The Guardian of the Palace: Book 1 of The Guardian League

I took a swallow of coffee, already cooled enough that I didn't have to sip, wishing it would grant me its promised energy. I rubbed my eyes with my palms as my mom spoke. I didn't listen closely-she was worried about me. "Really, mom. It's just a security job. So much less dangerous than what I was doing." I felt the bump on the back of my head. No fresh blood, but I hadn't expected any.

She went on again about the news showing the police, FBI, CIA, military... about all the government cars around my building.

"I know, Mom." I'd already told the FBI I'd been hit on the head and dumped in Central Park. I wasn't about to tell my mother that. It didn't stop her from going on about the danger.

"I know, Mom " I wasn't going to tell her about the dancing lights either. No need to spook her-I'd been spooked enough already. She relayed to me that the news was replaying the destruction of the Owaie building, a modern marvel in many ways like the one I protected.

"Mother I know " But she didn't stop. My head still hurt. My body was beyond tired. I didn't want to have a conversation with a worry-prone parent. I wasn't sure what I'd seen in the tunnels, but it wasn't anything I could explain. The lights in the air... the way the room itself tried to keep me out... it was as though by magic.