The ball had ended.

The hallways were dark, and there was no noise.

Zee and the night patrol guards stood at their posts. Half had fallen asleep, but when they heard hefty footsteps walking down the hall, they quickly awakened. 

"Tsk. You all have no shame. Stay awake or get fired." It was the head of guards, General Takao Mina, who was quite strict. "If an intruder walked in all of you would've perished. Maybe you all need more training." The general said. Shivers went up the guards' spines.

"Yes ma'am." They all said.

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(Morning)

Zee had finished brushing their hair and putting on their uniform, when they got a knock on the door.

"Who is it?" They asked. 

"Your general."

Zee quickly opened the door and put their hand in a fist, placing it over their heart. (sasageyo-)

"Hello General. May I ask why you're here?" Zee asked as they tightened their belt.

"I caught Alice Fordman dancing at the ball. I believe that you are responsible for her?" 

"Yes, General. I informed her not to join in on the festivities, but she refused to listen." 

"I understand if she gets kicked off the Royal Guard." Zee said as they pulled their hair into a ponytail.

"You're right. I will take my leave now." The general bowed and closed the door.

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Later that day, Alice was kicked off of the royal guard and lost her privilege to live in the palace.

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Zee stood at their post while reading, but despite doing so, there was someone they couldn't their eyes off of.

But it isn't for the reason you think.

It was the same figure from the night before that had grinned at them, leaving them in terrification.

Zee knew something was off about this person. But they couldn't figure out what. Zee continued to look at the person, but they looked back.

The proceeded to walk over to Zee and Zee could've sworn the felt a shiver up their spine.

"You seem quite interested in me." They said while smirking. 

"I'm just keeping watch." Zee said with an annoyed tone. "You look suspicious, who are you?"

"Sebastian Santos. And who are you to speak to me in such a rude manner?" They crossed their arms and frowned.

"Andrija Octavius. A head of the royal guard." 

"So a lowly guard has the guts to talk to a duke like that?" They said angrily.

"Quite so." Zee responded. They smirked at Sebastian. 

Sebastian chuckled and whispered in Zee's ear. "Watch what you say, remember who has power."

They gave Zee the same grin they had given him at the ball. 

Sebastian then walked away, but Zee couldn't help but notice that their fingertips were black. 

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A/N

Hello! Seph here! 

I have decided that to speed up the progress of this book, I will upload short chapters every two weeks or so instead of long chapters every month. 

This will most definitely help me get to the easier parts to write in this book. 

Stay safe everyone! Happy New Year and Merry Christmas!! 🎁 

-Seph Kaen