allowed to speak with Her. He was Her ultimate protector. Not just Her physical body, but of Her will.
“I knew you would.” She smiled beneath Her veil.
“It’s far, but I can go—”
Her voice pierced them. “You will not. Akira will.”
“May I ask why?” Ezra swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry. “Zach and Luke were my responsibility. Having been the one to recruit them and train them...I believe I could bring them home.”
“I need you with me. The time is coming where the old Guard will pass away, and the new shall take its place.” She walked in closer and ran Her fingers through Ezra’s brown hair, noting the bits of silver. “Our time together wanes, and I need to make sure you’ll be here to lead them.”
For the last hundred years, the Guard had known their time was ending. Her prophecy stated the change and that twoGemini twins would secure Her Guard, with the addition of two more.
“I understand. I’m happy to stand by your side.” Ezra closed his eyes, savoring the feeling of Her skin on his.
She smiled, Her lips perfectly pink. “Akira, are you able to complete the task? I want them all brought back here. Alive.”
“Yes. I’ll see that it’s done.” Akira pulled his arm tightly to his chest and nodded.
Sirius lifted his head, signaling he needed to speak.
“Yes, dear Sirius?” She walked forward and kneeled before him before placing a delicate hand against his cheek. His body shivered in Her proximity.
“They are being protected by The Legion. I saw it with my own eyes.”
The smile left Her delicate lips. A silent rage burned. “I see. That will make your journey more treacherous, Akira. But I have full confidence in your abilities. Please bring members of your squadron with you.”
“Of course.” Akira kept the excitement bubbling in his chest at bay. He loved a challenge.
Sirius raised his head again, waiting for his permission to speak. “There is one more thing. The Calems appear to be with a girl...a new addition to the family. Possibly a girlfriend to the younger brother, Aaron.”
A long silence stilled as She paced. Sirius tried to avert his eyes from Her face, but he couldn’t. He admired every inch of Her skin. Every strand of hair that flowed from Her head was a sight to behold.
She stopped and removed the veil from Her eyes to face her guard. Jealousy laced in beat with her cold heart. Her Guard stood at attention, the ecstasy of seeing Her washed over them.
A sinister smile crept on her lips, and Her venomous voice filled the room. “Kill her.”
