sanctuary

one

benita

"If they have any intel on our organisation they would've made a move on us already. We have the guard already out on watch on our land and we have enough information on them to shut them down immediately. There's no use in wasting guards and ammunition right now" I state, looking over at Elio.

Father slowly stands up from his mahogany chair, and looks towards me. I avert my gaze from Elio and match my fathers stare.

"You're right, Benita. We'll stand down for now. Elio, if you hear any movement of their organisation, no matter how minor, you bring it to my immediate attention." Father orders and nods his head towards the door to me and Elio.

"Yes, sir" Elio responds, as we both head outside of his office.

Once we're out I start to chuckle, Elio looks at me strangely

"What are you laughing about you weird child?" Elio asks, a grin playing on his face.

"Sir, yes sir" I mock him, lowering my voice to somewhat match Elio's. He laughs and punches my arm.

"Shut up Bens, he's my boss" I roll my eyes at this.

"Elio you've been my best friend since I was a kid, you're like a brother to me and you know that Father considers you like a son to him aswell" I inform him, for the 700th time.

As we continue to walk we reach the courtyard, I sit on the bench adorned with bluebells and pat the space next to me. Elio follows me and sighs once he's sat down.

"I know Bens, after my parents died he was the only father figure I had, and I'll always consider him that but he's my boss now. I'll do whatever I can to repay him for saving my life too. I would've been stuck as an orphan" Elio looks at me and this time I sigh.

"I get that, I just have to tell you, I feel bad that you have to call him Sir when he's basically a father to you as he is mine" I express. He laughs and swings his arm around my shoulder. I lean my head against his shoulder and start laughing along with him.

"Look at how serious all the guards' faces are. Alex looks like he's severely constipated"

"How original Bens" Elio teases. I laugh and remove his arm from around me and stand up. Elio cocks an eyebrow at me.

"Let's go do some training. I'm dying to kick your ass again" I smirk and he rolls his eyes, but stands up and starts walking alongside me nonetheless.

+

"You're such a loser, Elio" I tease, extending my hand out to help him up from the ground.

Elio wipes beads of sweat forming from his forehead and then proceeds to take my hand. I pull him up and he staggers before stabilising himself.

"Bens we all know you're the best fighter at headquarters" He shrugs and I cant help but laugh at him

"Only teasing my bro" I laugh and swing my arm around his shoulder. He rolls his eyes at me but joins me in laughter as we both leave the training room.

Seconds after we leave the room, I see Alex running towards me and Elio, his face contorting with panic.

"What is it?" I ask strongly, removing my arm from around Elio. Straightening my back, I look impatiently at Alex.