Watch Over Me (Guardians Book 1)

by Shane Morgan

  Sarayas gestured to me, asking, “And her?”

  “I will bring Calissa to the king and queen, seek permission to keep her here.”

  “They’ll never allow a human to remain in our world, Lars,” Ezio stated. “No matter the danger she is in. We’ll probably get in trouble for this.”

  Lars sighed. “Perhaps not after I explain.”

  Ezio splayed his free hand. “All right. But if it comes to it, I was not a part of this.”

  Sarayas smacked him at the back of his neck. He shrugged innocently, handed her my gym bag, then they left us there on the landing.

  “So, you have a king and queen?” I massaged my tummy. It was beginning to feel better now that I’d emptied its contents.

  “Yes. King Deo and Queen Vaira—our kingdom’s fiercest leaders. Come with me, Calissa.” I liked the way he spoke my name. The accent caused it to sound sweeter than it usually would from anyone else.

  Lars sauntered ahead. I followed closely behind, anxious about his world.

  We passed other gargoyles, some in their human forms. They had a mythical air to them. You could tell they weren’t ordinary. They stalled in their steps and eyed both of us with astonished looks on their faces.

  Feeling awkward, I hugged my body and kept my eyes low while continuing to trail Lars.

  He led me across a massive courtyard with fountains, saplings, and flowers. The area was brightened with lamps, creating a peaceful ambiance.

  Gargoyles lingering in the yard stopped talking to each other when they glimpsed me. But I was too enamored with my storybook surroundings to feel any more out of place than I already was.

  I glanced up at the night sky. Even the stars looked different here, or perhaps I was just overly amazed by everything.

  We approached large wooden doors with two muscular gargoyles on either side. They looked at me while scowling, and then at each other.

  “What is this, Lars?” the one on the left said in a rough and intimidating tone. “How could you bring a human here?”

  “I request that you allow her to enter,” Lars said. He nodded respectfully afterward. “Please, my brothers. I have a just cause for bringing her to our home.”

  They deliberated for a moment before gesturing with their hands for us to enter the building.

  I walked inside with Lars. It seemed an exclusive gathering of some sort was taking place. There was drinking, laughter, and light melodies from harps nearby.

  “Gargoyles playing music? Cool.” I bobbed slowly, awestruck.

  Everyone stopped abruptly and peered at us, bewildered. No one was in gargoyle forms, and they weren’t all the same skin tone. A few of them had a brown shade like me. But they all had steel-grey eyes that meshed with their stone appearance as gargoyles.

  “You brought a human here!” one of the men scolded, coming closer. I regarded his features. He resembled Lars in his human form, with the same black hair and facial structure, except his hair was longer.

  “What is this, Lars?” a woman asked, tracing my body with a sour expression. She was gorgeous, with long, glamorous blonde hair, high cheekbones, and a petite frame. Skin a pink tint. She looked like a gargoyle model.

  “Where are the king and queen?” Lars asked, ignoring their questions. “I will explain this to them.”

  “We are here,” bellowed from somewhere.

  Off to the left, I spotted a man and woman entering from a passage. Their presence commanded the room.

  Everyone tensed and nodded at them, including Lars. Should I do the same?

  Queen Vaira had long strawberry blonde hair with greying strands, an intimidating gaze, and wore a flowing white dress like a Greek goddess. With a swift wave of her hand, everyone backed out of the way for Lars to step forward. I stayed glued to him.

  She sat next to the king, dressed in white as well, and had jet-black hair that reached his waist.

  Both looked to be in their early fifties and exuded an air of power. I swore their features were similar to Lars’s, but I could be mistaken.

  King Deo motioned to me as he asked, “Who is this woman? Why have you broken the rule and exposed our home to a human?”

  “I’m Calissa Stewart,” I spoke up, stepping forward.

  Lars cleared his throat before explaining, “Demons are targeting her.”

  The king clucked his tongue. “That is a normal practice for them. Demons like to toy with humans.”

