The Shadow Guard

I'm... Free?

The limousine stops at a a large ornately crafted gate. After a few seconds the gate opens, and the limo starts up the long winding driveway, with beautiful gardens on either side.

The building at the end of it is a huge mansion. The limo stops with my door facing the steps up to the front door. My door is opened, and I take the offered hand to help me out. The shadow guard swing off their horses, grabbing Luiciana as well.

"Wow..." I stare up at the mansion in awe. It has three stories, and it is mostly a light creme color. The outer walls are decorated with fancy designs in red, gold, and purple. The door is dark wood, with gold trim and handle. The top floors windows are outlined in gold, the bottom two alternating purple and red. I see a glimpse of what might be a balcony on the third floor. Thank night vision for such a good look.

I hear a chukle behind me. "Were we good?" Two voices simultaneously ask. I smile, licking my lips at the memory.

"Delicious" I reply. The limo drives off and the shadow guard leads me inside.

"Allow us to introduce ourselves." We are all sitting in a very large living room. "I'm Strom, the captain. This is Arlo, my 2nd in comand, Ignacio my 3rd, he prefers Iggy, Flynn, Jaylon, Zeke and Gaige, the twins, Zeke is the one with the scar on his cheek, Crewe, Donte, Elien, Darryl, and Brice."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Ember."

"Out of curiosity, what's your full name?" Elien asks.

"Ember Valentina Nimah."

"Nimah... I'll have to look that family up. Now who is our annoying guest?" Jaylon motions towards a stirring Luiciana.

"Luiciana Nye."

"Nye... a very... proud family. House fire destroyed the house, and Mrs. Nye was severely injured. Mr. Nye gave up their daughter for adopion at five, to save more money for medical bills." Jaylon mumbles, more to himself than anyone else.

"Why am I sore?!" Luiciana half shouts. I wince, and so does every member of the shadow guard.

"We're right here Luiciana, no need to shout." I scold, rubbing my ears. Stupid super sharp hearing. "And you're sore because you were on a horse the whole ride here."

"Why did you get a limosine then freak?"

Suddenly Luiciana is on the wall, Strom holding her by the neck and growling. "Because Ember is your Queen!"

Luiciana looks confused. "Who's-" Luiciana is cut off by Strom squeezing harder.

"Do you really want to finish that sentence?" I ask. Ever since I showed her what I can do, Luiciana has pretended my name is 'freak' and acts confused when I'm called by anything else, especially my actual name.

One look at the angry Strom in front of her has her shaking her head, unable to speak.

"Good. Strom, let go of her, she doesn't know any better. And her face is turning purple." He lets go and she crumbles to the floor, gasping loudly, and rather dramatically. I roll my eyes. "Drama Queen" I mutter under my breath. Zeke, Gaige and Elien laugh softly, having heard the comment. Jaylon could have heard it, but he is way too busy on a laptop, doing who knows what. I smile at the laughter. I finally found a place where I don't have to hide my abilities. Or restrain my thirst, which is coming back.