(Heeeey...)

I was not going to sit around and let one of those dirty light guards get their filth over my little sister. I don't know who that was or why he was in my kingdom, having the nerve to talk to my sister, but he was lucky Hazel was still there. I don't kill in front of the innocent. I don't even care that Hazel was mad at me for the rest of that day. If she's going to be in a relationship, it should be with someone at least close to good enough for her. A stupid day guard isn't even close.

Will's such an idiot. I cannot count how many times I needed to save his ass from the crazy village people. I've done it much too many times. Having to either scare off his attackers or actually harming them. It's tiring. I'm not his bodyguard. Maybe I should just let him get killed or worse next time. That's what I keep saying to myself. Yet I can never go through it for some reason.

It happened again. Will got himself attacked by Octavian once more. I went after him but it turns out he had his own weapon.

"Nico! Nico be careful!" Will cried, watching in horror as Octavian and I circled each other with blades in hand. Actually. I had a blade. He had a glass shard he probably broke a window to get. Wouldn't be the first time that happened. I ignored him, watching as.Octavian made the first move.

Octavian lunged, swinging his shard at me. I ducked, swinging lower and slashing the guy's stomach. He cried out, stumbling and doubling over. I dashed behind him, smacking my dagger hilt over his head. Octavian stumbled, turning and slashing upwards. I gasped, feeling the cool sharpness of the glass cut my cheek. I slashed back, my blade tearing the cloth of his shirt and deeply in his skin. Octavian cried out again, falling to his knees.

I rammed my knee into his jaw, sending his sprawling on his back. I panted, spitting harshly on him. "Learn your place," I snarled before turning. I grabbed Will's wrist and began pulling him back to the castle.

"Nico? Nico?! You're bleeding!" Will pulled me back, turning me to face him. I felt my face heat up for some reason that wasn't anger as he cupped my face with his warm hands. "That glass shard could have been anywhere.. What if this gets infected?" I pushed him roughly, looking away to hide the blush on my face. It was too bright out so I had nothing to save me from being so.. Vulnerable. I hate the sun. I want my kingdom back. The dark streets and the cool air. It's too bright and hot out. It's unnatural.

"I wouldn't have this cut if you had only learned your lesson from the first times you've went out here alone," I snapped, trying to hide my flustered-ness. Will's expression hardened and I almost wanted to apologize. "Fine. The one time I try to be nice," he hissed, turning and walking in the direction again. I huffed, quickly following him. "Walking alone again! Idiot!"