Guardian: Protectors of Light

Thirteen years later

A gloomy autumn morning announced itself. The sun tried to break through the thick pack of clouds hanging overhead, but without much success.

A post office van stopped in the middle of the street, at the sidewalk by number 32. The delivery boy left his van and opened the back to collect a package. He then entered the house’s front yard, off to deliver the said package.

From upstairs, a boy was looking out of his bedroom window, following the delivery boy’s every step as he walked into the front yard. The boy’s name was James Riverdale. His red hair lay on his head like flames, with two bright blue eyes sparkling underneath; a pointy nose between them.

That’s got to be it, James said. It’s finally here!

He made his way downstairs as quickly as he could, his feet drumming hastily on the stairs, but as soon as he’d reached the hallway, his eighteen-year-old sister had already answered the door.

Package for Mr Riverdale, the delivery boy said to her.

Ah, she replied. Her name was, of course, Samira. I’ll go get him for you.

However, she didn’t have to, as James walked up behind her, placing a hand on her shoulder.

That’d be mine, he said. Where should I sign?

Right here. The delivery boy handed him a pen and a clamp board. James quickly wrote down his name and returned the clamp board, exchanging it for the package.

Enjoy, the delivery boy said, before walking back to his van. Meanwhile, it’d started to rain.

James shut the door, watching his package closely, until he noticed his sister was looking at him.

What? he said. Samira shook her head. She wore a big smirk on her face.

"Really, James? Ordering books again?"

James’s eyes shifted from his sister to the package in his hands. Uh... Yeah? he said. What’s wrong with that?

Sabrina rolled her eyes. "Well... You do know there’s a library just around the block, huh?"

James nodded. I do, he said, but...

"But what? Samira said. It’d be much easier if you just went over there and rented a couple books every month or so, instead of buying a bunch every month! She spread her arms out while talking. Renting books is free!"

James shrugged. I don’t know, he said, but somehow I never find anything interesting inside that old library... But I do in bookstores.

Samira crossed her arms. Your call, she said. She turned around and started to walk away. But anyway, what books did you buy this time?

Oh, you just watch! James shouted, as he ran past his sister, into the living room. A bunch of the newest fantasy books. They looked really interesting!

Meanwhile, his sister had bent over the coffee table and picked up the newspaper, and was busy reading an article. Well, this might sound interesting to you as well, she said.

James tilted his head as he looked at her. What do you mean? he said, as he moved over to his sister, who was pointing out an article inside the newspaper.

Look! she said. The library’s closing for expansion next week; they’re giving away old books!

Really? James said, as he put down the package on the table to have a closer look at the article. Hey, you’re right! Sweet! He looked at his sister as a big smirk grew on his face.

Are you thinking what I’m thinking, sis?

Sabrina smiled at him. I think you’re going there to snatch a couple of books.

I sure am, James grinned. First, I’m going to read one of these, he said, while pointing at the still unopened package resting on the coffee table, and when the rain’s stopped, I’m heading down there to take a peek! Old books are the best!

He then picked up his package and disappeared out of the room, off to spend the morning stuck in a book.

Shortly after he’d gone upstairs, a blonde woman appeared in the living room. I thought I heard James? she said.

Her name was Cheyenne, James’s and Samira’s mother.

Yes, he just left with another of his book-orders, Samira said. Well... At least he doesn’t spend his money on games or other stuff.

Cheyenne smiled. He’s got that love for books from his father, that’s for sure, she said.

Samira chuckled, moving her hands to her hips. Yes, he does, she said. She shook her head; seeing how much James resembled his father gave her joy, yet also a sense of sadness. Thinking back to the way they lost them, James resembling his father was a lot less fun.

According to the doctors, Martin had died from the injuries he’d gained after a car accident; the same white lie Samira could remember her father coughing at her mother in his last conversation they ever shared. But still, Samira couldn’t shake the feeling something more had been going on.

It was a painful subject, of which they rather never spoke. And so they didn’t.

