Guardians of Magic

XIV. Roses are Red

XIV. Roses Are Red

Christian presses Brianna, who’s shaking uncontrollably, close towards him. She might need all the comfort after panicking to discover another power she posses. Or rather, strengthening Alden’s ability to compel through channeling her own powers on him. Maybe for now, she was shocked seeing the result of it on Abigail but he’s pretty sure she’ll soon be glad if she would come to master the skill. He can’t avoid feeling proud for her but he’ll have plenty of time showing her that he does, some other time maybe.

For now, he needs to calm her down. They are on the Headmaster’s office waiting for Uncle Trevor after sending a message through an air-borne horse. They have the room all for their fancy since the Professors who came to their rescue hurriedly bring Abigail to the school’s clinic. In secret, of course.  One way to prevent inevitable talk and commotion.

Mistress Meredith assured Brianna that she had a cure to it. She just needs to cook a potion to dissolve Guardian’s compulsion. Now, they knew that there’s a term to it.

Unknowingly, Brianna pressed her face to his chest and fears that she might notice his heart pumping wild. It has been years, plenty of it had passed but Brianna’s effect on him never fades. He blames it on the stupid childhood crush.

He sighs and rests his head on top of hers while rubbing her back consolingly. He remembered doing this when they’re on the Guardian’s training room after they rescued her from the enchanted lake. That was the first time that she’d approached him after a decade. After seeing her cry then, he tried with all his might not to grab her back to his arms.

“Hush now will you Brianna? Aren’t you glad unveiling another power?”

That’s Alden, Brianna’s oftentimes insensitive assigned hybrid. He’s very clever but after a month of exploring their academy, he had already gained a reputation being a slick, bloody vampire. Mostly, apprentices preferred avoiding him from fear that he might toyed with their feelings.

 But since Alden brings out something good in Brianna, he will not question his presence in her life. After all, Alden’s been playing as a close-in bodyguard while he contently guards her from afar.

“Do you think I desire unveiling another power seeing its result on Abigail?” she asks between sobs.

“Why not? She’s getting in your way from the very start.”

‘I’m not happy about it!” she yelled. “Abigail and I maybe are not on a friend-thing level but it was never my intention to hurt anyone—even my enemies.”

“I never regret it though.” Alden mumbles with a shrug.

“Did you expect this to happen?”

Alden suddenly fell silent and bites back a smile. “You did,” It’s more of a confirmation, not a question. She’d finally gotten to her feet.

“Well…” Alden’s thinking what to respond. He’s biting his lips.