by Amy Manemann
“We have not, though you are so much more than I thought you would be,” he softly admitted in a voice filled with wonder.
“I don’t understand. Who did you think I would be?” I asked dumbly, feeling like I’d missed part of a previous conversation.
“I knew you would have immense power, but I didn’t expect you to be so…beautiful.”
My mouth fell open. Did he just call me beautiful? Well, that settled it. I must have passed out and knocked my head on the floor. Wait a minute. Did he just say…
“Willa, did you finish straightening those scarves…what’s going on? Who are you?” Sadie’s concerned voice rang out, jerking me from my thoughts.
Rushing to my side, Sadie inserted herself in between me and the newcomer, eyeing him suspiciously. Sadie’s hands flexed, and the hairs on my arms stood on end as I felt her drawing on the power in the room. Tension thrummed through her body as she stared the man down, and I inched closer to her, suddenly uncertain. What the heck was going on? Were we in danger?
“Calm yourself, Witch. I am Braeden, Willa’s guardian.” His gold-flecked eyes with locked on mine, though he spoke to Sadie.
Sadie’s back stiffened in surprise and the power she’d gathered quickly dissipated as shock registered on her face.
“Thank the Goddess,” she whispered, which did little to reassure me, or tell me what had just happened.
“My guardian? What does that even mean? Aunt Sadie, what’s going on?” I demanded, an unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach.
Sadie turned, wrapping her arms around me. Tears sparkled in her eyes and I had a feeling whatever she was about to say, I definitely wasn’t ready for it.
“Braeden has been sent to help you control your powers. He’s your Guardian. He’s here to protect you.”
Oh yeah, definitely not ready for it.
Chapter 2
I paced the living room of our two-bedroom house, a million questions racing through my mind. Braeden was my Guardian. In laymen’s terms, he was sent from Goddess knows where to help me come into my powers and act as my protector. Not too shabby for a girl who’s never even had a boyfriend.
I glanced at him through thick eyelashes, my teeth worrying my lower lip. He sat quietly on the couch, watching me pace the room with an amused glint in his eyes. I had a protector, and a hot one at that. While a girl could get used to having a guy like Braeden hanging around, I had no idea what this meant for my future.
“So, you’re here to protect me when I gain my powers,” I finally said.
He nodded, folding thick arms across his muscular chest. I tried not to stare. “Yes. And I’ll stay until your light is gone.”
“What does that even mean?” I asked, frustrated by his answer. I hated it when people talked so cryptic. I was more of a get-to-the-point kind of girl.
“It means I will stay until your death,” he whispered softly.
My hand touched my throat, fear choking the back of it. On wobbly knees, I moved backwards until Sadie’s favorite recliner knocked the back of my knees, and I landed on the cushion with a resounding thump.
“When I turn twenty, you mean I’ll..,” my voice trailed off, unable to finish the horrible thought or sentence. So much for that bucket list I’d always planned on.
In an instant he was on the floor in front of me, his strong hands gripping mine.
“No, Willa. That’s not at all what I meant. Upon your twentieth birthday, the full extent of your powers will come upon you, and you will be unprepared for the power that will surge through your bloodstream. I will be there to help you through the change, and to teach you how to use your powers.”
I took a shaky breath, forcing air through my tight lungs.
“And what happens if I can’t hack it and fall apart?” I was only half-joking. I mean, it’s not like we were talking about what’s on the lunch menu. This was some heavy-duty stuff.
The corner of his mouth curved up.
“Then I will be there to pick you up. You have nothing to fear, Willa. I will always be there for you.” For some odd reason, the honesty in his voice made tears prick the back of my eyes, and I had to swallow.
“Are you for real, or will I wake up and find this is all a dream?”
He smiled, leaning closer. “You seem wide awake to me, though I can imagine how lovely you’d look in sleep.”
My cheeks burned, and I ducked my head. No boy had ever seemed to notice me, much less talk to me like this way. It was both thrilling and scary at the same time. As if noticing my discomfort, Braeden sighed.