Samira let go of the thoughts about her father, and looked at her mother. Well, I guess I’ll go check out what he’s up to, she said. Cheyenne nodded.

*

James? Are you in here?

Samira opened her little brother’s bedroom door, her head peeking around the door’s edge. James, who she noticed was sitting on his bed, gestured at her that she could come in.

As soon as she did, Samira could clearly see James had stationed himself on his bed; three books lied in front of him. He was reading the fourth one. A smile appeared on the teenager’s face as he saw his sister walking in.

Enjoying the book? Samira said, pointing at the book James was reading, as she found a place to sit between the books in front of her brother. He nodded at her.

I sure am, he said. With that being said, he enjoyed pretty much any book he’d order or buy, but that couldn’t ruin his fun. And then again, this one...

It reminds me of the fairytale Dad used to tell us, James said. Suddenly, a thought struck his mind. Why don’t we head for the library together? he suggested.

Samira nodded. Sure! I’d love to.

James slammed the book between his hands shut. Then it’s a deal, he said. How about we go now?

Wait, Samira said on an uncomprehending tone. "You mean now as in – right now?"

James nodded. Yeah. Why not?

"But it’s raining! Samira complained. Are you nuts? I mean – it’s no more than five minutes walking, but with the amounts of water that are currently falling from the sky, we’ll be soaked by the time we get there! And how are we supposed to take any books back home without letting them suffer the same fate as us?"

James chuckled at his sister’s rant and gave her a small shrug. You know I’ve never been bothered by rain at all, he chuckled.

Samira rolled her eyes and snorted. Indeed, he hadn’t ever been bothered. James had absolutely loved rain since he could walk. He’d usually spend rainy days running around outside, coming home all wet and, occasionally, muddy.

The boy also found the rain rather calming on different days; there were moments he could barely even control his emotions or actions, and if it was raining during one of those moments, he’d just simply sit down in front of a window to calm down. Which he managed successfully.

When it came to this certain subject, Samira was the rather opposite to her brother; she tended to get rather moody on rainy days. Especially when she had somewhere to go, which meant she was most likely to get there soaked. Going outside to get willingly soaked just to go to the library didn’t exactly make it to her fun-list.

But then again, it was autumn break, and what else was there to do? Right, nothing.

Then again, aside from staying inside all day, or going to the cinema... Samira shrugged. All right then, she said. Let’s go.

James’s eyes widened as a smile grew on his face. Really? he said. You’re serious about this?

Samira smiled at her brother and said, Yeah. If it makes you happy. I’d be more than pleased to spend some time with you.

James smiled back at his sister. So would he; he and Samira had hardly spent time together for the past few months. His sister had just graduated from high school and had taken a gap year; yet she spent that year filling out college applications and taking part-time jobs. Meanwhile, James had started his senior year of high school, which meant he was busy studying for the extra tests, and, of course, his final exams in May.

Most of the time, both of the two teenagers were simply too busy to spend time with each other, let alone with their friends. Sure, they spoke from time to time, but since Samira had left school together with the other members of their main friend group, James had been left on his own. He did have a couple of friends in his own year (Anna, a pretty and friendly Thai girl, being certainly special to him), but all of his closest friends were older than him. So yeah, it was about time they took some time to put school and stress aside and spent that time together instead.

All right then! James cheered, while getting off his bed as fast as he could. He pulled his sister to her feet by taking her hands, and laughed. This is going to be a great day, I feel it, he smiled.

Samira smiled back at him. Curious, she said, As I’ve got the same feeling. Now, let’s go tell Mum we’re going out, and then get going to the library, shall we?

James showed his sister a mischievous grin. Way ahead of you.

And before Samira could say anything in response, James had already run out of the room, and was making his way down the stairs.

That counts as a false start, James! Samira shouted at him, before following the sixteen-year-old downstairs.

Downstairs, they found their mother reading a book in the living room. Where are you two going? she asked, as she saw brother and sister racing down the stairs and grabbing their coats.

