A warm breeze blew through the tall, ornate windows, gently swaying the sheer green drapes that hung all around the vast hall. The sun's rays were flickering from the lofty marble columns, casting brightly lit shapes on the pale floor. A path covered in a long, light green carpet led to the grand ivory and gold throne in the center of the room, adorned with intricate carvings and precious gems that sparkled in the sunlight. Servants milled about, whispering in hushed tones, replacing various types of cut flowers in the large vases, filling the room with a fresh, fragrant aroma. They worked quickly and diligently, trying not to disturb the silent figure sitting on the throne. The man was dressed simply but regally in white fabric embroidered with gold thread and had an air of authority that commanded respect from all who entered. Despite the bustling activity around them, the figure remained motionless, lost in thought.
Phobos gritted his teeth, feeling irritated, and it was the Guardian of the Heart's fault. Seeing her cry in his garden, looking completely helpless, and knowing he was indirectly responsible soured his mood. He did not want to see her hurt and what irritated him even more was a glimmer of guilt deep within his heart. He should not care about her. Kandrakar represented an enemy, and the Guardians were their soldiers, foiling his plans and causing trouble at every turn. Nonetheless, the red-haired woman was a blazing spark, and the old meddling medallion defied his expectations time and again. He should have killed her the first time they met, but being a benevolent fool, he healed the girl instead. So despite his best efforts to ignore it, something lingered inside him—a nagging feeling that he had made a mistake. The girl was so alike him a long time ago. A young Guardian bound by duty, so full of life and brave spirit. He couldn't bring himself to do any more harm than he had already done. The fact that the girl fully opposed him, knowing he could ruthlessly crush her at any given moment, was just priceless. The Guardian remained fearless no matter how many times he tried to scare her. Brave yet so vulnerable—that was his undoing. Perhaps it was her tenacity or the fact that Will never seemed to be afraid of him, so he couldn't shake the feeling that she was meant to play a bigger role in his life than anticipated. As much as he tried to resist, Phobos found himself drawn to her fiery spirit and the challenge she presented.
Will piqued his interest and made him feel more than just negative emotions, plaguing his mind like an obsession, a spark he could not touch. How long ago did he hold another human being in his arms? Or felt like himself and not an image created to fulfill his duty? Was it before awakening? No, it was when Weira… Mother was alive. Phobos missed those carefree days, the freedom of them. Despite her obvious fear, the Guardian continued disturbing him, bringing temptation and fun to his otherwise dull days. He should have manipulated her. It would have been so easy to seduce the girl to his will, to taint her innocence... Instead, he merely played and toyed with her, wanting to observe the unexpected reactions. She did not disappoint. When the Guardian was fighting for her life yet again, he made an impulsive decision to help by giving her a drop of his magic. A tiny amount to hold on to. Phobos smirked, remembering how she completely melted into his arms, so warm and defenseless. He wanted more, and the feeling irritated him beyond belief. He should not desire it, thinking he was smarter than that, and yet… His lips burned, remembering the innocent, sweet peck—the swiftest way to share power is through direct touch.
Phobos' mind was going in circles. He could not afford to be vulnerable, especially now, when so much is at stake. Nonetheless, he wished to get to know her better. Was it because the Guardian was off-limits? Or thanks to her courage? He pursued her despite being plagued by forbidden thoughts and knowing that everything would end in disaster on both sides. Why was he so greedy? It would have been wise to crush these feelings before they became too strong, but the illicit seed had already been sown. He shook his head, determined to push aside these distracting thoughts and focus on his goal. However, as his frustration grew, magic simmered beneath his skin, itching to break free. Phobos knew he needed to suppress his emotions before they controlled him, but everything felt unpleasant. The overly bright sun and too many people, the sounds and the smells… He was going to explode with all the repressed magic reacting to the tightly bottled feelings. The desire to see her and find out what Cedric had done, the consequences of his actions in sending the general to Earth. The annoyances of his indecision and the resurfacing sense of guilt...
'Everyone out!' Phobos snapped an order, and his deep voice echoed down the hall. The servants were startled but promptly obeyed, scattering in every direction, and an oppressive silence filled the room. He stood up and paced around until it got too much, and an abrupt scream left his lips, shattering the silence. Doubling over, he cursed and clenched his fist, struggling to contain the conflicting emotions. It did not work, and magic forcefully exploded from his body and swirled like a tornado, spiraling straight up into the ceiling and the sky. The force of it caused the windows to rattle and shake, and a gust of wind rushed through the room.
