Alexander, Robert, Megan, and the twins entered the temple. Robert and Megan gazed in awe at the structure, noting the vast contrast between its archaic, dated looking interior and the modern sleekness of the interior lobby.

Alexander nervously rubbed the back of his head. “It looked a lot older earlier, but the magic here changed it to look like this after I made a comment about it...”

Robert’s mouth dropped. “What else can magic do?”

Alexander admitted, “I’m not sure. I’ve learned a lot, but I’m still only scratching the surface of this new world.”

Megan asked, “What are you going to do now?”

He replied, “That’s just it. I don’t know where the vampires are. The only thing I can think to do for now is rest and wait for them vampires to attack again. I can sense when they do”

Robert admitted, “I don’t understand any of this…” The rest of them laughed at his expense.

Megan became upset. A frown formed on her face, and she looked away, the sadness evident in her eyes despite her efforts to conceal it. “You’re going to be staying here from now on then??”

He confirmed, “Yes, this where I need to be. This is my home from now on. But you guys are welcome to stay for the night and visit whenever you want!”

She muttered under her breath, “So, things really aren’t going back to normal.”

Alexander told her, “I understand your feelings, but even though they might not know it yet, the people of this world need me.”

Erika and Elizabeth stood proudly behind him, having watched him go from the scared and meek person he was before to now being ready to confront whatever dangers lie ahead.

Megan lifted her head and asked, “And they’re also going to live here?”

Alexander answered flatly, “Yes, they are.”

Megan jumped back in shock. She held her hand over her mouth and her eyes went wide behind her glasses. She then squinted at Alexander and gave him a sly grin. “You’re going to be living alone with two women? How shameless of you…”

He desperately tried to explain, “It’s not like that!”

Elizabeth jumped forward and waved her hands frantically through the air. “You’re misunderstanding our relationship!” Her face became slightly flushed, and for the first time Alexander thought she seemed a slight bit embarrassed. Erika stood by, silent, not seeming to understand what they meant.

Alexander reminded Megan, “They’re my attendants, pledged to serve and protect me.”

“She’s just giving you a hard time, Alex.” Robert said.

Alexander objected as Megan playfully stuck her tongue out at him. He had fallen for her joke too easily.

Erika then suggested, “We should get some rest everyone. It’s been a long day.”

They all agreed and went to sleep, the weight of the day’s events settling over them as they prepared for whatever may come next.

Alexander woke the next day in the master bedroom of the temple. He took a moment to look around and took a deep breath. He thought over everything that happened the day before, replaying all of the events in his mind. He thought about what their next move should be. He wanted to prevent another vampire attack, but at present, he had no way of tracking them himself. He had to wait for the magical sense to alert him to something being off. It made him feel helpless and he despised that feeling. He also still didn’t know what the vampires’ main goal was. The uncertainty of everything troubled him. He didn’t like flying blind against such a dangerous and powerful force.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

He wandered into the foyer where he saw Erika, Robert, and Megan already sitting at one of the tables. “Good morning,” he greeted them. “Did you sleep alright?”

Robert nodded. “As best as we could, all things considered.”

Alexander smiled. “I’m glad you guys are here. The temple is safer than back in the city.”

He looked to Erika and admitted, “I’m not sure what we should do now.”

Erika reassured him. “Don’t worry. We should enjoy this while we can. Besides, we need to eat. We haven’t had anything since we left Avalon.”

Alexander’s stomach growled in agreement and he chuckled. “You’re right. Things have been so hectic that I hadn’t even realized. But we don’t have any food here. That’s something we’ll have to figure out.”

Erika grinned. “You don’t need to worry about that part.”

A thudding sound came from the entry hall, like something heavy being dragged up the stone stairs, repeatedly slamming into them. Elizabeth entered the lobby, dragging a large chest behind her. She opened it up and pulled out packages of food and water.

Alexander jumped up. “Where did all this come from?”

Elizabeth replied, “The townspeople left us supplies at the temple doors. There are a few more chests still outside.”

Erika interjected, “Since this town houses the temple, and therefore the World Guardian, the townsfolk see to it that all the day-to-day needs are taken care of.”

Robert thought out loud, “That’s a nice perk.”

Alexander sat back down and allowed himself to relax for a moment. It was nice to have this little break, however short it may be. Erika prepared breakfast for them while Elizabeth brought up the rest of the chests. Alexander sat with Robert and Megan, apologizing again for suddenly vanishing without a word.

Megan told him, “Don’t apologize. If it wasn’t clear by now, we forgive you. It was out of your control. And to be honest, we could never have imagined things would turn out like this.”

Robert nodded. “Yeah, we understand.”

Alexander smiled at them. “I hope that after the vampires are dealt with, maybe things could be somewhat like they were before.” Internally, he doubted it, but he wanted to latch onto any glimmer of hope he could. Anything to perhaps make them and himself feel a little better about everything. There was also one thing that was still unresolved…

“What about Lila?”, he asked awkwardly. We were supposed to have a second date, but that obviously never happened. Has she moved on?”

Megan gave him a sly smile. “You’ll have to ask her yourself.”

Across the room, Elizabeth gave Erika a small nudge. “Sounds like you have some competition.”

Erika looked at her sister. “What are you talking about?” Although Elizabeth could tell by the look in her eyes that something was off. She muttered to herself, “You really are hopeless, sister.”

They all ate breakfast together, enjoying the peace and each other’s company. The food was simple but satisfying, and the atmosphere was light-hearted. They shared stories and laughed, momentarily forgetting the dangers that lay ahead.

A wave of nausea hit Alexander like a sledgehammer. His head began to hurt, his hands shook uncontrollably, and his heart rate spiked. He leaned forward on the table, attempting to catch his breath as a sharp screech resonated in his ears.

Robert and Megan jumped up. Both concerned with this rapid change in behavior.

“Yo, Alex!” Robert yelled.

“Is he okay!” Megan asked frantically.

Erika rushed to his side, placed her hands on his shoulders and whispered into his ear. “Are you sensing another attack, my Lord?”

He nodded and spoke laboriously, “Yes…it’s…worse than before.”

Elizabeth explained to Robert and Megan, “He can sense disturbances in the flow of the world’s magical energy. That’s what’s happening right now.”

The pain and discomfort began to subside. Alexander stood from the table. Confidence filled his voice, and he spoke to Erika and Elizabeth. “It’s in Pendragon city again. Another attack.”

Elizabeth smiled. “Time for us to go then.” She punched her fist into the palm of her opposite hand. Lightning crackled all over her body as her white armor took shape, fitting itself to her; her sword appeared sheathed on her hip and her shield materialized onto her arm.

“Robert, Megan, stay here. You’ll be safe”, Alexander said.

They protested being left behind but admitted there was nothing they could do to help. Alexander crossed his arms across his chest and snapped his fingers. A faint glow enveloped his body; his dark robes appeared on his body, complete with his red cloak on his back. Erika did the same, with her blue cloak settling onto her shoulders.

Alexander told them, “It’s time to go.” He looked to Robert and Megan again, giving them a reassuring smile. “We’ll be back soon, I promise.”