To the library, Mum, James said.

Don’t worry; we’ll be right back, Samira added.

Cheyenne chuckled. You two? To the library? she said. Remembering the last time I took you two to the library, be right back means in a few hours.

James showed his mother a mischievous smile. Who knows? he said.

As brother and sister went outside, they noticed that the rain had stopped falling, leaving petrichor lingering in the air.

Don’t you just love how it smells outside when the first rain has passed after a dry spell, James? Samira sighed.

I beg to differ, James huffed in response. I think it leaves the air feeling rather stuffy... I don’t really like it. His sister chuckled; she grinned at him.

Now there we share a difference of opinion, she said. Anyway, we should get going. You never know whether the rain comes back or not. She looked at the sky while talking, as if she was expecting rain to fall instantly. It seemed almost inevitable that it was going to rain again, as there was a thick pack of gray clouds hanging overhead.

Sure, James said. We should get going already. The earlier we get there, the more time we can spend digging around in the books.

The siblings then smiled at each other and ran off to the library.

Luckily for the duo, the library wasn’t more than three blocks away; within minutes, they’d arrived at the majestic, old building.

A poster had been stuck to one of the front windows. Closing soon for renovation; All old books must go! We’re giving away books that have been in the library for 10 years and longer. Interested? See inside!

As they entered, James’s jaw dropped in awe. It’d been so long since he’d been there; the building was small, yet breathtaking.

It had two levels, similar to any other old library; this second level sure did make up for the fact that the library was particularly small in size.

The reddish glow of the mahogany furniture gave the building a warm feeling; by the look in her brother’s eyes, Samira could tell they would be there for a while. It was as if James had reverted to his ten-year-old self.

He knew he wasn’t allowed to run inside a library; otherwise, he would’ve done so. He walked and turned around for a bit, his eyes fixated on the piles and rows of books that towered above him. He even ignored gestures and whispers from his sister requesting him to keep it down.

James eventually answered to her requests, as the librarian walked up to the two siblings and greeted them.

Ah, James and Samira, right? the woman said. She was probably in her mid-forties, and she had puffy, short brown curls. James remembered her in an instant; she’d been a friend of his father’s. Her name was Carolyn.

It’s been a long while since I’ve seen you two, Carolyn smiled. Tell me; what brings you here?

James smiled at Carolyn. Just browsing, he said. We actually came here because we heard you were giving away old books. He tapped his fingers against his chin. Could you show me where they are?

Carolyn clapped her hands together. Of course I can, she said. Follow me.

James grinned at his sister as they followed Carolyn through the library. They ended up in the south wing; the old book section containing books which were being given away was rather a small part of the library’s whole collection.

Sweet, James smiled, as he saw the bookcases in front of him, filled with books ready to be taken home.

I hope you’ll enjoy your visit, Carolyn said. Just tell me when you’ve found something you like.

Carolyn was about to walk away, but Samira stopped her by grabbing her arm. James had already walked toward the bookshelves.

Actually, I was wondering if you have any action books? she asked. Anything new?

Carolyn smiled at Samira. Of course, she said, I remember you were always a fan of action-packed stories when you were little. She noticed she was about to daze off into a memory of long ago, so she just decided to say, Follow me.

While Samira was following Carolyn, James was already digging about between the old books. He scanned the bookcases, taking several books off the shelves as he went.

He scanned each book quickly while flipping through it and reading a couple pages. Yet, there still wasn’t anything to have caught his eye.

This kept going for a while, until he stumbled onto a book, which had been stuffed away way to the back of one of the bookcases.

Hmm... James mumbled, intrigued by his new find. He reached out for it, and brought it to one of the nearby tables he’d stalled out the other books on as well.

The book certainly looked old; the binding was made of leather, and on the front cover, in golden, curly letters, a title had been written. Nothing else.

"Guardians of Light," James read the book’s title. On both the front and back, the book had been decorated with curly patterns. Despite its age, the book looked as if it was in good shape.

