The Guard

12

THE GUARD
• Serena's pov •

Another snow storm hit over Lockwood, causing people to stay in doors in hopes we wouldn't freeze to death. The walls of the castle shook with every dust and debris the snow flew from the outside.

I couldn't sleep. Kept up from the whistling sounds of the wind, and much from the cold that brought in from the night. The library was warm, kept toasted from the fireplace, and I sat in a chair to keep myself from freezing.

A good book was in my hand, I flipped through the pages as I skimmed over the words that helped me escape reality for a bit. I can still hear the whistles of the wind through the wind, aching to get inside and my heart races at the thought.

I hope the animals are okay. I hope everyone is okay during this difficult period.

Footsteps can be heard in the silent palace, and I lift my head to see Bridger standing at the door, holding a lantern. His hair is ruffled, his eyes stained with tiredness, but he was also worried. What could he be worried about?

"What is the matter?" I question lightly.

"You weren't in your room," he says, nearing me, entering the room. My brows furrow, so he continues. "I thought you went to check on the animals in this storm. I was terrified that I would have to go get you."

I snicker a tired laugh, laying my head against the chair. Bridger squats to the same level as me, warming his hands by the fire. The light from the fire gave him the most beautiful glow, causing my ovaries to explode nearly.

"I cannot sleep," I mutter aloud. My eyes take me back to the window that is begging to be opened.

"I know, I cannot sleep a wink neither," he agrees, nodding tightly as he blows out.

"I wanted to thank you again for coming along with me to visit Ruth."

He groans. "Stop thanking me, you don't have to thank me for doing something as little as that."

"Alright." I giggle. His eyes softened. "When shall I thank you?"

He grows serious, licking his lips before replying softly. "When I make you fall in love with me again."

My heart drops, my smile falters and suddenly the fire is becoming too hot for me to handle. The next thing I know, the window swings open, the wind busting through the warm room, erupting us with the cold. Snow falls inside, the wind swooshes in and interrupts the fire.

The room grows dark, and my chair flies back as I stand in a hurry as Bridger follows, leaping to handle the window. He shuts it firmly, latching the lock tightly and sighs aloud.

My hands reach out for anything, I am afraid I'll trip from being blinded by the darkness. My heart still races from Bridger's words, and the actions the window suddenly caused.

"Bridger, I cannot see a thing," I say, steadily moving an inch, placing my hand over objects so I don't bump into anything.

"Follow my voice," he orders calmly.

I roll my eyes. "How about you follow mine," I reply slyly.

This isn't the time to bicker, Serena.

He did say communicate.

"Where is your lamp?" I exclaim, searching for the light.

"It must've blown out when the wind flew in." His voice seems closer now, which scares me to my core. Not knowing where he is and the fact that he just said those words to me a moment ago.

I haven't said a word to him about it yet, I am too terrified of the outcome. When Bridget and I talk about feelings, it goes a different route where were

No.

His footsteps are heard along with crashes of books falling to the floor. I gasp. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I am not sure about the books." He laughs, his footsteps moving towards me and I have no clue on how he can tell where I am. "Keep speaking, I think I know where you are."

"What am I supposed to say?" I ask aloud.

He sighs. "Let's continue our conversation a while ago."

My eyes bulge. I shake my head even though he cannot see me. "N-No, um- I'll just hum."

"Hum?" He is confused.

I continue to ignore him, not wishing to speak of the actions that took place moments ago before the lights cut off, and hum out. I hear him grow near, and I try to find a way to escape the room.

Where is the exit of this room?!

"Are you seriously humming so you do not have to speak about what I said earlier?" His voice holds amusement, but I knew he would soon hold it over my head someday.

"I would love to get out of this room and find some light," I retort, fanning my hands around the room.

I suddenly hit something and I gasped out. "Bridger, I think I got something."

He goes merely quiet, not a peep comes out of him. My hands meet a large, hard that seems to be warm. My fingers trail up, realizing I'm touching a naked chest.

My whole body freezes, my heart thumps against my chest and all I can hear is ears ringing of silence. Pure, utter silence.

"Yeah, me," he says, then he lights a match, lighting up the little space between us.

Wait a minute. He had that match this whole time?

"You mean to tell me you had that this whole time?!" I wait before I explode.

"I just realized I had my last one in my pocket," he exclaims, taking the match and lighting the burnt lantern, invading the room again.

I didn't realize how heavy my breathing had increased. It felt as if I had been running and I hold my chest, Bridger caught onto it.

"We really must talk," he begs of me and it reminds me of the day when I ran from Sir Kingsley and Bridger ran after me, begging to marry him.

I close my eyes, shaking my head. "I'm really tired, Bridger. Can this wait?" I whisper to him.

I can feel him closer than before. His breath hovering above my face, tears burning my eyes and his soft touch of my face is what brings me back to the world again.

He softly touches my face with his fingers, his thumb catching my jaw, sliding it down to my chin. "It cannot."

"I must bid you goodnight, Bridger." My voice held a plea as well. I lift my nightgown up, walking away from his touch and into the cold hall.

The steps creak, my breath rushes out of me when I let my tears fall freely against my skin.

"Serena." A hush Bridger tries to follow me and his light is near. My steps are faster, entering my room and sealing the door shut. My back hits the door as a little thud hits the other side.

Why am I doing this? Why am I running away from something I wish for badly?