  “I assure you this is not the same. They have never tried so hard to take one human. Even Rahel made an appearance. She said the demon master has a special interest in Calissa.”

  Everyone gasped and whispered with each other.

  All eyes focused on me.

  “Rahel involved herself?” The queen sputtered. “Why? What’s so special about you, human?”

  That question offends me.

  Aren’t we all unique in some way?

  “I haven’t noticed anything in particular,” Lars answered. Offended, I glowered at him. He refocused on his leaders. “But there must be a reason why they’re coming after her. Calissa is not safe in her world. I am requesting sanctuary until we learn of their plans.”

  “We cannot grant such a request,” the king replied firmly. “You know the risks. She has ties to her home. A family.”

  My stomach plunged. If only they were right.

  “I don’t have a family,” I muttered under my breath, peering down at the stone floor.

  I could sense Lars watching me. He spoke again after a beat. “As a guardian, I would be breaking my oath by not protecting her.”

  “Protect her in the human world, as you’ve sworn to. It’s too risky here,” the queen argued. “You know our laws. Clear her memory of our home and return her.”

  “And what of Rahel and the others?” Lars countered. “Should we simply hand Calissa over to the demons without knowing their plans for her?” Gosh. My name rang beautifully in his voice. It placed a warm feeling in my chest.

  Wait, what?

  “Hmm…” The king rubbed his beard, deliberating. He squinted at me. “All right. I’ll allow Obel to examine her, see if he can discover what it is about her that has attracted them.”

  “What sort of exam?” I asked, nervous.

  Lars hushed me, then said, “Thank you, Father.”

  My eyes went wide. I spun my head to him and murmured, “Father?”

  “We’ll give you one day,” the king, his father, stated. “After that, you must return her to her world. Our home is not for humans.”

  I gulped as he glared at me, seemingly annoyed with my existence.

  Whispers ensued after his decision. Taking my arm, Lars nodded to the king and queen and led me toward the exit of the building.

  The man from before called after him. He met us at the wooden doors.

  “Brother, you say Rahel came for the human herself?” he confirmed.

  So, they are related. Wait, if Lars is the son of the king and queen, then that means…

  I peered up at him. “You’re a prince.”

  Lars ignored me. Going into his human form, he responded to his brother, “Yes, it is rare for her to make an appearance. That is why I am convinced Calissa means something to them. Luuk, we must find out what that is.”

  “Hmm.” Luuk folded his muscular arms. “My apologies then. It seems you were right to bring her here.”

  The petite blonde and another woman with light brown skin, wavy auburn hair, and a lean physique slowly approached. The latter came to Luuk’s side, resting her hand at his arm.

  Apparently irritated with my presence, the blonde cut her eyes at me. She remained behind Luuk, listening.

  “I am taking her to Obel now. Once we’ve learned anything, I’ll inform everyone.”

  “In the meantime, I’ll send word to guardians in the mortal world to find out if there are any others that demons are collecting.”

  “Good idea, brother,” Lars praised. They nodded at each other, and Lars gestured for
us to continue. I eyed the blonde over my shoulder. She screwed up her face at me.

  Pfft.

  I spoke to Lars again as we walked back across the courtyard. “So, you’re a gargoyle prince. Like your brother. Which is older? Any more siblings?”

  “No, only Luuk. He is the eldest, and will rule after our father and mother, along with Ilris.”

  “Who’s Ilris?” I asked.

  “Luuk’s mate.” The beauty who stood at his side.

  “Mate?” I repeated. “So old school.”

  He snorted. “Yes, these days, humans find more enjoyment in…hookup culture, is it?” He scoffed. “Such a meaningless thing.”

  “Why? Gargoyles don’t hook up?” I quipped. “Don’t hate; it’s a lot of fun.”

  Lars halted and met my gaze. I didn’t cower under his human features, not like his pure form. “Gargoyles are given one mate. That is our way. Until we are joined, we wait.”

  “Wait?” I sputtered. “Are you saying you’re—”

  “Let’s go, human,” he huffed, picking up speed again. I had to jog to catch up to him.