James couldn’t hold his curiosity, and decided to read the first page; the book started with a picture of a magical landscape, with white trees and flowers growing everywhere. It looked beautiful.

"Once upon a time, a long time ago, were six Spirits. These Spirits were called the Spirits of Light; the Almighty Spirit, the Spirit of Innocence, the Spirit of Life, the Spirit of Joy, The Spirit of Night and Day and the Spirit of Darkness. These six Spirits combined their powers to create a magical world and balance every element in it," James read. Suddenly, he remembered the story his father had told him so many times.

This was that story! Someone must’ve taken the original fairytale, and used the original story to expand it. Or something like that; James didn’t really care. He’d found it!

Overflowing with joy, he ran through the library. He didn’t run too fast, though; he didn’t want to get kicked out before being able to show his sister his miraculous find.

Guardians of Light

Not much later, the two teenagers were making their way across the streets back home. Of course, James had decided to take the book. What did he have to lose? The library was giving it away, anyway. If it didn’t match his childhood memories, he could easily stuff it inside his bookcase to maybe read it someday.

As they were walking down the street, Samira and James discussed a few details about the book.

I’ve read the first few pages, James said, and the prologue to the story is pretty much the same as the story Dad used to tell us. But there are lot more pages after the prologue, so I’m guessing someone wrote a whole lot more!

Well, I’m curious to find out the rest of the story, Samira said, while examining the book. The title’s different as well.

James nodded. He wanted to add something, but he hadn’t even opened his mouth before getting interrupted by a familiar voice.

James! You book worm! What are you two dorks up to?

As soon as he heard his name, James turned around and grinned. Samira joined him, smiling as well.

Hey, Bells! Thom! The two teenagers approached the siblings quickly, waving and smiling at them.

Hey, Sammy, Jamey, Thomas said. Let me guess; James has bought a new batch? he continued, after laying an eye on the book Samira was holding.

James gave him a triumphant look and said, Actually, no. I got this one from the old book section in the public library. Pause. They’re giving them away. Another pause. For free.

Bella smirked and crossed her arms, bending her torso a bit forward. "So, now we’re on that tour again, aren’t we, James?" she said.

James smirked back at her, shoving his hands in his pockets and shrugging. Nah, he said, I highly doubt I’ll be doing this again. I mean... they have good books, but I see this book as one in a million, eh? He slowly drifted off as if he forgot what his point was. ...My point is that I might slow down on my buying-routine after finishing the books I’ve got to read now.

Thomas leaned back, crossing his arms as he raised his eyebrows in a sceptical way. Now why am I having a hard time trying to believe what you just said? he said, baring his teeth in a wide grin.

Samira couldn’t help but letting out a chuckle. He’s got plenty of books to read for now. I think he’ll be busy finishing those for a while. She turned to look at him. But slowing down after that? I don’t believe it either.

It’s true! James had gotten on his tiptoes and pointed his index finger into the air, as if it’d help him prove his point.

As they were talking, small drops of rain started to fall from the sky, which quickly fastened their pace and grew in size. All four teenagers ran off to find the nearest shelter; the house of Antonio, their mutual – yet Thomas’ best, for that matter - friend, who made their usual gang of five complete.

The doorbell rang, followed by the muffled sound of shouting voices behind it, probably discussing who had to go get the door. Then, the door was opened by the one who’d lost the discussion.

...And apparently, it was Antonio himself. He wore a grumpy face, probably from annoyance due to the fact that he had to open the door, but his face lit up as soon as he saw his friends standing in front of him.

Hey, guys! he said. What are you doing here?

Seeking shelter, of course! James said, who’d tucked the book underneath his jacket. There’s a storm raging out here!

Don’t exaggerate, James, Antonio snorted. It’s, well... raining. But please, do come in.

