Keeper's Oath

Chapter 11: Guardianship

"That looks a lot better! I'm sure they will keep you warmer!" Livius beamed as Hope emerged from her room. His smile was genuine which made Hope feel better from what happened earlier. She was sure that the meeting between her and Knowledge hadn't gone to plan with Ritter.

Sorrel had gotten her few jeans along with other clothing. Hope had chosen to wear a red hoodie and some jeans. She had to admit, the socks on her feet felt nice. They were a lot better than walking on cold floors barefoot. The older lady had given her a small bag also where she could put her clothing. For now, the rest of the clothing she had gotten were on top of a chair next to her bed.

She was beginning to feel like normal again.

Ritter was leaning against the opposite wall, he was looking down at his phone. Hope was surprised that they used phones. Though, she didn't know anything about what Shadowlights were. In some ways, Hope was expecting them to be brewing potions and chanting spells.

The man in the glasses looked up from his phone. He nodded approvingly at Hope.

"Sorrel has good taste," he said, walking a few feet from Livius who still looked pleased. "I wish to speak to the two of you more."

"Don't you think that Hope has had enough shocks already?" Livius asked worriedly. Hope still had flashbacks of the black werewolf when she thought of meeting with Knowledge. She couldn't understand why. They were different. Though, for her it made a bit of sense. The two were werewolves after all. Her first encounter had been devastating.

"It's better to get it out of the way. Apologies but I was hoping to speak with Knowledge as well." He told them while walking towards where the dining hall was located. "Please follow me if you would."

Livius opened up his mouth to say something. but decided against it. He walked down the hallway and saw that Hope wasn't following.

"Come along, Hope." Livius smiled nodding towards Ritter.

Hope wished to argue as well, she wanted to sleep but decided that she didn't want to create a scene again. It made her feel bad that Ritter had imagined things going differently. Maybe it would have been better if she had been friendly with Knowledge.

That wouldn't have felt right.

She began to follow Livius slowly. The two were a few feet behind Ritter. They passed right by the dining hall, Hope had expected them to sit down there. The young woman was surprised to see Ritter continue walking. Hope slowed her walking unsure where they were going.

They entered a wide room that led from the hallway. Another hallway was opposite of them. The entrance to the Shadowlight Court was to Hope's right. The doors were wide and made out of wood. It looked like you needed a lot of strength to push them but she figured they weren't heavy as they seemed. Beside the doors was a sheet of glass which showed the outside yard that stretched far.

While she was focused on the front door, Hope realized that the two men weren't near her anymore. Ritter was going up a spiral staircase to the left. The railings were golden while the steps were made out of some sort of red wood. Hope stared in awe as she took a few first steps. Looking up, Hope could see it end at the next floor.

Livius walked up after Ritter first, he glanced back at Hope to see that she was marveling her surroundings. She hurried to catch up with them. Stepping on the steps, she found them to be surprisingly sturdy. Her hand graced by the smooth golden railings. How the lights reflected off the railing was beautiful to Hope.

On the top was a small hallway. End of the hallway, there was a wooden door which Ritter opened with a key. He looked back at Hope and Livius.

"This is my personal office. Only Sorrel and I have access to it." He told them while twisting the doorknob. Ritter opened up the door, the room was dark. Ritter flipped on some lights next to him. Then there were a few lamps that surrounded the room which lit it.