Outside, dark, ominous clouds gathered covering the sun and leaving the hall in the shadows. A promise of a sudden storm was in the air. The wind arose with a strong draft, tearing up fresh flowers, whose petals furiously danced in the air before landing on the floor. Thunder rumbled outside as lightning struck, and rain fell like a heavy curtain, creating a rhythmic beat against the glass and puddles on the floor. The hall was filled with an eerie silence, broken only by the occasional crack of lighting, casting quick shadows on the walls. The storm was the result of his inner turmoil.
Phobos gasped, hugging himself. A sudden explosion of dense magic left him gasping for air and feeling drained. He was getting weaker - bit by bit, his magic ran dry. Gathering himself and pushing fallen hair out of his eyes, he felt much more relaxed than before. The dreadful weather perfectly reflected the current mood.
The wards placed in the rooms flared, signaling an arrival. He exhaled, pushing the unsettling feelings away. He quickly donned the indifferent mask of a strict ruler. Without a warning, the heavy door flung open with a loud bang, and Cedric strode into the throne room. He looked winded - his robes were burned in places, and some of his loose hair was sooty.
'My Prince.' He bowed in greeting, stopping just before him. 'I have recently arrived, and the prisoners were transported without any interference.'
'And my sister?' Phobos inquired, raising an eyebrow. Cedric provided an insufficient report, and knowing the truth only fueled his rage. The general was a competent worker, loyal to a point, but also a coward, serving only himself when the opportunity arose. Phobos knew well he could not trust him entirely. He had already defied his orders by wanting to play with the Guardians. Yet, Cedric has had his uses, such as being a teacher for his sister and a competent magic user.
'She is waiting on the other side. I failed to bring her in because the Guardians closed the portal. Once the opportunity arises, she agrees to cross into our world.' The general stammered, looking cowed and avoiding direct eye contact with the prince.
'You fool! My order was to bring her back! We cannot let her roam free.' The prince's voice was stern, his eyes blazing with anger. He moved in closer and struck his servant in the face with a swift backhand slap. 'I will not tolerate disobedience!' Phobos continued, his voice low and menacing. Cedric stumbled from an unexpected hit and spat blood on the white marble, clutching his cheek in pain. He immediately knelt on the ground and lowered his head in humble submission.
'I apologize, my lord. Your sister wanted to steal the Heart of Kandrakar from the Guardians and give it to you as a gift. I failed to do so. I have one good thing to report. I am aware of how they appear without their usual glamour, so we can strike them when the Guardians are most vulnerable on Earth. I nearly captured their leader...' Cedric explained, attempting to paint his failure in a more positive light.
'Leave the Guardians alone for now!' Phobos ordered it firmly. 'I gave you a task—to bring back my sister, to advise and guide her. Why are you focusing on useless things? The prince wondered as he lifted Cedric's chin and stared directly into his eyes. There was fear in them. Good, he ought to be afraid...
'Now get out!' Phobos said, forcefully shoving him away. Cedric collapsed in a clumsy heap. Trying not to appear completely undignified, the general stood up and patted the robes down, adjusting them back into place. After giving a low bow, he backed out of the room, his heart pounding with fear and embarrassment. As he made his way down the corridor, Cedric couldn't help but wonder what had caused Phobos to react so violently. Perhaps it was best not to know.
'Oh, and Cedric, send a girl to the garden.' Phobos added an afterthought as if remembering something important. Cedric nodded, already knowing what his prince meant by this strange request. It was not the first time that Phobos had asked for a person to be sent to the garden. Sometimes the general wondered if it had something to do with the mysterious energy that emanated from the plants in that area. Nevertheless, Cedric knew better than to question his prince's wishes and promptly set out to find someone suitable for the task.
It was still heavily raining when he sat in the gazebo, nearly hidden in the greenery, enjoying the view of the misty garden. Raindrops fell silently on the roof, and the plants mysteriously whispered in the rain. With a faint rustling sound, he noticed a figure darting around the bushes, following the hidden path through the roses. A woman soon stopped beside him under the roof, breathing heavily. Her pale dress was soaked in the rain and stuck to her like glue, revealing the creamy skin beneath.
