Free Daughter of Earth (Tales of the Guardian) by Brianna Merrill

to you our profound gratitude. You were under no requirement to accept the call to come to Eden, yet you did, even though you did not know what was fully expected. This council’s objective is to provide you with some of those reasons why you have been called here, why you are needed. We believe for you to understand one role you will play in creating a new future, it is best to explain some history. This is not something we speak of often, because the origins are sacred and holy to us and we do not wish for things to become distorted or defiled. Much of this will be new information to Alexander, as well,” Damarus motioned toward him yet his eyes never left Emily.
         “But before I speak of our history I want to mention the prophecy and why we believe you are the chosen Daughter of Earth.
         “It has long been foretold that Eden’s gates would be opened to the human race, and one day Guardians and humans would no longer live apart, but together. Any human who wished to dwell among us would be permitted inside these walls. This time is not far, but first a war against evil must be waged before complete peace can be achieved. But I will leave this part for another time.”
         “The part I wish to concentrate on today is where the prophecy says a Guardian’s choice would be the key. A Guardian would select a Daughter of Earth. Even though we knew a human woman would be involved, we did not know how she would be selected. After Alexander proclaimed his love for you, which had never been done before, The Seer confirmed to us your fate was indeed tied to ours. There was no room for doubt about your relationship with Alexander. With that said, I believe you now need to know more about where we came from.”
         Damarus accepted Emily’s silence as encouragement. He began, “Guardians have been around from the very beginning. Though humans were created before us, we followed closely behind. It wasn’t long after humans were given life it became apparent they needed assistance. This world, even in its infancy, proved to be quite perilous. Humankind easily allowed jealousy and hate to creep into their minds and hearts, causing war and contention. Humans have a very specific purpose, one which is unique to them, Emily. But, they have always needed occasional help. This great need was recognized by a human we refer to as our First Mother.”
         Emily peeked quickly at Alexander who was directly across from her at the table. He sat between Mathaius and Aldara, and it was obvious he clung to each and every word. She knew Damarus was disclosing information Alexander had longed to discover.
         Damarus continued, “You see, humans used to be somewhat different in the beginning. They had access to great powers within themselves. They lived much longer than humans do now and they were much more in-tune with the core powers which were freely given to all of them. I will discuss this more when we begin your training.”
         Damarus moved on, speaking quickly, leaving no opportunity for questions.
         “Suffice it to say that the extent of their ‘supernatural abilities,’ if that is what you want to call them, stretched quite far. It wasn’t until humans began to allow evil to seep into their minds that they lost sight of the divinity within themselves. Evil has been around since before human creation, and it is known in many forms, Emily, but it has always been present. Many of our kind believe those Guardians who rebelled against our purpose were the beginning of the evil side and The Opposition. This is not so. They merely joined evil’s ranks and provided strength and power to The Opposition’s purpose.” Damarus was no longer looking at Emily. His gaze was set on something well past her shoulder, and he looked lost in some distant memory. He blinked to clear his mind.
         “But, I am straying from my point now,” Damarus took a cleansing breath. “The First