The Cursed Guardian

Chapter 43

I watch Toby as he play around the garden. Whenever I have a free time, I  keep him company and also to observe him. I noticed that Rino only talks to him and he does whatever he told him. I find it really fishy, like Rino is instructing him what to do and say.

But when Rino is out of view, he becomes his usual self as a kid. He talks a lot and always curious of everything. Just like now, he is trying to find out why dragonflies was called dragons when they don't look like one.

I saw Rino walking past the garden and he stares on Toby. Toby walks to me with a frightened look. I glance to Rino but he's not there already. I look around but no traces of him.

Did he disappeared?

But how come? He don't have extraordinary abilities like us. He is really suspicious.

"Let's go back." Toby held my hand tightly. He walks ahead of me. "Auryn. . ." His voice trailed off.

I was alarmed the way he spoke my name.

"Are you okay?"

I kneel in front of him and he hugs me suddenly.

"You are great. All of you are great. I'm sorry."

"Then why are you sorry?" I rub his back.

"Rheena will scold us because we are late for lunch."

Oh, yes! It was lunch time already!

But there is something on the way he said he was sorry. It's very sincere and there's a hint of regret. Like he is afraid to admit his mistake. But I put it aside and we continue on our way.

When we are on their quarters, Rino was nowhere. I search for him but instead I found my friends assisting the villagers.

"Have you seen, Rino?"

Caren turned to me as she scoops some rice.

"The stiff looking man? He's just here" she look around, "awhile ago but it seems that he's not."

"Why are you looking for him?" Toki asked curiously.

"It's just that I haven't talk to him since the day we let them in."

"Is he always like that?" Shaun pass the bowl on Caren who's putting rice on it. "His eyes are always blank and he roams around. Well its not that they are not allowed to wander but Professor Hilton saw him outside Chancellor's office yesterday."

"What is he doing there?"

Why do I have a bad feeling about it? Not everyone can go in his office and for an outsider like him, how did he know where is it?

"That's the question! When Professor Hilton asked him, he just walk away."

"What's with him?" Caren passed the bowl on Shaun and he puts it on the table where the food was served.

"It's weird, though." Toki rubs his chin. "Something really happened to him in the waterfall."

Waterfall.

If only Lucas would let me go there or at least accompany me there but he told Professor Ravenous about it and Scorpio sent his leagues to guard every exit of the Academy.

I'm not dumb to sneak out again and be pinch by poisonous scorpions!

But I'm glad they did not told Rose or I'm locked down already.

"Anyways, why don't we eat first before we analyze the situation." Caren passed us plates. She calls for Raeco and Veenece and we all went to the table.