'Your Highness.' She greeted him with a formal curtsy, her eyes filled with fear. The young lady was nervous and unsure why she had been assigned to entertain him but knew it was a great honor. Phobos sighed, his gaze fixed on the trembling figure. This was not what he had in mind, but it would have to suffice. The girl appeared young and of mixed blood. Her rosy skin was splattered with green stripes around the shoulders and neck, and between her intricately braided brown locks protruded pointed ears. With each breath, her ample chest moved, and he could see the pink nipples straining against the sheer, wet fabric. She looked up at him with curious, almond-shaped green eyes and spoke in a lilting accent that he couldn't quite place. Despite her striking appearance, there was a vulnerability in her expression that made him falter. A sudden surge of lust ran down his body, accompanied by another image of dripping red hair clinging to the long neck and water drops sliding along the white, unblemished skin. With the sheer will of the mind, he pushed the image away and focused on the girl. It was not the place or time to have such thoughts.
'Are you one of Madam Ruby's girls?' He inquired, recalling the high-end brothel frequented by the nobles. He did not forbid such a place from existing. Some women needed to work, and men always desired the pleasure it could provide. Madam was also a good source of interesting knowledge, which he used for blackmail if necessary. However, the prince couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret for allowing such a place to operate in his kingdom.
'Indeed, your highness.' She politely answered, bowing her head.
'Do you enjoy your work?' Phobos questioned the overwhelmed girl standing before him. It would have been great if she was as desperate as she seemed. It is much easier to persuade struggling people to do your bidding. But if she had any sense of self-worth, it might prove to be a challenge.
'Sometimes, my prince. I have a roof over my head and warm food, and when men are gentle, it is not unpleasant. It's better than being homeless.' She replied truthfully and quickly paled. 'I apologize, my lord. I didn't mean to be impolite.' The young woman stuttered, fearing his wrath. She had overheard too much about it in the nobles' passing whispers and didn't want to be the next victim of his temper. However, the prince surprised her with a gentle smile and said, 'No need to apologize. You speak the truth. It's a hard life out there for many. Come, allow me to show you something.' Phobos rose and grasped her trembling hand, gently urging the girl outside. They walked through the bushes, getting drenched in the rain, until they reached the center of the garden.
'What if I told you that your insignificant life could make a difference?' Phobos questioned her as he turned around to observe the shivering woman standing before him. The girl looked up at him with confusion, not understanding what he meant.
'I do not quite understand, my lord…' She hugged herself, trying to maintain warmth in the drizzle. Phobos sighed, realizing he needed to explain further. 'In other words, do you believe your life has a purpose? That you were born for a reason?'
'Yes, my lord. I believe everyone has a purpose, even if we don't always know what it is.' The woman thought for a moment before nodding slowly.
'Then let me demonstrate...' The Prince muttered, briefly closing his eyes and preparing himself. He gently led the woman to kneel down on the wet grass and spread her fingers out. By weaving magic into the woman's body, he let her see beyond the invisible. Her eyes glazed over, and her body swayed with an unfamiliar rush of images. When the girl opened her eyes, they were filled with unshed tears. The roses clustered around her, curiously nipping at the dress, pulling at her hair, and whispering, always whispering...
'My lord, how can this be...?' She trailed off, looking around the garden and gently stroking the closest rose.
'Greed is a vice of men. Your life could aid in maintaining the balance until order is restored...' Phobos turned away and uttered the bitter truth. It left a foul taste in his mouth. His garden... The only loving and sacred possessions in life were also the most sinister and tragic. It was made through sacrifices to keep him and the planet afloat until he could right the wrongs of the past. It was a constant reminder of the pain and suffering and the sacrifices he had to make to survive.
'Will I die? The scared, pale girl asked, biting her lip so hard she nearly bled.
'No, you will sleep... Sometimes serving as my eyes and ears. There will be no pain, nor hunger, or suffering, merely existing in between, where time does not matter.' Phobos shook his head, reassuring her fears. 'But you must understand this is not a life in the traditional sense. You will be unable to interact with the world or those in it. You will simply exist as a vessel for my purposes.' The girl nodded slowly, still fearful but accepting of her fate.
'Will I ever be myself again?' The silent question was almost lost in the sound of the rain.
