Guardian Angels Chapter 6

Kalin slung her backpack over her shoulder and glanced around the mostly empty room. They’d stayed up until just before sunrise in Aedan’s dorm the night before, and she’d snuck back during Anna’s final exam to pack up her side of the room. Some of her stuff she could store in Aedan and Brianna’s rooms. Brianna was going to talk to her roommate, and hopefully Julia passed all her finals. That would grant her early graduation, and leave her spot open for Kalin next semester.

Remember what I said about the distance.

The bond’s strength will fade the further away I get.

The other side of the planet is pretty far. We may not hear anything from each other all break. Be careful.

You’re sure you can’t have a phone or email on the human network?

It’s far too risky. If anything was found in my name...or if anyone even suspected that was the case...we’d both be in danger. Us and Kieran.

All right. I won’t ask you to risk all that. I just...got used to you being around all the time.

Akarisa smiled. I know. I like talking to you too. It’s only three weeks. I’ll see you in the new year.

Kalin hummed. We don’t actually ‘see’ much of each other though, do we?

If this break goes how I want it to, maybe we will.

Kalin hesitated. If you’re sure we can trust them, I’ll trust you...but I don’t know them. And from what you said initially...this could go really badly.

I don’t think it will. And we will eventually need people on our side if we want to bring our people together again.

It does sound nice when you talk about it. Kalin watched her breath freeze in front of her face, and tugged her coat more tightly around her shoulders as she set off across the lawn towards Aedan’s dorm, her footsteps crunching under her feet. A fine dusting of snow had fallen overnight. Pretty soon the mountains would be blanketed.

It’s late this year.

Yeah. Kalin shrugged. She was a creative, not a meteorologist. She would just be lucky not to get snowed in and miss her plane.

The faster you finish your arrangements, the sooner you can get down from the mountain and to the airport.

And the sooner I have to say goodbye.

You’ll stay in touch.

I know. It’s just...Everything.

Akarisa scooped up her bag and dropped it through into her ‘magic pouch’ as Kalin called it. Remember to breathe. Enjoy your time with your family. Be proud you passed your exams and kept your scholarship. I’ll handle everything in this hemisphere.

Everything?

Okay, everything meaning all of our concerns in this hemisphere.

Kalin laughed quietly to herself.

Maybe when I come back, I can meet Aedan. Akarisa smirked as Kalin jumped.

But for now, remember to keep a straight face.

Kalin scowled, covering her face with her scarf.

He’s gonna know based on your eyes.

“You okay?” Aedan asked, stepping out of the sheltered alcove over the doorway to his dorm.

“Yeah.” Kalin said, sighing as she smoothed out her expression. “Just frustrated...though, I suppose the semester could have ended on a much worse note.”

“You’ve already put in the paperwork and done everything you can. You reminded your RA that you leave the country for break?”

“Yeah, she said that’s fine, she can email me whatever else they need.”

Aedan nodded, stepping closer to wrap one arm around Kalin and press a kiss to her forehead. “Just about ready to go?”

“I think so. I hope so.” Kalin sighed.

I don’t remember anything you forgot.

That...is more reassuring than my memory.

Aedan opened the door for her, ushering her inside. “Then we’ll handle whatever else comes up. Come on in.”

Akarisa stepped out in the frigid air, huddling up inside her fluffy coat. “Brrr.” she muttered, looking around for Kieran.

“It’ll be colder once we get up there.” he said, patting her back and laughing as he stepped up behind her.

“Great.” Akarisa muttered. “As much as I love your parents, I do much prefer flying out to them over summer break.”

“Got your concealments ready?” Kieran asked, smiling and shaking his head.

“Yeah.” Akarisa muttered, quickly casting what she needed to stay off the humans’ radars as they traveled. “Let’s just go.”

“Did you eat?”

Akarisa glared at him. “Even if I hadn’t, I’m already freezing and I’m not about to turn back now.”

Kieran eyed her with a healthy dose of suspicion before giving in with a tired sigh. “Fine. We’ll eat when we get there. Just don’t faint mid-flight.”

“I’m sure you have snacks stuffed in your pockets.”