He didn’t have to tell them twice. Everyone followed Antonio up to his room after taking off their wet clothes and shoes, and all sat down on the bed. It wasn’t until there when Antonio’s eye suddenly fell on James’s book, after James had taken it from underneath his vest; he’d tucked it inside the inner pocket in his vest as he’d tucked it under his jacket.

What’s that? Antonio asked, while making a small gesture toward the book with his hand.

Samira, who answered before her brother could, said: I just got an idea! Why don’t we read it now?

James threw her a sceptical look. "Uh- you mean, as in right now? he said, while flipping through the book. ...Sam, I don’t mean to burst your bubble, but this book is kind of long. As in really long."

Samira laughed. "And all of a sudden, you seem to have a problem with that? she giggled, and paused. Just the first five chapters or so, to see what it’s like."

James shrugged. All right then, I’m in, he said. What do you guys think?

Bella, Thomas and Antonio nodded agreeing. Sure, why not?’ Bella said. It looks pretty interesting."

Yeah, Thomas added. "I’d like to know what that story’s actually about. You haven’t told us that much yet, after all."

Well, I’m curious to find out more too, James said, while opening the book on the first page. I’ve never seen the part of the story that comes after the prologue, either.

Samira leaned to the side, a little closer to her brother, to be able to read along as he read the story out loud. Well, let’s find out, then, she said. Let’s start at the prologue.

*

And so the afternoon went on. They spent all afternoon reading, getting lost in both time and the book. The thing the five of them were the most amazed about were the extremely detailed drawings that supported the story; they were really good and were drawn very realistically, almost as if they were pictures of actual people.

A funny thing was that they got so lost in the book, that none of the five teens realised what time it as until they’d reached the end of the book and had already finished reading.

...Wait, was that really the last page? James said, as he turned the last page and found a blank page on the other side.

However, the page wasn’t completely empty; in the middle of the page there was one word, written in stylized, curly handwriting; "Believe".

‘Believe?’ Samira mumbled. "Wonder whatever that’s supposed to mean... I believe we kept on reading a bit too long, guys."

"A bit too long? Thomas shouted worriedly, while looking on his watch. It’s almost four o’clock! I promised my mother I’d be back at two!"

Your mum’s still got you on a curfew? Antonio snickered. "Really, Thomas? You’re nineteen, for God’s sake!"

"It’s not a curfew, Thomas snapped. She just... likes to check on my whereabouts. She’s a control freak, trust me."

That’s what parents do, Thom, Samira laughed. Control our lives as much as they can.

Yeah, Bella said. But they love us though. Otherwise, Dad never would’ve allowed me to pursue my dance career.

Didn’t he try to stop you? Thomas remarked.

He was scared of the dance I wanted to do, not of the idea of me dancing. But I succeeded in doing both... She paused, taking a few moments to realise Thomas was trying to get the conversation off-topic. But that’s not the point! she shouted.

Guys, this isn’t the time to argue, James decided. Let’s talk about the book instead.hat do you guys think of the story?

I think it was kind of bloody, to be honest, Bella said. That so-called Master of Nightmares might be a half-human, half-demon, but to me, he’s a full-bred monster!

He might be, Antonio said, but he’s still an awesomely written villain. You’ve got to admit; he doesn’t take shit from anyone and he makes sure everyone knows it.

"Would you mind?" Thomas commented, regarding Antonio’s choice of language, but Antonio however didn’t seem to care much for it.

Why don’t you lighten up a bit, you itty-bitty-Britty-boy, he grinned.

Thomas didn’t really seem to like the nickname he’d been given "What did you call me?"

Antonio sighed and rolled his eyes. There you go. He wants to fight.

Thomas jumped up from the bed and walked over to Antonio while throwing off his grey vest and rolling up the sleeves red sweater.

I sure do, he said. "At least, if I have your permission."

Guys! Samira shouted angrily. "I am not in the mood for this!"

Let’s save this one for later, shall we? Antonio hissed beneath his breath. I owe you one.

Fine, Thomas said, and found his seat next to Bella again. Coward.