“I’m sorry, I’m coming off too strong. It’s just that…well, I’ve imagined meeting you for so long. I’m having a bit of trouble reigning myself in.”
That’s it. My heart has officially melted, and we’d only just met.
I raised my face, managing a small smile.
“No, it’s okay. I’m just not used to guys treating me like this.” It was an embarrassing thing to admit, but I wasn’t about to pretend to be someone I wasn’t.
He frowned, and I had the urge to smooth my hand over his wrinkled brow.
“Treating you like what? With respect? With honor? You’re the most beautiful, powerful being that has ever walked this earth, and you deserve to be treated as such. You deserve to be cherished.”
Holy cow. Even though I got all warm and tingly at his words, my mind somehow remained focused on what he'd said.
“See, that’s what I don’t understand.” Frustration edged my voice. “You and Aunt Sadie keep telling me about this all-encompassing power I have, yet no one has bothered to tell me what that means.”
“You shouldn’t be angry with Sadie for not telling you. Bound by the laws of the Light Council, Sadie has little knowledge of your true abilities. Only another Lightkeeper or your Guardian can help you accept your powers when it’s time.”
“You're saying Aunt Sadie knows nothing about my powers?”
Braeden shook his head. “No. Sadie is a white witch and has a power of her own. She can only possess a basic understanding of your own powers. Lightkeeper powers differ from witches and wizards; they’re more powerful. Sadie has never possessed them herself and therefore cannot tell you how to yield them. As your Guardian, I’ve prepared my entire life to help you with this.”
“I don’t understand. How is that possible? Are you like a wizard or something?” I asked, totally confused.
Braeden chuckled.
“I’m not a wizard, though I have friends who are, and they can perform some cool magic. Guardians have a limited possession of earth magic and can ground themselves to the Earth Goddess. Meaning, we’re the offset to a Lightkeeper’s need to be of the air, or rather, the light. Think of it as a yin and yang effect.”
“So, which one of us is the yang?” I joked, inwardly sighing when I was rewarded with another one of his heart stopping grins.
“Funny. We’re cut of the same cloth, Willa, just two different sides of the coin.”
I sat back in the recliner, mulling over his words. Guardians, earth magic, two sides of a coin, yin and yang…my mind was having a hard time wrapping itself around the idea.
“The vision you had, can you tell me anything about it?” he asked, breaking through my scattered thoughts.
“The colors swirled together and then I saw a face staring up at me. The face…it’s someone I know, yet don’t know,” I spoke softly, voice trailing off.
Braeden nodded as if my words made perfect sense. Which, of course, they didn’t. How do you know, yet not know, a person, for crying out loud?
“Your powers are growing, hence your ability to perceive things where there is nothing.”
I stiffened. “Wait, I thought I wouldn't get my powers until my birthday. I still have a week yet."
“The light has always been a part of you, Willa. It’s just been dormant. Now that you are so close to entering your twentieth year, your powers are awakening.”
I rubbed my forehead, will
ing away a nagging headache. “What does it mean? The face I saw?”
“Did the face have any discernible characteristics to it?” he asked.
“No, it was too wavy and out of focus to make anything out, though it spoke. It said I was beautiful and that we would meet soon. The eyes…they were so silvery.” I shivered at the memory of those silvery eyes staring at me.
Braeden jerked in surprise, the seriousness in his expression making my heart beat suspiciously faster.
“Were there any markings on the face? Anything else you can remember?” he urged quietly, a frown marring his handsome features.
I focused my attention on the face I’d seen in the scarves, trying to bring the features into detail, yet it was all too blurred to make anything out. Finally, I shook my head. “I’m sorry, no. Everything was just a blur of shapes and the face was just too hazy to make out. Does…does that sound right to you?”
“Only you can tell if something is right, Willa. Lightkeeper’s have a remarkable power to foresee visions they can decipher themselves. What we don’t understand will come to light at a later time. In the meantime, I’ll advise the Light Council of your vision and gain their input. We’ll figure this out, Willa.” His confidence should have left little room for doubt, though I still wasn’t buying it.
