The Bloody Rose

Chapter Three

I started to head back up to my room but then I noticed everyone crowed around one of the main entrances that led into the courtyard. I pushed through everyone to see what was going on. When I finally made it to the front I saw a young child wandering around the courtyards. I looked up at the sky and realised why everyone was watching her from the safety of the building. I chewed on my lip. The sun would be up in a matter of minutes. And she would be dead. I sucked in a breath and took off running. I made it to her just before the sun rose high enough to harm a vampire. I scooped her up and covered her with my own body. I pushed myself harder and faster than I ever have trying to make it back to the building before I was hit. I was so sure I'd make it but just before I made it inside, the first rays of the sun hit my back. I cried in agony but I didn't stop. I didn't stop until I made it. I put her down and fell to my knees in pain. 

"Someone get Gwen!" a guy near the front of the group shouted. People rushed around me. I tried to turn to look at the damage to my back but it sent pain through my whole body. A woman, Gwen I guess, knelt down besides me.

"Oh dear." she muttered and helped me stand up. She guided me over to a chair and sat me down. Quickly, she retrieved a first aid kit. She cut away part of my shirt to expose the burns, "This is going to sting a bit." she warned before dousing my back with antiseptic. I bit down on my lip to prevent myself from screaming out in pain. After she bandaged me up she told me to take it easy. I mumbled a thanks before walking back to my room. 

"Hey!" a guy who looked just a little older than I jogged up to me. "That was brave what you did."

"Thanks," I murmured.

"I'm Rhys," he stuck his hand out.

"Destiny," I shook it.

"How long have you been here?" he asked me.

"A day," I shrugged but it sent pain coursing through me.

"Heh. You're the new kid," he grinned.

"I am not a kid," I smiled.

"I think you proved that today," he blanched at my back.

"Do you guys always talk about the newbie?" I asked.

"No. I'm the youngest after you. No one really talked about me. It's not like school. No rumours. All the Keepers are tight knit. You'll see soon enough. You'll become part of the group." he explained.

"Then why did it sound like you've all been talking about me?" I accused.

"Because we have," he looked away.

"But you just said---," I started to protest.

"I know what I said but you're different. None of us know why but the queen treasures you," he cut me off.

"She doesn't treasure me!" I exclaimed.

"Trust me. She does," he walked away before I could protest. I sighed and pushed open the door to my room. I was going to run a shower but then decided to wait until my burn go to heal a bit more first. Instead, I took a nap. Perhaps I should call mom or dad later. When I picked up my phone I found a miss call from Eve. I'll get to her after I call mom. 

"Hello?" she answered.

"Hey mom," I started.

"Destiny? Hi how did your graduation go?" she asked.

"Fine," I said.

"Where are you assigned?" she inquired.

"Umm…" I wasn't told whether or not I was allowed to say where I was, "I'm at the palace."