Antonio crossed his arms. Don’t say that again, or I might rethink my decision.

James, attempting to get the conversation started again, laughed nervously. All right, guys, he said. So... He quickly flipped through the book, as if it was going to help him find something to talk about, when his eye suddenly fell on a group picture of the five Guardians of Light.

The costumes the Guardians are given once they arrive in Keeper’s Cove do look really cool, though, he said. What do you guys think?

His friends leaned over closer to him in order to be able to see the picture he’d mentioned, so James stuck out his arms and held the book more forward so everyone could see.

I think she looks really cool, Bella said, pointing at a girl dressed in armour; she wore a hooded cape which had been coloured black with messy, black scribbles, and looked strong, yet mysterious. Her raven black hair was a rather complete mess, and her face looked determined. Like a knight in shining armour.

She sure does have a kick-ass sword, Thomas said. "I’d like to wield a sword once. You know, a real one. Not some plastic lightsabre from a Disneyland shop or something like that."

I think I’d prefer bow and arrow, Samira said. It has some elegance to it, I don’t know.

Well, this girl here uses a crossbow, James said, pointing at a fairly small girl, who was seemingly quite a lot younger than the other Guardians, and had curly hair. So I guess that’s a thing too. But I think I’d prefer a sword, though.

Throwing daggers would be my thing, Antonio said. Easy to carry, fast and deadly. ...But a halberd is awesome too, I must say.

I wanted to discuss costumes, and now we’ve gone on to discussing weaponry, James chuckled. Their weapons played a more important role in their surviving anyway.

But they didn’t, Thomas said. They... just... died. He paused. I disagree with the ending. The villain never wins. This is wrong!

"But the Master of Nightmares didn’t really win, after all, Samira corrected him. The Spirits of Light merged with the spirits of the Guardians, so they could help them guide the next Bond of Light until they find the Tenth Generation."

Thomas threw Samira an uncomprehending look, but James nodded at him. It’s right here, he said. She’s right.

Of course I’m right, Samira said. I’m always right.

Agree to disagree, James said, while looking at the clock that hung on Antonio’s wall, right above the door. I think we should head home for dinner. It’s getting kind of late.

Maybe we should, Samira said. It’s been fun, you guys.

If you’re going, I’m going too, Bella said. I’ve got four hours of training tomorrow morning. I’m going to need a lot of sleep tonight...

I had to be home about two and a half an hour ago, so I think I have to get going as well, Thomas said. Or else my parents are going to be pissed.

Antonio snickered, but didn’t say anything after receiving a killer glare from Thomas. All right, see you guys tomorrow, he said.

He walked his friends to the door and they said goodbye. James, Samira, Bella and Thomas walked the first bit of the way together, until they had to part ways.

When James and Samira entered their house, smells of grilled chicken and garlic bread filled the hallway.

Mmm, smells like Mum’s started to cook dinner already, James said, licking his lips.

That’s right! their mother’s voice shouted from the kitchen. And it’s ready, so please sit at the table! I’ll be right there in a minute.

As James and Samira sat down at the dinner table, their mother came rushing in, carrying a big dish of chicken.

Smells good, Mum! James said, as Cheyenne began dividing the chicken over three plates.

Thank you, sweetie, his mother smiled at him, as she set down his plate. Then, she noticed the book lying next to him on the table.

James, you know the rules: no books, phones or other things on the table when we’re eating, she said.

Sorry Mum, James said, as he put the book on the ground. I just picked that one up from the library this afternoon.

Really? Cheyenne said. What’s it about?

It’s either the full version or some kind of sequel to that fairy tale Dad always used to read to us, Samira said. It’s really cool, with swordfights, Magic and everything!

Yeah, James said. It kind of continues with the first Generation of the Bond of Light that’s mentioned in Dad’s fairy tale.

I’m glad you’ve found something you like, Cheyenne smiled, as they proceeded to eat dinner.