“Would anyone care for a cup of tea?” Sadie’s voice was a welcome interruption, and I pulled away from Braeden’s intense stare to glance her way.
“Sure, Aunt Sadie, sounds great.”
Carrying a tray into the room, Sadie set it down on the coffee table in front of the couch. Three teacups rested on the tray along with a teapot, milk, sugar and honey. Sadie poured tea into one of the empty cups, tossing in two sugar cubes before passing it off to me. Cradling the steamy mug in my hands, I reclined back in my chair, taking a tentative sip. Earl grey, the perfect blend for a rainy night.
“Braeden?” Sadie offered one of the full teacups out to Braeden, who smiled and nodded.
“Yes, just black, please.” Taking the offered cup, he made himself comfy on the floor next to my chair.
We sipped our tea in silence, the soft fall of the rain on the rooftop the only sound filling the room. Finally, Sadie sighed, leaning forward from her seat on the couch to set her teacup down on the coffee table. “Braeden, tell us about yourself. Where are you from?”
He didn’t flinch under her intense gaze, which impressed me. I’d seen many a person cower during one of Sadie’s inquisitions, yet he didn’t seem fazed.
“I originate from California, though I’ve been with the Light Council in London for the past fourteen years. When a Scrye determined I was to become Willa’s Guardian, I left my Coven and went to London to begin my training as a Guardian.” He seemed so matter of fact about it, but my heart pinched at his story.
“They took you away from your family?” I asked softly, an overwhelming sense of sadness swamping me at such a thought.
Braeden shifted his body, angling his face towards me.
“It was a choice I willingly made, Willa. To be chosen as a Guardian is a great blessing given from the Goddess. To refuse her blessing, and go against the Light Council, is not an option.”
Anger filled me at his words, overshadowing my sadness.
“And taking you away from your family is an option? I’m sorry Braeden, but that just plain sucks,” I bit out evenly.
Sadie inhaled sharply. “Willa, the world of Lightkeepers and Guardians differs from this world. Do you remember the story I used to tell you as a child? The story of the magical fairy?”
I nodded, trying to recall the story’s details. It was the fairytale she’d told me since I was a little girl, though it’d been several years since I’d heard it.
“Sort of. Something about a fairy born without wings and unable to fly.”
Sadie nodded. “Close. A springling fairy is born without wings or the magical ability to fly to the fairy realm, forced to remain in an earthly form until the day comes when her wings spring forth.”
I pulled my braid over my shoulder, twisting the end nervously. “And what does that have to do with me?”
Sadie bit her lower lip, worry etched in her eyes.
“Your wings are about to come forth, Willa. It is time for you to return to your realm.” It was Braeden who replied, saving Sadie from having to say the words.
Shocked, I stood abruptly from my chair, splashing tea on the floor. With shaking hands, I set the teacup down, inching away from both Braeden and Sadie.
“Return to my realm, as in go to London? Are you insane?” I demanded, hands fisted at my sides. Braeden may not have had a choice when he was taken from his family, but I sure as heck wasn’t about to let some Council come in and do the same to me.
Sadie stood from the couch, hurrying to my side. I backed away from the comfort of her arms, certain the wounded look on her face mirrored the one on my own. She was the only family I've ever known. How could she keep this from me?
Tears sparkled in her eyes at my distance. “I’m sorry, Willa. I should have told you sooner.”
I folded my arms across my stomach, hoping to calm the queasy feeling rolling through it. “But you didn’t. You had nineteen years to tell me about this, and you didn’t. Why would you keep something like this from me?” My voice was a bare whisper, and Sadie swallowed, the fear and sadness on her face wrenching my stomach even further.
“I didn’t want to upset you, upset our life together. Can you honestly say your life would be the same had you known?” she asked quietly.
I opened then closed my mouth, frustration knotting my brow. She was right. Knowing would have foreshadowed everything I did, every decision I made, while growing up.
