Unknown L (Book 1)

~~~ It's An Ability, Not Puberty ~~~

She grabbed a sandwich, left a note telling them where she was going and donned her cloak before heading out of the door. She felt oddly free as she walked down the path on her own. She hadn't been truly alone in ages and yet it didn't give her the same happiness it once had.

L's face fell at the thought, but she didn't feel like unwrapping that new issue at that moment. She focused on getting to the Council meeting hall instead. She pulled her cloak tighter around her when the wind picked up and froze suddenly, sensing something in the trees nearby. She narrowed her eyes and used each of her enhanced senses, sighing in annoyance and turning in the direction of the culprit.

"Can't you just walk with me instead of trying to be my mysterious bodyguard all the time?"

There was a rustling to her right and a split second later Bryce landed in front of her, smirking and adjusting his navy beanie hat.

"I could but then it wouldn't be mysterious. I'm trying to keep you safe."

"I appreciate that but you make me more nervous that something is going to happen. If you want to protect me, just walk with me please. It makes so much more sense." L tried to ignore the things her words stirred up and watched him.

He just smirked wider and nodded, "Alright, I will. I'm curious how you knew it was me in the trees, I was silent?"

L shrugged, she didn't want to tell him that she recognised his scent. "I could sense you, I've been practising my abilities."

It wasn't a complete lie and Bryce seemed to buy it, though he was watching her with a raised brow.

"Okay... so, have you decided what to tell the Council yet?" He fell in beside her as she continued walking.

"Not yet but I know how to figure it out."

L hoped she knew what she was doing but no matter how many times he asked, L wouldn't tell him what she was planning.

They arrived at the meeting hall to be met by the angry, red-headed Dwarf and he was in a foul mood, he didn't bother to look at them.

"No visitors today! The Council are in session, very big meeting! Top secret, come back tomorrow!"

L narrowed her eyes at him and Bryce was about to respond when she stopped him.

"As the last in the line of Keepers and friend to a number of the Council members, I think I'll be allowed to enter."

L was still surprised when statements like that came from her own mouth, but they worked just as she wanted. The Dwarf's jaw fell open slightly and he gawked up at her.

L walked past him without waiting for approval and Bryce followed her. They were a few feet away when Bryce held out a hand to stop her.

"Where did that come from?"

L smiled and shrugged one shoulder, "I don't know, it just comes out of nowhere but it makes me sound more... important, doesn't it?" L laughed lightly at her use of that word.

Bryce gave her a knowing look and nodded, "Yes, it does."

The door to the meeting room was locked when they arrived, numerous spells had been placed on it. L could sense each one individually, although some of them were unknown to her vast Keeper knowledge, they just looked like gibberish. Bryce knocked loudly and they waited for someone to answer. It was at least five minutes until someone finally did. Walter was looking through a tiny rectangle that had opened in the doorway.

"State your names and reason for coming here today," he said and although he appeared serious, there was a smirk pulling at his thin lips.

"You know our names and I need to speak to you all, immediately." L rolled her eyes when he gave them a cursory glance.