*

Night had fallen, and the entire family had gone to bed. Yet, still, James didn’t seem to be able to sleep. There was just something about that book that was so intriguing, so interesting... He just couldn’t figure out what.

Come on, he whispered to the book, as he, hidden underneath a blanket fort with a torchlight in his hand, scanned each and every page carefully. I know you’re hiding something. Tell me your secrets.

He closed the book and opened it on the back page, the page with nothing but ‘Believe’ on it.

The author of the book had put it there as if it was a secret message. But to who? Their readers? Someone more specific?

James kept thinking about it all night, until his mind finally doze off to sleep.

What he didn’t notice, was that as he fell asleep, the people on the pictures in the book slowly started to change.

It seemed almost as if the pictures could magically change into the Next Generation as soon as the book had selected one.

Sweet Dreams

James sat up. He found himself sitting in the middle of a dark, unfamiliar room. Where was he?

He got up and started to walk around, searching for his friends.

"Samira? James called out. Guys? Anyone?"

No one answered. He was all by himself, alone in a dark room without knowing where he was.

"Oh, come on guys! I know you’re there; this isn’t funny!" James cried, yet still no one answered his calls.

James was on the verge of admitting that he’d been deserted, when he suddenly noticed something shiny, not too far away from him.

He walked closer, and found himself in the only area of the room that was lit by three, small candles, standing around a mirror.

James slowly walked toward the mirror, wanting to catch a glimpse of his own reflection.

But what he saw in the mirror as soon as he stood in front of it was not what he’d expected to see at all.

The face glancing back at him was his own; two bright blue eyes stared back at him in a confused manner, with messy and un-brushed red hair hanging in front of them in messy tangles. The clothes the reflection was wearing, however, were completely different from James’s pyjamas.

James’s reflection was dressed in an all-blue attire, with shades varying from marine to cobalt. A red cape was draped around his shoulders which reached to about his ankles; the cape, unlike the rest of his clothing, was a royal red colour. The cape was held together by a brooch with three oval gemstones on it; topazes. They glowed in the soft, blue colour the gem would usually have if it didn’t glow (because of course, gemstones aren’t known to glow on Earth).

The reflection also wore long, blue leather gloves, which matched the leather tunic he wore; a bright blue, swirly pattern which glowed in the same colour as the topazes did, running all the way from the middle of the hand to the elbow. The same pattern appeared on the tunic.

Most of his blue trousers were covered by long, white leather boots.

It took James a moment to realize what his reflection represented; he looked like the Guardian of Innocence, one of the five Guardians from the book.

Completely baffled, James stood as stunned in front of the mirror, with his reflection standing just as still as he was.

But that came to an end.

James stumbled backward as his reflection came to life; the blue glow on his clothes and the three topazes on the broche made way for a bright, threatening shade of red, catching James’s attention.

When he looked back up and glanced at his eyes in the mirror, James was startled by what he saw. His eyes – or at least the reflection’s eyes - had changed; the white in his eyes had turned black, and the iris had gained a bright, blood orange colour, making it seem as if they were glowing in their dark surroundings. The pupils had been stretched and become sharp at the edges; like a cat’s pupil looking into the sun.

The expression on the reflection’s face had changed as well, no longer resembling James’s expression, which had shifted into rather fear than confusion; the reflection was grinning back at James in a devilish and sinister way.

James slowly started to walk backward as the reflection started to move; instead of going backward, like James did, the reflection walked forward, setting a foot outside the mirror, as if it was merely a wooden frame he’d been standing behind.

James tripped in his hurry to get away as he watched the scene unfold, and started to crab-walk backward as fast as he could, without ever taking his eyes off his reflection, who had now come out of the mirror completely and was walking toward James.

James crawled backward as fast as he could, but the reflection got the best of him; he bent over, baring his teeth in a sinister grin, before lunging out at James, who let out a yell as he braced for impact.

James shot upright, finding himself back in the safe darkness of his own bedroom. He could feel drops of sweat roll down his face; his heart was pounding loudly in his chest.

Letting out a loud