Bound (The Guardians) Read Online Free PDF Page B

‘I’d better be going. My parents are waiting for me.’
    The man reaches forward and stops my movements by grabbing my face. My cheekbones ache from the rough position. He lifts my head and my neck stings from the force.
    ‘I asked you to tell me who you are,’ he repeats angrily.
    Through squished face I manage to say, ‘Mellea Wendorn…’
    The man’s one eye widens for a moment after I say my name. But then he grins and asks with scepticism, ‘And you were simply “passing by” when Leo was shot down today, correct?’
    I nod strongly several times.
    ‘Convenient, isn’t it, that you should appear from almost nowhere to aid a Successor?’ Glaring at me, he asks, ‘How do we know you were not with those attackers? Or perhaps even that you are a spy, attempting to gain information about the Guardians by forcing yourself on Leo?’
    Though squished cheeks I say, ‘No. I-I was trying to help him.’
    Abruptly the man lets go of my face before swiftly grabbing me around the neck. His strong grasp constricts my airflow. Tears roll down my face. It feels like they’re being squeezed out.
    He shouts, ‘Do you think weeping is going to sway me, girl? Some of the best spies we have ever encountered have been women. They are seductive and traitorous. I know all their tricks, so you had best start talking now, before I snap your neck.’
    I wheeze, ‘Please…I don’t…’
    He clenches tighter and things start to go fuzzy. My heart beats faster than ever. I start thinking about my family and how I should’ve listened to my father. He was right; no good deed ever did go unpunished. I’m petrified that I’m going to die because of it.
    The man’s hand is unexpectedly released from my throat, by Leo. He rushes in and pushes the man back. The Successor and I topple backwards and land on the ground. I cough a few times from the strain on my neck. Once the air is back in my lungs, I glance around slowly.
    Leo wearily stands. ‘Enough, Grandfather! Leave her alone.’
    My eyes stretch wide and my body becomes numb. Did Leo say grandfather ? That means that this man is no ordinary man. He’s the former Lord Guardian of Selestia, Sir Dorkarn Montarus. I slide back a little on the grass.
    ‘What do you think you are doing?’ Dorkarn asks Leo.
    Leo stands as straight as he can manage, making his way closer to the older man. The two are almost the same height: tall and powerful. The Successor glances at me in silence. His expression is muddled and confused. Unexpectedly, he gives me a strong nod, although it seems as if he’s nodding to himself.
    ‘Grandfather…I chose her.’
    Dorkarn stares at Leo with a shocked face. He shouts, ‘I cannot believe you! For the last six months you have been barking at me about how no one will ever be suitable enough for you. Then suddenly you find a little…country peasant and now decide?’
    What? What are they talking about?
    Leo replies quickly, ‘You do not have to like my choice. You only have to accept it.’
    Dorkarn makes a disgruntled noise and starts to walk my way. ‘Mark my words boy - we will be discussing this tonight when your father returns.’
    The former Lord Guardian walks over to me with haste. I cringe as he reaches forward and gently places his hand over my eyes. All I can hear is the sound of my own heart pounding through my chest.
    …And then, I remember only darkness.

CHAPTER Five
    My head is pounding as I gradually open my eyes. I scan around before pulling my torso up.
    I’m in an unfamiliar place, a very posh and spacious room. I sit on top of the covers of a large bed with white silk sheets and one too many pillows.  Not far from me is a small table with four chairs. The walls behind it are lined with dark red wallpaper laced with gold trimmings. Beside me is a large window that stretches from the floor, right up to the high ceiling. Attached to the roof is a large glass chandelier.
    There are no other walls; it’s all one big room. I’ve