Gram's POV
I stared at my shoes as Archean screamed at me about, yet again, my incompetence. I wanted to cover my ears and curl into a small ball. I had so many things I regretted. I regretted losing Luka's trust. I regretted taking Damien's hand that day. I regretted accepting this position, although fully knowing how unstable Archean really was. Wait, on second thought, I am glad I took this position that way nobody else would get hurt. Nobody should have to put up with this abuse.
Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I saw Amara spring out from around the corner. Flames of anger danced in her eyes and rage seemed to emit from her whole being. The crisp sound of a slap rang out into the hallway.
I sat there, stunned. Never, in my whole time spent at this estate, has anybody stood up to Archean, much less slap him. I reached out to grab her arm, trying to let her know to stop. She pushed it away and gave me a confident smile that masked her anger. She glared at Archean as he clutched his face.
"What-who, Amara?" Archean stuttered, stumbling over his words in surprise and confusion. "That's right," Amara said.
She seemed to tower over him, although she was barely 5'4. "What right do you have to yell at him!" she screamed. "What right was given to you to blame your faults on someone else!"
"Who do you think you are, Archean? Open your eyes! You were the one who wanted to send only Luka and Caspian. You were the one that pressured Gram into sending them so early!"
I sat there uncomfortably, watching Amara go ballistic. I saw a flicker of red and looked up to see Astrid, Wren, Caspian, Talia, Kalina, and Theo all watching in shock. I was even more surprised to see Luka, even though he had pretty severe wounds. Caspian kept tugging on his arm, but Luka just brushed it away.
"What is your problem!" Amara said, finally taking a rest to breathe. I watched Archean's face anxiously. Anger contorted his features. I shuddered, praying that Amara would be alright. Archean glared at Amara.
"My problem? I don't have a problem! I am trying to deliver justice to a person who rightly deserves it! And, to do that, I have to push this team to the limit just so you can have a purpose! Without me, you are nothing. You would still be living in those dark places that the Old Guard found you in!"
I winced at his sharp words. He wasn't wrong, but Amara was putting up with none of it. "That's ridiculous! You need to stop living in the past! Archean, the Old Guard is dead! They aren't here anymore, and this team is not the Old Guard! I am nothing like them, neither are any of us, and you can't expect us to be exactly like them!" Amara snarled.
She spun to everyone. Staring at each one of us with piercing eyes. I almost gasped when her eyes suddenly switched to that electric turquoise. They seemed to stare right through me, straight down to my soul. "Even you," she said, addressing all of us, "you need to stop living in the past. Wake up! The world isn't going to wait for you!"
Then, she spun on her heel and brushed past Archean, disappearing into the dark hallway. Her anger seemed to follow her, as the corridor slowly became cold. None of its original warmth remained.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amara's POV
I stormed away from them, too angry to think straight. I wanted to scream so many more things, but I didn't want to say something that I would regret to the team. As for Archean, he deserved everything that was coming for him. I walked briskly down the hallway, taking several turns until I was sure that I was lost.
I continued, trying to find something that I recognized, but I found nothing. If anything, this part of the house had a thin layer of dust on every surface, making it seem like nobody had lived there in years. Finally, I decided to stop walking and started to try and open doors. Eventually, one door sprang open, showering dust on my head. A wide gapping whole of black stared at me. I cautiously stepped through the doorway, engulfed by the darkness.
Gently, I formed a small ball of light in my hand. The small room was illuminated by the soft glow from the orb. I gasped, all of my previous thoughts vanishing as I gazed at the walls of the room. Pictures of the Old Guard covered the walls. I read a small description underneath the picture closet to me. It read:
From left to right: Grey, Uriah, Iris, Nix, Damien, Rina, Faith, and Riley.
I recognized the name, Damien, from Archean. I gently took down the photo, bringing closer to the light to see the smiling faces of the Old Guard. I saw that the name, Nix, was circled in highlighter. I folded the picture and tucked it into my pocket. I glanced at the table in the corner and noticed an envelope sitting on it, almost like it was waiting for someone. I picked it up and, without a second thought, tore the seal on the back. I pulled out a slightly aged piece of paper.
I could barely make out the words in the dim light.
Dear Nix,
Oh, Nix! We will miss you dearly! Please don't forget about us when you return to your homeland! You must come visit us at least once a year. Surely that isn't too bad of a request? We hope that you enjoy your reunion with your tribe and your fiancée. Even though you weren't actually a hybrid or officially part of this team, we will forever consider you our family! Don't pay attention to old Archean's grumbling and complaints. You will always hold a special place in our hearts! To be honest, you were more of a leader than Damien ever will be. Oops, he's annoyed now. Anyways, we will miss your warmth and your brilliant ideas. Make sure you don't forget about us! Bye Nix! We love you with all our hearts!
Yours always,
Iris, Damien, Uriah, Grey, Rina, Faith, and Riley.
P.S. The kiddos send their heartfelt goodbyes!
Before I knew it, tears were streaming down my cheeks. I could almost feel the warmth and love from the people who originally wrote it. I read it again. Questions started to form in my mind as I read. So, before Damien, Nix was the leader? Who was Nix? Why did she have to return to her homeland? Where was her homeland?
I tucked the letter back into the envelope and put it in my pocket too. As I looked up, one picture caught my attention. I recognized Nix in the middle holding a sword. Upon closer examination, she was holding the exact same sword that I had. I noticed her hair was tied up by the same cyan ribbon tied to the handle of the sword. My hands began to shake as I stared at the picture. That's why everyone gave me those weird looks when I picked this weapon! So, if they knew Nix had this sword that means that "the kiddos" from the letter must be referring to them.
I quickly deposited the picture in my pocket before exiting the room. I felt that I had gathered enough information for today. I hurried out and shut the door with a soft thud. Before leaving, I pulled out my pocket knife. Using the dagger, I made a small dash underneath the door knob. Then, I spun and scurried away with a growing worry of never being able to find my room again.