Loveless/ a POWERLESS fanfiction story

Chapter 3: Brian

Barely had I managed to wash away the remnants of sleep and don my uniform when one of the junior Imperial — a boy barely older than Tommy — was sent to fetch me. His face reflected the same mix of nervousness and eagerness that I had at the beginning of my service. As we crossed the endless palace corridors, I thought that Captain of the Guard, Russell Cole, wanted to see me. However, when the boy walked past Cole's parlor, I felt a cold foreboding grip my heart.

With each step closer to the unknown, my anxiety grew. Finally, we stopped before the massive door of the General's parlor. The boy knocked quietly and, without waiting for a response, slightly opened the door, signaling that I could enter.

"Come in, Brian," the familiar authoritative voice of the General called out.

Summoning all my willpower, I stepped over the threshold. The General's office was shrouded in semi-darkness, with sunlight filtering through the swaying curtains, casting ominous patterns on the walls. The General stood by the window, his back to me. I crossed the office and stopped next to the large wooden desk.

"Captain Cole said that among his Imperial, you are one of the best," he said without turning around.

"It is an honor for me to serve the kingdom and my king."

"And what are you willing to do for the kingdom?" His voice grew colder, harsher.

"I will carry out any order."

I heard him chuckle, and finally, he turned to face me. In his hand, a small dagger gleamed, reflecting the dim morning light.

"And if I order you to freeze?"

"I will stand still," I replied firmly and confidently.

The General smiled, and in the next second, the dagger flew towards me. He probably expected me to try to dodge, to instinctively defend myself, but I obeyed the order – I remained in place, unmoving. I forced myself to slow my breathing and did not take my eyes off the flying knife.

The dagger sliced through the air, heading straight for my heart. The blade passed through me.

And – nothing.

"Did you know it was just an illusion?" His voice sounded surprised, but with a hint of approval.

"I knew you were lying, but I didn't understand in what way."

"Of course, you are a Bluff. But how did you sense the lie if I didn't say I was going to kill you?"

"Body language," I reply curtly. "I've trained a lot with my ability and achieved some success."

"So, you can detect lies not just in words, but in behavior as well?"

"That's correct, General."

He smiles approvingly and steps closer, his presence heavy and oppressive.

"I've heard about your determination. As far as I know, you aspire to become the next Captain of the Royal Guard after Cole?"

"I strive to be of greater service to the kingdom."

"And what if I choose you for important secret missions personally assigned by me?"

"It would be an honor."

"Excellent," the General nods, his eyes gleaming with approval. "From today onwards, you are the bodyguard of my daughter, Blair. You will be responsible for her safety before, during, and after the Trials."

These words make my heart race. I try not to show my emotions, but inside, a storm is raging.

"I will do my utmost to justify your trust, General," I say, feeling waves of adrenaline coursing through my body.