The cold air stung my eyes, but I didn’t turn away. The roof was the only place in the school I knew I would be left alone. No one else was crazy enough to stand out in the cold four stories above the ground.
I kicked at the snow around my feet and watched as some of it fell off the edge. The sight looked similar to how I felt, so I did it again.
I heard the door open and close, but I didn’t turn around. Whoever it was either wasn’t there for me, or knew why I was here.
A sharp wind passed and I closed my eyes.
“You’re being stupid.” I was surprised that it was Daren who came up behind me. “Put on a coat.”
“Doesn’t bother me.” I didn’t turn to face him. I didn’t want him to see my face.
“It should.” He persisted. “It’s almost December and it’s freezing. You’re going to become an icicle.”
“So what?” My eyes stung, but I resisted the urge to rub them.
Daren’s hand came down hard on my shoulder and he spun me around. He was scowling, but it washed away when he saw my face. “What happened?” he asked, sounding more caring than I’d ever heard him.
I cast my eyes downward as new tears threatened to fall. “None of your business.” I tried to turn away, but he held me in place. “Let go.”
“No.” he stated, digging his fingers into my shoulders. “Tell me what happened.”
“You wouldn’t care.” My tears started falling and my voice caught in my throat.
“Try me.” He gently shook my shoulders. “Gwen, tell me. I… I want to help.”
I couldn’t help but laugh bitterly. “Of course. What perfect timing. You want to help right after I learn that there’s nothing we can do.” I swiped a hand over my eyes, but the tears had already frozen on my cheeks. “Or did you already know? Did your little organization tell you?”
“Tell me what?”
“The water guardian is dead.” I pushed him away, a little surprised that he let go. “He died years ago. I’d failed before even starting.”
Daren pulled me into a hug. “You haven’t failed.” He put his hand on the back of my head and, after a moment of hesitation, stroked my hair. “You didn’t fail anything.”
“You’re a very confusing boy, Daren Sanders.” I chuckled. “The first day we met, you ignored me. Second day, you attacked me. Now, you’re acting like you’re my older brother.”
Daren laughed as well. “I’ve never been great with people.”
“Same here.” I returned his hug. I could feel that icy feeling spread in my chest again, but I ignored it. For the first time since I’d seen the tiara, I felt like a normal teenager.
Neither of us moved or said a thing for a while. We just stood in the snow, holding each other. Eventually, Daren stepped back. He met my eyes and offered a slight smile. “The stones choose their guardians.” He reminded me. “If the guardian died, another one can be chosen.”
“Really?” I ran around him toward the door, but paused before opening it. “Thanks.” I said without turning around. “I’m not a very good princess, am I?”
“I never saw you as any kind of princess.”
“Just making sure.” I walked through the door, letting it shut behind me, and made my way through the school and out to the gate.
Aiden and Dawn were in a deep conversation while River, Lilli and Ciela stood off to the side, giving them space. As I got closer, I heard my name.
“Gwen just needs some time.” Dawn yelled. “She’s never been good with her emotions.”
“We don’t have time.” Aiden held out his hand, palm up and a small fire appeared. “Without water, we’re down two elements. You all need to be stronger. And that strength comes from your closeness to Gwyneira.”
“That doesn’t mean we need to push her!” Dawn took her archery stance, her bow forming around her hands. “Before she’s your princess, she’s my best friend!”
River looked down at Ciela. “Can you do that?”
“Not yet.” Ciela held out her hands, palms forward. “All I can do is be an area fan.” The fire in Aiden’s hand flickered in a sudden breeze. “But Lilli can make flowers grow.”
Lilli shrugged in response. “Flowers are just my thing.” A small vine sprung from her finger and formed into a ring. “Plus, I’ve had more practice.”
“Which we all need.” Aiden reiterated. “And we need Gwynei–”
“Gwen.” I reminded him, walking up. “And there could still be a water guardian.” I told them what Daren had said, but Aiden shook his head.
“My cousin probably said that to keep us distracted.” He looked over at River, who had her locket open and was staring at the stone inside. “He doesn’t want us to get stronger.”
River picked up the stone and held it out to me. “If my uncle would have given this to you, then I’ll hand it over. He was my best friend.” Tears started falling from her eyes, but she quickly wiped them away. “In his memory, I want to help you, any way I can.”
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