The Guardian

Chapter 6

*

"Save the yelling because I'll just walk back out that door" I threatened Stone as we entered his office.

"That is no way to address the council" I was scolded by a short bald man.

"I'll address the council how I-"

"Finish that sentence and you'll only add to your punishment"

"Like it could get worse" I bit my tongue after the comment slipped out. Fane sighed quietly.

"I advise you to apologize for your behaviour"

"Margaret are you serious-" she was the only member on the council that I could tolerate, but even she had the ability to snap.

"Rose" Fane whispered and squeezed my hand.

"I apologize" I said through clenched teeth.

"Please be seated" I sat furthest away from all of them and glared straight at Stone.

"Why have I been summoned?" I forced myself to meet the harsh stares around me.

"I'll let your attitude slide because of the importance of this conversation" Margaret spoke calmly.

"Dishing out my punishment is hardly important" the comment slipped before I could stop it. Fane kicked my foot under the table. I swore under my breath.

"That's only part of why you're here" Stone spoke.

"We've come to evaluate your progress" a grey haired man informed me.

"But you said I had one week" I protested.

"Due to your recent behaviour, we feel we haven't been...encouraging enough"

"You can't force me to do this" Fane stopped me as I tried to stand up. I squeezed his hand as a silent thank you.

"No, but after you hear what we have to say, you'll agree"

"I will?"

"You will" Margaret smirked confidently. I let out a breathy laugh and leaned back in my seat. I crossed my arms and lifted my chin defiantly.

"Let's hear this" I said cockily.

"Freedom. You can come and go as you please so long as you don't go after Elizabeth directly" Stone spoke smoothly.

"Come and go as in-"

"As in doing whatever you feel benefits The Brotherhood. However, until we've developed a real plan, you'll stay away from Elizabeth"

"Fine. But what's the catch?"

"Always wise" he smirked. "The catch is that you will start training as our guardian. For real. You were right about Elizabeth. The documents you found revealed that she must be planning something terrible, and we want to be prepared"

I sat in stunned silence. They were finally listening to what I was saying but how could I explain to them that I wasn't the guardian? I ran a hand through my untamed hair. I glanced up at Fane and found him watching me with only pride in his eyes.

"Fane?"

"You can do this" he leaned in and whispered so that only I could hear.

"What if I fail?" I felt the fear clawing at my stomach.

"What if you succeed?" He countered with a smile. "You're the only one who can do this" he encouraged. I let out a sigh and nodded. I turned back to face the council and brought up as much courage as I could.