The Secret

Chapter 17

The nerve of him! I angrily pushed the key into the lock and opened the door. Ryder was still in the same position but he wasn't alone. Sitting next to him was a woman I didn't recognize. She turned around and gave me a warm smile, her light blue eyes sparkling. I slowly walked toward them but stopped when I saw another figure in a room. A man this time. He had black hair and dark eyes and stood there wearing all black. 

"Uh, what's going on?" I asked as they all looked at me. 

"Kiddo, this is Veronica. Veronica this is my little sister Aura," Ryder introduced looking at Veronica with so much affection I had to think about if this was my brother after all. Ryder wasn't the type to settle down and seeing him look at Veronica as if he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her was strange. 

"Hi Aura. It's so nice to meet you. I've heard so much about you. Sweetie you forgot to introduce Lance. Aura, this is Lance Redgard. And Lance, this is Aura Thomas," Veronica said. It surprised me to hear that this man was related to Daniel, he looked nothing like them. I stood there watching him. He didn't even look like he had an ounce of kindness in him, unlike Daniel and his mom. Speaking of Daniel's mom, I didn't even see her over there. Maybe she was lost among the white robes. 

"You don't look like you're related to Daniel," I observed. Surprised flashed in his eyes before he returned to his regular state. 

"I'm Daniel's father. I wasn't aware that you knew my son. Well it's a pleasure to meet you Aura," he smiled and it looked natural on him. It was like he had two sides. I walked over to him and gave him a hug, and he was surprised at my action. I was even surprised at my action. I didn't know why I did it but I did. The necklace Hira gave me started to burn in my pocket. But this man wasn't a threat, he was Daniel's father. The father of the son who was currently angry with me. "Why are you hugging me?"

I pulled away from him giving him a cheeky grin. "I don't know. Mr. Redgard, your son is really angry with me and I would be forever grateful if you would talk to him. Please?" I was hoping Daniel was the type of person to listen to his father. 

"I'll talk to him. You seem like a wonderful young lady," he looked at me smiling and I returned it. Daniel's family seemed perfect. It looked like they got along and plus they had magic to add to that. But there was one thing that bothered me. What was he doing at my house?

"If you don't mind me asking, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with the others?" I asked him looking over at Veronica. I couldn't say much since I was betting she was as normal as me. 

He saw me look at her cautiously. "Nothing to worry about. She is also a Conjurer. They don't need me there at the moment."

I gaped at Veronica who waved obviously amused at my reaction. Where were all the normal people? Another question, where were all the not good looking magical people? It was like that was a requirement. But Ryder didn't seem as affected at this. She probably told him already earlier. 

"That answers half my question," I told him and he chuckled softly. 

"I was with Lance when I saw the strange weather. I immediately rushed here to make sure Ryder was safe," Veronica said grabbing onto Ryder's hand and kissing it. It was so adorable and I was happy Ryder found someone even if it a Conjurer. I was hoping that maybe Daniel and I could be together but that seemed almost impossible right now. 

"I hope you don't mind me being here. But since I'm here, would you possibly have any questions?" Lance asked me and I nodded my head eagerly. I had so many questions that I wanted to ask. 

"Yes sir. Why do the Guardians tolerate how Daniel talks to them? Especially Artemis? I thought they were in charge," I said and walked over to sit next to Ryder and Veronica. Lance sat on the chair opposite and leaned back casually. It looked like he belonged here.