Kieran laughed, stepping out into the open courtyard in front of the admin apartments and spreading his wings. “What would you do if I said I’d forgotten them?”

Akarisa glared at him. “It’s not funny.”

“I can carry you most of the way there if I have to.” He smiled mischievously at her, his eyes sparkling.

Akarisa huffed. “You won’t have to...even without snacks.”

“Is that a bet?”

Akarisa set her jaw and spread her wings. “Maybe.”

Kieran shook his head with a laugh. “Suit yourself.”

They took off together, circling around the clearing as they rose slowly into the sky. As soon as she cleared the treetops, a blast of frigid air took Akarisa’s breath away. She boosted her warming spell and huddled inside her coat as much as she could, but her wings trembled ever so slightly.

“You okay?” Kieran asked, gliding as close as their wingspans would allow.

“Just cold.” Akarisa shook her head. “I just want to get the traveling part over with.”

“We still have a long way to go.” Kieran gave her a sympathetic look. “We really should pace ourselves.”

Akarisa sighed her resignation and glanced up at the clear light blue sky above her. If it wasn’t so cold, it would have been perfect.

She tried to focus on matching Kieran’s wingbeats, letting the rhythmic movement soothe her, as her muscles slowly relaxed so she could stop trembling from the bitter cold.

“Don’t fall asleep midair on me.” Kieran called. “We’re nearly there.”

Akarisa caught herself drifting and shook her head, taking a moment to regain her balance. The sun had shifted further down in the sky.

Akarisa shivered. Being entranced like that mid-flight terrified her after the fact. Anything could have happened. Not that Kieran would have let it. She gave him a grateful smile as they started to swoop gently down and around the borders of his parents’ estate. He gave her a wide grin in return, nosing in front of her as they descended. Akarisa grit her teeth.

“Don’t be childish.” she muttered to herself, but she tilted herself forwards toward the ground anyway.

The resulting rush of adrenaline cleared her mind, and she smirked as she cut past him around the loop leading them into the fields his family used for landings.

She heard voices ahead and pulled up short, grunting with the effort of reversing her momentum as she dropped to the ground, crouching as her shins and knees protested. She stepped to the side as quickly as she could so that Kieran had space to land before looking around.

The field was crowded, she recognized a few of Kieran’s more distant relatives looking like they were getting ready to leave, with their own staff and the staff of the estate bustling around everyone with coats and holding warming spells in place over the family members’ outstretched wings.

Kieran landed beside her, scanning the crowd as he ushered Akarisa off to the side. “Let’s get inside. We can greet those who stay later.” he whispered in her ear. He sounded tense, she realized vaguely as she led the way to the doors. The staff parted to let them through, with many of them welcoming them back.

Akarisa nodded and smiled in response to as many greetings as she could before Kieran tugged her out of the flow of people in the hallway and into a side room with a few lounge chairs and a small fireplace that crackled merrily.

Kieran shrugged out of his coat and knelt by the fire, holding his hands up in front of the flames. Akarisa opened the front of her coat and knelt beside him, her hands trembling as she shivered. He shifted closer to her, and she leaned against his side, sighing as she watched the fire leap higher, as if welcoming them home.

“There you are!” Phoeri’s voice rang out from the doorway. “You must be half-frozen still. I have Olyndra preparing a bath for you, Akarisa, and Kieran, your father wishes to see you as soon as you’re warmed up enough for a quick conversation.”

“Akarisa gets a bath prepared for her, and I get sent right to work.” Kieran sighed dramatically. His mother crossed her arms and glared at him. “I’m going, Mother, I’m going.” he lifted his hands in a gesture of surrender and carefully squeezed past her into the hallway. “See you later!” he called to Akarisa before he disappeared.

“If he’d let me finish, he’d know he has a bath waiting too.” Phoeri muttered. She held out her hand with a warm smile. “Come, I have several things to show you.”