  We descended a few steps and ambled along a stone path with tall shrubs on both sides. A cul-de-sac at the end with stone dwellings and trees in between. Lars headed to one on the right. He entered without knocking, and I filed in behind him.

  An unusual kind of light within an orb glowed brightly inside the stone house. My mouth fell open in awe at the many books and bottles on the built-in floor-to-ceiling shelves.

  Ezio and Sarayas stood inside, chatting and laughing with each other. They were in their human forms, still dressed like warriors in body-fitting dark garments and black boots. Their silver weapons placed aside on a bench.

  Amazed, I took in the flawless creatures before me.

  Sarayas was stunning with freckled skin, reddish hair, round face, and an admirable frame. Even Ezio, with his golden hair and well-built features, was appealing to look at.

  Wow. Were there any unattractive beings in the Gargouille kingdom?

  I watched Lars out of the corner of my eye. He looked the most attractive to me.

  “Obel, anything?” he asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.

  In the middle of the room stood the old man from my apartment. He had a book in his hand.

  Squaring his shoulders, he scowled at me. “I did not want to believe it when Ezio told me, but you really brought her here, huh.”

  Lars sighed. “Have you found anything in your books?”

  He shook his head. “Nothing yet. Come here, Calissa.”

  Obel settled on the old century-looking bench and waited.

  “It’s all right,” Lars assured me.

  Everyone observed quietly as I ambled to the bench and sat down beside him. Obel picked up my hands, flipped them over, and examined my arms.

  He asked, “Have you noticed any strange markings on your body recently?”

  “No.” I wrinkled my forehead as he leaned in closer, studying my eyes. “This is awkward.”

  “Try and relax,” he advised. “I hear your shoulder has completely healed. May I see?”

  Hesitantly, I shifted my gym tank and sports top so he could see the skin better.

  “Hmm…” Obel eased back and heaved deeply. He looked at the others. “I’m all out of explanations. None of my books mention this.” Turning back to me, he asked in a gentle tone, “My dear, who are you? Tell me about your mother and father? Do you have siblings? They could be in danger as well.”

  I always felt uncomfortable talking about myself.

  Brushing aside loose curls that came out of the band, I dipped my head as I answered. “Um, there’s not much to tell. I don’t know my birth parents. I was in and out of foster homes until I turned eighteen.”

  Obel repeated, “Foster…?”

  “It’s a temporary placement for kids with people who are sometimes kind and at other times not the best,” I explained sarcastically, meeting his gaze. “Pretty much, where you go when your own parents don’t want you, and no one will adopt you.” I peered around the house, self-conscious.

  “Your mother gave you away?” Sarayas asked, voice filled with sympathy.

  I nodded. “Yeah, been trying to find my birth parents for a while now, but nothing has come up. It’s as if they never existed.”

  Obel scratched his head. “But surely, the human medical facility has a record of your birth?”

  “No, they don’t. All they know is some homeless guy found a crying baby in an alley with my name on a piece of paper, and he brought it to the hospital. There’s no DNA match. Nothing.”

  “And you’ve found no other relations?”Lars chimed in, voice low and compassionate.

  An exasperated sigh gushed from my lips. “None. Aside from my best friend, I have no one.”

  Saying that out loud hurt even more.

  The room fell quiet. Lars continued to stare at me. I looked down, fearing I’d see pity.

  After a moment, Obel spoke again. “If you know nothing of your bloodline, then the only other way to get answers is from the elder.” He glanced at Lars. “Perhaps King Deo may grant her access to the sacred pool?”

  Ezio huffed in surprise. “Father, you know he cannot do that. It is forbidden for humans to enter, especially Calissa. Her blood is tainted from that demon blade, no matter if she healed from it. Breaking the laws of the elders will curse our kingdom.”

  “Yes, yes.” Obel raked his fingers through his long white hair, at a loss. “I know. I’m afraid there’s no other way then.”

  Lars flayed his hand. “The king gave me only one day. I must return Calissa tomorrow. There has to be something, Obel. She’s not safe in her world.”