“I guess we’ll never know since you made that decision for me,” I snapped.
“Oh, Willa…,” she took a step in my direction. I sidestepped her, unwilling to let her close. I knew I was acting like a brat, but at the moment I didn’t really care. She should have told me about this, not let Braeden just show up and dump it on me.
“Did you know about Braeden?” I asked, the thought occurring to me.
Sadie sighed. “Yes, but only that your Guardian would one day come to help you with your powers. Willa, I wasn’t around when your mother came into her powers, so there is a lot I don’t know.”
“And yet, you knew the Light Council would want me in London.” I focused my eyes on the ceiling, refusing to look at either of them.
“Yes, and I’m sorry to have kept that from you. Please don’t hate me for wanting you to be the carefree, loving young woman you’ve turned out to be,” Sadie pleaded.
I closed my eyes against her plea, pinching the bridge of my nose. I wanted to be angry with her for having kept things from me, wanted to yell and throw a fit over the entire, sucky deal. But I couldn’t. I loved her too much. I may not agree with the choices she made, but I knew those choices came from her love for me. Opening my eyes, I let out a pent up breath.
“You know I could never hate you, Aunt Sadie,” I admitted, gaining a sense of comfort when she gathered me into the security of her arms.
“I know, Love, and I’m sorry I kept things from you. I guess I always thought we would have more time,” she sniffed, resting her chin on top of my head.
“Unfortunately, time is not on our side. The darkness has become restless,” Braeden spoke, drawing my gaze to his. The way he spoke sent a chill down my spine, and I drew back from Sadie’s embrace.
“I sensed a disturbance.” Sadie nodded, as if she had already suspected as much. “How long do we have?”
“Not long, which is why I’m here. The Council wishes for Willa to come immediately to its headquarters in London to begin her training and offer her the protection she needs.” His golden gaze pierced mine, even as I bristled at the direction this conversation was heading.
“I’m not going anywhere,” I stated flatly, folding my arms across my chest.
Sadie shot me a fearful look, a
nd the fear in her eyes caused the hairs on the back of my neck to stand on end. I’d never seen Sadie afraid of anything before, so whatever they were talking about must be big. Really big. Still, I would not pack up and leave town. This was my home, and I wasn't about to leave it if I didn't have to.
“Willa, you don’t understand. When you come into your powers, you will attract the attention of every dark force in the world. They’ll flock to Salem in droves for the chance to harvest your powers. Being untrained, you’ll be helpless to stop them.”
“How long do we have?” I ignored her to direct the question to Braeden.
“You turn twenty in one week, so two weeks at most before Underworlders begin to arrive.”
“Can you give me enough training in that time?”
He shrugged, an uneasy expression on his face. I could tell he knew where this was leading, and it didn’t sit well with him. Well, that was too bad.
“It will be difficult,” he finally admitted, albeit begrudgingly.
“But can you do it?” I insisted, arching an eyebrow when a scowl turned down the corners of his mouth.
“She’s more headstrong than I expected.” He glanced at Sadie, who shrugged.
“Welcome to my world,” was all she could muster, knowing all too well that once I made up my mind, I would dig my heels in to stick it out.
“This is insanity. Normal training for a new Lightkeeper takes months after coming into their power. What you are proposing is…just insane,” he grumbled, raking a hand through his hair and sending it into disarray.
I tried not to notice how it made him look even more handsome.
“And you still haven’t answered my question. Can you do it?” I pushed, refusing to back down.
Releasing a curse, Braeden paced about the room, mulling over my words. I didn’t interrupt, standing silently next to Sadie as I awaited his response to my proposal. Finally, he came to an abrupt stop in front of me, looking me directly in the eye. An array of emotions flickered in his golden gaze, making his eyes almost seem to shimmer in the soft light of the room. “It’s possible, but only if you invest your entire self into the training. I will need one hundred percent of your focus, one hundred percent of your time, and you must do exactly as I say. Time is of the essence, and if you aren’t able to commit to this, then we leave for London tonight. Are you able to do that, Willa?”