Akarisa followed Phoeri through the main house of the estate, as everyone else flowed around them with smiles and nods of recognition. Phoeri chatted about the various goings on of the family amicably, but Akarisa honestly only half paid attention to most of it. Beyond Kieran and his parents, she couldn’t say she felt close to his extended family. Neither would Kieran, but only if his parents weren’t around to hear it. Instead, Akarisa focused on the familiarity of the halls and rooms they passed. Various shades of cream and green, the family colors, with dark wood and gold accents covered everything. Phoeri liked open spaces, so any room that didn’t need a door had an archway instead. The rooms that did have doors usually had large double doors in the same shape as the archway. Akarisa remembered that some of the doors had been moved over the years as the family’s use of their rooms had changed. As she and Kieran had grown.

“I’m sorry for talking your ear off, you must be exhausted.” Phoeri said as they reached the guest rooms usually reserved for Akarisa when she visited.

Akarisa gave her a small smile, feeling exhaustion building up under her eyes. She’d probably have dark shadows soon. “I don’t mind.” In truth, it made her feel welcome. Her smile morphed into a more genuine expression, and Phoeri returned it with love. She gave Akarisa’s shoulder a squeeze.

“Call if you need anything, as always. What’s ours is yours. I’ll show you the rest tomorrow, after you’ve had a chance to recover.” Phoeri pulled Akarisa into a tight hug before disappearing down the hall.

Akarisa yawned as she nudged the door to her suite open, the room a blur of blues and greens, as Phoeri and Adaerius had decorated with some of her family’s colors to help her feel more at home here.

“Welcome back.” Shyura bowed. She had been the one attending to Akarisa at the estate for decades now. Akarisa wished she’d said ‘welcome home.’

“Glad to see you’re doing well.” Akarisa tried to smile through her next yawn. Her vision blurred, and she was fairly certain her eyes were barely open. She hoped Shyura didn’t take offense.

“I’ll stay to keep you from drowning in your bath when you fall asleep, if you don’t mind.” Shyura said, her voice much closer now, and Akarisa felt her traveling coat being pulled from her shoulders and gently lifted over her wings. She folded them out of sight to make undressing easier. Her eyes watered with exhaustion.

“This way.” Shyura said, gently taking Akarisa's arm and leading her towards the bathroom. Akarisa could feel the steam hit her face as Shyura opened the door.

Akarisa followed the older womans guidance into the tub without protest. She sighed and sank up to her chin in the hot water.

Akarisa let herself drift in the warm water, feeling life return to her frozen limbs bit by bit.

“Akarisa?” Phoeri's voice called. “Are you awake?”

Akarisa opened her eyes and looked over at the door. “Yeah.”

“Are you decent?”

“Didn't you change my diapers when I was a child?” Akarisa shook her head. “Give me a minute.” She climbed out of the tub and toweled herself off before wrapping herself in a fluffy blue robe. “Decent.” She called, opening the bathroom door.

The sparse light reflected off the silver and marble surfaces in the bathroom, giving it an ethereal look. Akarisa quickly wrapped her hair up in her towel before stepping out into the main bedroom.

“I didn't mean to interrupt.” Phoeri said from her seat by the fireplace. “Just wanted to make sure you wouldn't drown.”

Akarisa stepped into the closet and changed into some comfortable lounge clothes before reappearing. “I can swim better than I could as a small child.”

Phoeri gave her a wry smile. “That's a low bar.”

Akarisa pulled a face at her, but smiled after. “You said you had a few things to show me?” She asked, taking the seat next to Phoeri.

“I figure we can start with the discussion portion.” Phoeri fidgeted slightly. Akarisa gave her a concerned look. She had never seen Kieran's mother nervous like this. She had, for a while, suspected some of Phoeri's demeanor had been a facade meant to reassure the children. She had never expected it to falter, even now that she was an adult.

“I stopped biting a while ago.” Except for some situations.

Phoeri laughed softly. “That's good to hear.” She straightened in her chair, turning her head to face Akarisa. “Kieran mentioned you met the Kraiayan council representative.”

Akarisa frowned. “I did.” She hesitated for a moment, before words rushed out of her. “He has no reason to think me a threat.” She dropped her gaze. “But I don't think I like him much.”

“You don't have to like him. I would've been afraid if you had.” Phoeri rested a hand reassuringly on Akarisa's shoulder. Akarisa gave her a reluctant smile. Why would you have been afraid?

