Blocking him from Yuna while she turned onto the two beast-men. I leaned to stare at Yuna, panting heavily with fear while she managed to cut one of the creature's head from its body and cleave the other in half. She turned to the Faceless Man, breathing hard before she sprang forward. A shield of water guarding the worst of the blade while Hawkins' magic wove around her, the tapestry of her skill perfectly tatted through the air magic with an attention dividing tirade. It pulled at the Faceless Man's limbs, the constant rune twisting in front of Hawkins at any minute shift in stability. She had been cut multiple times but her armour still guarded her until she was able to get close enough outside the flurry of wind magic and she could pull a dagger from her belt, which impaled cleanly into his skull. Silently, the Faceless Man crumpled, leaving a heavy silence between a charged vibrancy of magic.

Yuna turned towards me, her sigh of relief abrupt and so loud that I stepped out from Hawkins' side, she picked me up, hugged me close with a palm against the back of my head and a firm kiss placed above my ear. Hawkins came up behind me, squeezing me against Yuna and himself.

"Can you walk?" Hawkins asked, I squeezed around Yuna's neck, shaking my head. "Are you injured?" Hawkins added.

"No." I whispered.

"Here, take him. I can't hold my blade otherwise." Yuna said, dropped me to the forest floor, I leaned on my other foot, hovering my metal toes to keep the constant pain away from my mind. Hawkins was quick to pick me up, his strength and hold were a comforting weight that lured me into an almost, immediate sleep. I breathed in between his exertion, with my eyes rested upon his shoulder. I could feel him shaking, minutely, like it was controlled.

"There they are!" I closed my eyes, hugging onto Hawkins as wild exclamations and cheers surrounded us. An inkling at the back of my mind was relieved that it sounded like everyone had made it free. But it was overwhelming, the noise travelled down my spine, and settled deep against my stomach, it was difficult to breathe through, even against Hawkins' scent, more so when I clawed into his back and squeezed him.

"Raymond, I'm going to place you in the car, Yuna is going to stay with you while I speak to the public." I nodded, letting him go with a childish reluctance. I was set down on the seats, but it wasn't enough, even when the door had shut.

"Raymond, come rest on my lap." I barely opened my eyes, but listened and lowered myself onto my back. I gasped when my right leg fell from the seat, knocking harsh against the floor.

Yuna shushed me with the scent of sweet lilies blooming over the rotten carcass-burn sticking to the back of my throat. I had sighed immediately when she combed her fingers through my hair. Gentle, while I could feel a tension holding her stiffly.

"I'm sorry…" I said, and Yuna hummed. "I ruined it, he called me Senka—I don't remember anything to help either."

"You don't have to." Yuna said, her voice echoed against her stomach.

"But—"

"It's not your responsibility to remember. We should have assumed this would have happened eventually. Hawkins and I have failed you, Raymond." She placed her hand upon my cheek, the gentle habit engraved by hours of constant terrors. I turned into her, squishing her palm against my cheek.

"He appeared from the dark." I mumbled against her leather armour. "He-He nearly killed them all."

She was quiet, "you made the right decision, it was a difficult one. But I do not condone you sacrificing yourself so willingly, and I will not tolerate that behaviour again." I nodded. "Say it."

"I promise." I whispered.

I couldn't remember the ride home. I woke in my bed, exhausted and sick to my stomach. Every swallow felt like a barely contained gag of constant pressure. I dragged myself from my covers late into the day, washing up briefly and dressing in something soft and suited for summer.

I wandered the halls slowly, every corner felt like a threat, the emptiness I once found comfort in left my heart beating soundly. My limp wasn't horrible, but the pain was drastic enough it contributed to my upset stomach.

I eventually stopped at Hawkins' office. With no knock I peeked inside, the conversation had quieted entirely, messengers carrying their house's standard turned to me, Hawkins was standing in front of his desk. I entered further, closing the door behind me to limp towards Hawkins' chair and settle myself into it. I didn't lift my gaze, only curled my knees up to my chest, and leaned my cheek against the limb not throbbing with infinite suffering.

"As I was saying—" Hawkins said, "this incident was and remains an individual and sanctioned attack. This Faceless Man was after one person, the shield and instructor killed had fulfilled their duties and will have their families compensated."

"The damages at the cabin are too great—" A man said.

"They are not. I have offered a payment plan and yet you refute me."

A woman cleared her throat, a tinny, soft response attempting to excuse her deceit. "With all due-respect. Your Lordship, the expenses come from our own coffers."

"No, they come from the people, and if you continue to dissuade me; I will no longer blindly ignore privacy. You will each supply the amount owed by the end of the week or lose your name. Dismissed."

I waited for Hawkins to stand in front of me. "Come give me a hug, Kiddo. I need one." My feet fell to the floor, and immediately, I wrapped my arms around his chest, Hawkins inhaled slowly, leaning upon my forehead with two kisses pressed against my brow. "Long week." Hawkins mumbled, still unwilling to let me go.

I could barely whisper out my apology. It burned at my throat and weighed my eyes down with heat, I sniffed through a shudder as Hawkins rubbed at the ache in my back. "No need to apologise, we've given the affected recruits access to their next tier of training for the fast action and defence of a noble. Aerit Hall, Mattie Tolum, and Cass Grano have been given special privileges in accordance with recommendation as well."

"The Faceless Man and Nightmare Men?"