'When my sister sits on the throne, the spell will be lifted. There is nothing to fear.' He explained, wondering how much longer he could bear this burden.
'Don't blame yourself, my prince... If my life has any value, I will gladly offer it to your service.' She gave a reassuring smile, her entire face brightening. Phobos could not believe how selfless people could be at times, putting others before themselves.
'Bless you…' the Prince gently caressed her cheek and kissed her brow mumbling an ancient spell and surrounding her in a gray mist. When it dissipated, a new rose stood in her place—white with a greenish tint in its petals. Ruthlessly cutting his hand with magic, he willingly let the blood drops fall to the ground, nourishing the newborn rose with his essence. The Prince smiled, knowing that her sacrifice was not in vain and that her spirit would live on through the beautiful flower.
'What a lovely addition you make…' he whispered, a genuine compliment. The rose's glossy leaves shuddered, and he was sure he heard a silent laugh in the wind. Languid clouds parted, allowing sunlight to flash through the drizzle, making the grass shine like a green gem. Water drops glistened on the roses like diamonds catching the sun's rays, adding stunning beauty to the garden. The sweet fragrance of the roses filled the air, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere, a hidden, dangerous beauty. Phobos sighed wearily as he walked away into the castle, the weight of the world on his shoulders. Another rose added—a few more months to hold on...
A sudden, unexplained storm with howling winds and pouring rain raged on Heaterfield's hospital, where four girls sat huddled on uncomfortable plastic chairs. The battle was over, but Will did not awaken from her deep slumber. Cornelia healed her most prominent wounds to hide the evidence of the fight, but the girls knew that they had to keep a close eye on Will as her condition remained unstable. The group had no choice but to call an ambulance and make up a story about how she was drugged and taken away. In fact, they had no idea what had happened. Will was dancing one minute and then went missing the next. They all later heard her desperate cry for help in their minds. The next hour was spent frantically searching for clues. When Taranee found out she could telepathically talk to Will, everything went to hell. The sight of her slumped and bound in the chair served as a stark reminder that Guardians were never safe. As if they wished to be at home. The fight shifted, and they nearly lost Will, the group's most important figure. It was a harsh lesson for the team. They had become complacent in their abilities and their safety on Earth. The girls knew they needed to be more vigilant and prepared for any potential threats in the future.
'The wind is angry…' Hay Lin muttered, playing with the cup of terrible coffee. 'I can almost feel the tendrils of magic dancing in the air. This storm is unnatural.' She nervously tapped her finger on the plastic. 'Do you think that monster made it just to spite us?' Irma scoffed. 'We probably burned his tail off or something…'
'Can you, for once, be serious?' Cornelia rolled her eyes in irritation. 'We practically lost!'
'That's true... We should have been more careful, knowing the general was here. It's too late to be sorry now... I called Will's mother and explained the situation, but I guess all of our parents are on their way to the hospital. Taranee shuddered and drew her coat closer around her body.
'We are in so much trouble.' Cornelia moaned, 'The police will show up. Doctors had to take Will's blood for testing, and we have no idea what that monster gave her. What should we tell them?' She signed, pacing around, 'Should we call Matt? I think he would like to know.'
'Maybe later, when Will wakes up,' answered Taranee. 'She has not met with him in weeks, and it might not be the best time to involve him in this. As for what to tell the doctors, let's just say that Will had an unexpected reaction to the drugs she was given and leave it at that. We don't want to cause unnecessary panic or draw attention to anything supernatural.'
'Girls, heads up, my dad is coming! I think he's here on official business.' Irma hissed, peering through the hospital entrance door, where the police car had stopped with slowly flashing lights.
'That's Mrs. Vandom and my mom…' Taranee stood up, looking worried.
'We are so screwed…' Cornelia said, facing the girls with a serious expression 'Okay, we practiced this. Lies disguised as truth are easier to believe. Don't be afraid, and speak clearly. We need to cover Will. When she awakens, whoever is nearby at the time tells her the cover story. We have to be specific, or they catch us in our lies. Maybe W ill add something later. Let's do this!' The girls gathered and made their way to meet their families. As they walked, they rehearsed the cover story in their heads, making sure to stick to the plan and not give away any inconsistencies. The group knew that any slip-up could jeopardize their safety and put them all in danger. Lies needed to be told and maintained to protect their true identities and the supernatural world.