  It sounded as if he cared. A shiver ran down my spine when our eyes connected.

  Obel stood. “I’ll keep searching. Possibly, there is something I missed.”

  “I will help,” Sarayas offered, going to the shelves with him.

  “Wow, I’m hungry,” Ezio whined and rubbed his belly. He looked at me. “You must be as well, poor thing. After everything you’ve endured in the last two days, it’s a wonder you’re still in one piece.” He backed away and went out the door.

  Lars twisted to leave as well. “You should eat and rest.”

  Getting up from the bench, I walked outside with him, leaving behind Obel and Sarayas to search for answers to my life.

  An old woman provided us food and water shortly after entering what appeared to be a vast feasting area. This building was also made of stone. I marveled at the small pool and fountain in the middle that had the cleanest and brightest water I’d ever seen.

  We sat at one of the circular stone tables. I scanned my surroundings, noticing several of those light orbs placed in crevices, brightening the massive area along with the moon and stars shining in through squares of glass overhead.

  It was quite a pleasant atmosphere, with plants in corners, and a fresh and soothing scent circulating in the air.

  Other gargoyles in human form dined at nearby tables. Every now and then, they’d cast curious looks my way. But would turn as soon as Lars caught them.

  “Oh, food,” Ezio moaned as he filled his belly. “I love it.”

  “You said my blood’s tainted?” I asked, passing a glance between them.

  Ezio answered before Lars could. “Your soul is cursed by a demon, meaning you were supposed to become one by now or die.”

  I gulped. “That’s why you told Lars to finish me off last night?”

  “It is our duty,” Lars said before drinking his water. Setting the clay mug back on the stone table, he went on. “As guardians, we made an oath to keep demons from causing chaos in your world, and to cut down tainted souls.”

  “An oath to whom?” I asked, intrigued. “God?”

  “Angels,” Ezio answered with a smirk. “It’s a long story.”

  I wanted to learn more. “How did gargoyles come to be? Were you made by angels?”

  “You’re
an outsider. We cannot share that story with you,” Lars said sternly, going back to his food.

  Geez. That kind of stings.

  Ezio went silent as well. He shrugged when I looked at him. I realized then that Lars was well-respected by him and Sarayas, and the other guardians.

  Finished eating, Lars led me down a long passage on the other side of the dining area. He stopped at one of the wooden doors and opened it, letting me enter first, then touching the light orb in a corner to diminish darkness from the bedroom.

  At the side, an opening in the stone wall provided a breathtaking view of the waterfall, rushing sounds filling the otherwise quiet night. I couldn’t wait to see the beautiful scenery at sunrise.

  “This is my sleeping quarters,” Lars informed me.

  I spun and looked at him. “Oh. It’s pretty nice…different.”

  “You can rest here for the night.” He nodded to the large bed in the center of the room. My gym bag was next to it on the ground.

  “Where will you sleep?” I asked. My heart rate climbed as he gazed intently at me.

  Lars blinked away to the opening. “There.”

  “But…how?”

  His jaw stiffened. “In the form that you’re accustomed to, as an ugly statue.” His words had a bite.

  Walking away from me, he went to the opening and lowered at the edge. Slowly, his body started to morph into a gargoyle, but his skin appeared hardened now. Like stone.

  “Wait!” I called out. “How did you know demons were following me?”

  He delayed the process of his transformation and answered without looking at me. “Gargoyles pick up on demons whenever they enter the human realm. I was on my way from a mission when I detected another. I followed the scent into the park.” He paused a moment. “It disappeared when I spotted you. That’s when I realized that you had their interest.”

  “Oh. So, you’re always around the city? How long have you been a guardian of Brighton? Are there gargoyles in other cities and countries?” I shook my head in wonder. “How old are you? Are you like centuries-old or something?” I snorted to myself. “Shit. This is all so unbelievable.”

  Lars huffed. “We age like you, Calissa. I am five years ahead of you.”

  I nodded slowly. “You’re thirty.” I paused to think. “Wait, how did you know my age?”