His hands rested upon my back, "we're unsure, we're looking—and thinking about…requesting your transfer to Elwood." My palms flashed with heat, the release of its ache made me readjust against Hawkins.

"It's unfair…" I whispered as the door opened.

"Raymond…" Hawkins sighed, and I bowed my head.

"We think it's time we have you return to Elwood." I clenched my jaw as Hawkins pulled away. "It will be safer for you by His Highness’ side."

"I'm meant to be protecting him."

"Yes, but Prince Chike will also protect you." I glanced at him.

"I doubt it," I mumbled.

"Listen," my gaze was lifted back up. "I would rather you advance your training here, but we cannot—in good conscience—allow you to be hindered by this. Elwood is far safer." I shook my head, petulantly, trying to calm the small gasps as Yuna entered.

"I don't want to leave."

"Raymond, this won't be a goodbye. You forget that Hawkins and I visit often." Yuna said, offering me a hug. I took it, burrowing my face against her shoulder.

“I don't want to go…" I found myself unable to stay anything else.

"We, too."

I stayed for a month to pack everything. News, of course, had already spread, and consolation had been offered, but the families still blamed my guardians. Countless journalists vied for the story daily, constantly hounding the mansion for answers. Even after a press conference, it wasn’t enough to satisfy their need.

The day came, and we loaded my belongings. We left so early that even Hawkins and Yuna were groggy. I was quiet for the entire ride, unable to look or speak without the threat of tears breaking through.

We arrived early in the evening and my heart beat wildly as servants came outside to help us. Elwood Mansion hadn’t changed, but it did seem less intimidating. It was still a pillar of elegant wood and plaster. An adobe for foliage and carvings alike. Three stories high, the central part of the mansion held guest rooms, penthouses, and ballrooms. The throne room was situated right in the middle. Behind the mansion was the private living quarters for the Sigurds. Interconnected by a few hallways of glass.

There was a courtyard garden and garage gated to keep guests out. We entered the house, and I followed closely behind my guardians to my old room. It was cold and smelled faintly of herbs and misuse, although it was spotless.

"Dress professionally, Raymond. You are being inaugurated tonight," Hawkins said as he closed the door behind me.

I turned to the mirror and perfected my outfit. I wore a black suit with a red half-cape over my right shoulder. I wore gloves and pulled my hair into a low ponytail with red ribbon woven in braided strands resting on my shoulder. I stepped out after I heard a knock at the door.

"Do I really have to do this right now?"

"Sadly, yes. I'm sorry, Raymond." Yuna sighed and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

I composed myself and once more followed my guardians through the house. I couldn’t calm my heart; I didn’t understand why I was so nervous. I knew this day was coming, but a part of me felt like it was too soon. And it probably was, but with the Faceless Man’s advances, it probably was best I should be at Elwood mansion. I couldn’t understand why my guardians had such faith in His Highness. He couldn’t be that good at fighting, and I doubt he would want to protect me.

We stood before the grand foyer. Inside was a crowd of royals; Hawkins and Yuna turned to me. Yuna righted my outfit, "Raymond, when you enter the throne room, keep your gaze down from the Sigurds. When you reach the steps, kneel upon the pillow—do not raise your gaze until prompted."

"Since you are the first High Shield to be inaugurated as a private guard, His Highness will take over most of the event. When it is over, you must bow to each Sigurd. His Highness will then leave, then you must follow five steps back." I nodded in understanding. I knew he and I were the same age. Prince Chike was born in the fall month of Seltem, the ninth month.

Hawkins and Yuna went first, and when the crystal above the door lit up, the doors opened, and I walked forward. Each step felt slow, but I was excited, nervous, and careful in presenting myself. Whispers spawned immediately; I wanted to listen in, but my heartbeat was thunderous. I held my gaze and cast it down when the throne room opened. Relying on the hidden markers to keep myself steady, I stopped before the red cushion, kneeling before the King, Queen, and Prince.

"Tonight," Prince Chike began, "I am honoured to bestow the first title of High Shield to an exceptionally talented young guardsman. Raise your gaze to me, Shield of Anshel Keep, so I may bless you with Setria’s Guidance and grant you your title."

His Highness wore a black gold-embroidered layered suit with a tie held back by a solid square-cut emerald. On his left shoulder was a long white cloak tatted with beautiful curls of nature, clasped to his breast by his official brooch of royalty. A singular tree curling towards the left with a sword resting at its roots. The Prince had grown into an extraordinarily handsome young man. His short black hair had been slicked back, and two long strands fell before his pierced and decorated ears. I caught his eyes, easing against the vibrant green that held a startling softness behind them, almost warm in greeting.

"You may rise." I held my hand over my heart in reverence and slowly stood, stepping simply over the cushion. I stood as tall as I could. Realising that I went to Prince Chike’s chest in height. Nonetheless, I closed my eyes, only taking in what was expected. He stood at a respectable distance, but upon a soft inhale, a fragrance of pine filled my lungs as he placed the brooch upon my breast.

"I, High Prince Chike Vallen Sigurd, grant you the trust and honour to guard my life." He stepped away and returned to his parents. I bowed deeply to the King, Queen, and finally His Highness. He walked past me and I counted five steps, then turned and followed him.

He stopped abruptly and tilted his gaze. "You are not my Shadow; you are my Shield. You will walk beside me."