Rich Kids Don't Die | Featured

Chapter Twenty Eight

HOURS LATER, THE SEVEN MAGICIANS WOKE UP to what sounded suspiciously like a thunderous hammering of Alex's front door.

Their bones had felt so dreadfully heavy when they'd arrived in the early hours of the morning that they had failed to even apparate back into their separate rooms.

Instead, Alex conjured multiple mattresses on his floor, produced by a company called SLEEP LIKE THE DEAD. Yet it seemed a little difficult to do so with that dreadful noise–

Thump. Thwack. Knock. A particularly loud slam.

Instantly, Katya shot up with a silver dagger gripped in her disorientated fingers. She had left it underneath her pillow for situations like this. "What happened?"

The words tumbled out from her lips so fast they'd been translated into an incomprehensible slur.

"You sound like you're on drugs," Violet giggled before snuggling back into her covers. During the night, a certain buttery heat had drenched the heavy air, and in the cool, minty nature of the bright grey morning a bead of icy sweat trailed down her neck.

Alex reluctantly stood from his position on the vintage couch, rubbing the last few remnants of slumber from his emerald eyes. His skin felt more awake what with the given frostiness that had crept through the walls at this time of day.

Despite the sharp tinge of chill in the sky, the sun's golden rays infiltrated the room, spilling from the glass windows and dripping down from the walls to worship Alex's feet. It was as if there was an invisible crown permanently placed over his ruffled brown hair; crooked and unkempt but signalling royalty all the same.

Maddie avoided his almost immediate gaze, mentally scolding herself for what she suspected was a dishevelled appearance. A small smile quirked his lips at the sight of her awake.

Just as he'd managed to pull a blue sweater over his head, she'd disappeared into the bathroom, shaking her head. Alex's lips began working but he said nothing, simply staring after her as she shut the white door.

Again, that dreadful noise. "Who is it?" Alex called out, exasperated.

He walked over to door and swung it open, a frown tugging at his lips. In front of him stood the Big Spy Men, clad in their usual black blazers emblazoned with a shining blue star Maddie had never taken note of.

For a moment, they stood in silence and simply stared. Alex shuddered inwardly, at the slight cold brushing his feet or his discomfort, he did not know. Then, the largest man cleared his throat.

"The Chief of the Department of Magical Inconveniences has requested that the seven of you be guarded and secure at all times," he said with steely determination.

"The security protocol states that each morning, we are to ensure you are awake at appropriate timings and must accompany you on any and all missions from here on out. You are under commands to oblige."

Alex leaned against the door frame, letting out an obnoxious yawn. The green ring on his finger caught a shard of gleaming light in the otherwise dull hallway. "Did Sonia order you to do this?"

"We take only her orders," he snarled. "And she has ordered that there shall be no days without procedures carried out to maximize your safety. Are we clear?"

Silence.

"Are we clear, Mr Harrington?" he barked.

From behind Alex, Asher and Katya appeared. Katya's forehead was graced with creases as she comprehended Sonia's requests. Asher nudged Alex's shoulder.