Guardians of Anteverum City

Chapter Nine: Callista

Hi readers! I apologize for the long break between the last chapter and this one. To make up for it, I made this chapter extra long! I hope you like it! :)

  The Alps were covered with snow and the sky was bright blue. The air became gradually crisper and cooler as the car ascended the mountain. We were headed to one of the small towns in the Alps famous for its scenery and peacefulness.   

  We finally arrived at Callista’s house after our long journey. It was a beautiful, large house made of wood and looked sort of like a cabin. The windows around the house had dark green shutters covered with intricately carved designs on them. The property itself appeared fairly large, as there was a separate garage out in the front a several sheds in the back all with matching doors and shutters.

  “This place is huge!” I gaped. “I hope she doesn’t live alone here.” Reese shrugged and started towards the door. “Wait!” I called out as I tripped through the snow. “Do you have any idea what you’re going to say to her?” Reese paused.

  “Erm, something along the lines of ‘Hello Callista, we have a message from Demetria’ would be fine right?” he asked. I paused. It’s true that a simple introduction like that would spare us from too much awkwardness.

  “Fine. You go ahead and do the talking then,” I gave in. Reese shook his head.

  “You’re going to have to help. Remember Demetria said she’s the nicest one? It doesn’t matter what we say as long as we get our message across. Work your magic, oh charming Lyra Edmonds,” he said jokingly as he rang the doorbell. Sarcastic as usual, no surprise there. A petite woman opened the door.

  “Puis-je vous aider (Can I help you)?” she asked quietly in French. She was dressed in a long light blue dress with an apron. Clearly she was not the person we were looking for.

  “Bonjour madame, we’re here to speak to Callista Carlisle on behalf of the Guardians,” Reese said warmly. The woman paused and then turned and gestured for us to follow her. She left us in a living room that was decorated as if it were a ski cabin. The room was spacious and had high ceilings. I presumed that Callista didn’t have children, as all of the decorations in the room seemed expensive and too perfectly placed. Eyeing the fur rug below my feet, I asked,

  “Do you think this is real?” turning to Reese. He opened his mouth to answer, but was beaten to the punch.

  “Of course it is,” a voice answered from behind us. We whipped around simultaneously to a beautiful woman dressed in a white and powder blue sweater and ski pants. Her long black hair was pulled into a tight ponytail that swung side to side as she walked over and a muffler covered her ears. “I’m Callista Carlisle. Welcome to my home,” she greeted as she shook our hands and sat down across us them. Not only was Callista visibly beautiful but also she had refined mannerisms, reminding me much of Demetria.

  “Thank you, it’s nice to finally meet you. We’re sorry to have come without notice,” Reese replied. “I’m Reese Matteus and this is Lyra Edmonds. We are both Primi and new members of the Guardians. Demetria sent us here to relay a message to you,” he explained effortlessly. I can’t help but feel a little jealous at his ease in talking to the stunning woman.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you both. Lyra, I’ve heard so much about you,” she said as she smiled at me, snapping me out of my daze.

  “The pleasure is totally ours,” I replied shyly. I had no idea what to say next and felt angry at Reese for not stepping in to disperse the silence. “Um, Callista. We’re here because of a code red situation.” Reese looked at me and mouthed “What?” with a frown. I knew why; I was cutting to the chase too fast. “I’m sorry for being so blunt, especially after just meeting you for the first time, but we have to make haste.” Callista tipped her head to the side a little,