Phoeri took a deep breath. “You know, Adaerius and I have always loved you as one of our own. As you and Kieran got older, we've hoped you might one day be a member of our family officially.” She smiled genuinely then. “It seems our dreams may yet come true. Which is why...” she swallowed. “There is something I think you should know.”

Akarisa tilted her head. What did all this have to do with her meeting the Karinean rep?

“I'm sure you are by now aware that there are those in our society who are...unhappy with how things stand.”

Akarisa’s jaw dropped. Phoeri held up a a hand.

“I'm sure you've guessed where this is going, but please, let me finish.”

Akarisa closed her mouth and nodded.

“Adaerius and I have been members of this group for a long time.” Phoeri admitted. Akarisa understood why she’d been so nervous.

Akarisa could very easily report them to her father, who would turn them over to the Karineans. Phoeri was telling her because her ascension was rather imminent, now, and they were hoping she’d make the changes they wanted once she sat in her father’s seat at the head of the Ayniel high council.

Akarisa bit her lip, staring at the fire. She waved one hand as Phoeri opened her mouth to speak again, probably desperate for some reassurance.

If she did what Phoeri was—indirectly—asking for, she and Kalin would be free from persecution. If they survived the war that would cause. And right now, she couldn’t get Kalin’s input because her majine had flown to another continent for break.

“I myself am inclined towards your cause.” she said carefully. “But my own opinion is not the only one I must consider.” she gave Phoeri a meaningful look.

Phoeri blinked at her, flummoxed. “Kieran will—” Akarisa shook her head, a soft smile on her lips.

“I already know what he will choose. Though the discussion about it could be a lot of fun.”

“Then who—” Phoeri studied her intently for a moment. “You didn’t—you—you’re—” she stammered. “You’re majine?” she whispered, leaning closer.

Akarisa just nodded, a mischievous smirk dancing across her face. “She’s on break across the ocean.” she admitted.

“When? How?” Phoeri demanded in disbelief.

“It was an accident, I swear.” Akarisa lifted her hands in a gesture of surrender. “We were out taking a walk through the woods and we heard someone fall into the lake—we were on our side, but she goes for runs to stay sane—anyway, I went in after her thinking it was one of ours, and we almost drowned when the bond hit. Kieran pulled us out.”

Phoeri’s mouth hung open. “Does your father know?” she asked when she’d pulled herself together a little. Akarisa shook her head.

“I—I don’t know what to say. What’s she like?”

“Inventive.” Akarisa laughed. “She never stops thinking.” she groaned after. “She’s so creative, but it never stops.”

“How’s she taking it?”

“Pretty well, overall. Of course she’s shocked and confused, and feels really lost about, well, everything. But she didn’t go running off to tell anyone. She’s curious, and she thinks of me as a friend who can just so happen to hear and see through her.”

“That’s how it was supposed to be.” Phoeri murmured, looking at the carpet illuminated by the dancing flames. Akarisa gave her a glance. Kieran’s parents were old enough to have had majine before the Betrayal, but they’d never spoken of it. She wondered how many of those who had been forcibly separated from their majine back then missed their human counterparts. Maybe those were the ones Phoeri belonged to—the ones who wanted change.

“Well your break isn’t quite long enough for me to arrange for you to meet everyone and hear what they have to say.” Phoeri said thoughtfully.

“You know my father doesn’t like me leaving campus during the semester.” Akarisa sighed.

Phoeri just smiled mysteriously. “He will this semester. You’ll have a good reason, don’t worry.”

Finally able to retreat to her rooms, Akarisa lit the fireplace with a wave of her hand before curling up in a nearby armchair with her mother’s journal balanced on her knee. I know Mom wanted to protect the humans. She’s the reason Father fought the Karineans at all.

But why did Mom believe we could win? Karineans control the powers of the stars. Burgeoning civilizations often worship them as stars. We may share a few faint threads of common blood, but nowhere near enough to win a war.

She read each page slowly, carefully. Savoring each of her mother’s words, knowing the end of the journal would be her last.

But she didn’t find anything unexpected.

Finally, with her eyes burning from the late hour, the long flight, and unshed tears, she closed the journal three-fourths of the way through, tucking it away before nestling under the blankets and closing her eyes, a few stray tears slipping onto the pillow beneath her cheek.