Exile Read Free Page B

over a head shorter than Aless. Her eyes were eerilypale, and her face was too serious for her soft features.
    At Cyril’s left was another woman, the same one who had spoken earlier. It surprised Aless, because throughout the years there had been very few instances of women managing to house a spirit, and even when they did, they were usually separated by a few decades. The woman at Cyril’s left was tall, taller than Aless even, and broad, but she really was an incredibly gorgeous, curvy woman. She looked as if she was from Far West, reminding Aless heavily of Piers. However, her hair was a dark-brown color, rather than Piers’s shocking red, and it fell around her back in tight curls, decorated with various beads and feathers. Her skin was covered with bright-green markings, as was typical of Petra’s guardian. It was a huge step up from the old, decrepit man they had before, especially since she looked far calmer than he remembered Petra’s old guardian ever being.
    “It’s our pleasure to see your return, Aless,” Cyril greeted, standing and making a small bow, gesturing for the two women to do the same. “I hope you managed to have some enjoyment in your exile, however dull it might’ve been.”
    Aless stepped forward and bowed to Cyril. “I thank you for your generosity in allowing my return,” Aless said with full sincerity.
    “I also hope you understand that we would not be allowing this if I thought we had a better option,” Cyril said. “However, there is no one available to take your place. You are lucky that we are not simply throwing you under a temple.”
    Aless swallowed. He had expected something to that effect. “I understand.”
    “Do try to keep your restraints on. Next time we will not forgive you.”
    “I will,” Aless promised.
    “About that, Aless,” Cyril added, “we need to discuss the incident.”
    “I’d agree,” Aless replied, sighing. “What do you want me to say?”
    “Well, firstly I’d like you to know we do know it wasn’t your fault,” Cyril stated. “The spirits are unpredictable at best. However, I would like to know what brought on the… incident.”
    Aless glanced nervously at Piers. “I was frustrated before I went to sleep—being a guardian at the beginning was immensely stressful,” he explained. “After that I remember waking up restrained and covered in blood,” he answered truthfully.
    “We left you with Serac. During your stay in the woods, did you experience any weakening of your bonds?” Cyril asked.
    “None. Even if I do not know what happened, Cyril, I will never let this happen again.”
    “I understand, Aless,” Cyril answered, standing up and placing a hand on his shoulder.
    The girl at Cyril’s left stepped forward, taking Aless’s hand and kissing it, giving a small bow. “My name is Kateline, Guardian of Petra. It’s a pleasure to meet you formally, Master Serac.”
    Piers laughed at her actions. “You’re barking up the wrong tree, Kateline. Might as well not waste your time with your seduction,” he teased, walking over and giving Aless a small punch to the shoulder.
    Kateline snorted. “I simply wished to be polite, or are you allergic to courtesy, dear Piers?”
    Cyril nudged the remaining girl on the back, and she reluctantly slinked forward, offering her hand to Aless. “Selena, Guardian of Zephyr,” she spoke quickly, giving a small bow. So this was the girl who hated him with such a passion….
    “Pleasure to meet you, Master Zephyr,” he replied.
    She pulled away almost instantly, turning to Cyril. “Now, is that everything? May I go back to my training?” she asked, not bothering to cast another glance in Aless’s direction.
    “I’m afraid not, Selena. As we discussed earlier you are still expected to be present for his re-introduction to the clan,” he replied, smooth voice managing to permeate the entire room.
    “Come on, Lena, it’s only a few minutes. Besides, don’t you want to welcome Aless