life grants us the opportunity to have more experiences to learn from and master what we have learned, paving the way for constant evolution. As a result, we have progressed into an advanced society headed by leaders whose destiny is to enforce the Omni's Divine Providence , which is, to maintain the balance of nature, discipline, and coexistence.
“I sense your loyalty to humankind.” Richard fol ded his arms over his chest. “Tell me, do your mortal friends have the same level of mindset as us? Suppose they discovered that Vampires—we consider that label an insult, by the way—lived among them. Do you think they would be tolerant and considerate towards us?”
Elizabeth pursed her lips. No, they would see you as a threat and find a way to kill every single one, she contemplated without voicing out.
“I don't know, but you haven't answered my que stion,” she retorted instead.
“Nor have you answered mine.” Richard resumed their stroll in anot her direction. “You’ll see the coliseum over there.” He pointed towards the magnificent elliptical structure bathed in light from the ground up.
Elizabeth purposely overlooked his clever attempt to change the subject. “I told you I don't know the a nswer.”
“You do know,” Richard replied with patent co nviction. “Only you refused to tell me, because it would validate my point that we're a more broadminded society than humans.”
“You can make any point you want,” Elizabeth r eplied stubbornly, “but I'm still not convinced that Vamp—, I mean, Deimons are protectors. Who are you trying to protect anyways?”
“Wrong question. You should be asking— what are we trying to protect?”
Elizabeth expelled an impatient breath. “Okay—what?”
“The Peace.” Richard checked his watch.
She threw him a 'you've-got-to-be-kidding-me' look. “Peace?” Who does he think he is? Mr. America?
“The peace between the human race and ours.” He steered her into a sp acious area filled with vehicles and lit by several lampposts.
“But how—?”
Richard raised his hand to keep Elizabeth from saying anything more. “This has been a most stimulating conversation, but the rest you must learn in school.” He reverted back to the smug expression he had earlier. “I'm afraid I must expedite the tour to make it in time for orientation. Oh, and by the way—,” he gestured toward the rows of cars they passed, “this is the parking lot.”
“Obviously.” Elizabeth rolled her eyes heavenward. She'd noticed the type of cars parked in the spaces. No doubt, her Mother's ancient Plymouth would be the most unique.
Richard escorted her back into the main building through another entrance and quickly showed her the dining hall, library, and the staircase leading to the classrooms. After a short while they ended up back in the main foyer, where he led her to a sitting area by the fireplace.
“Please make yourself comfortable. I must take my leave to see to other duties. Orientation begins in ten minutes at the first room to your right.” He bowed and left.
Ten minutes later Elizabeth walked inside the room across the hallway from the chamber. As far as she could see, nothing or no one looked unusual.
She strolled warily, heading in no particular dire ction. Numerous students stood in rows of five facing the podium chatting in groups. She avoided the cliques, not wanting to bring attention to herself. As she was about to turn in another direction, she heard a sing-song voice.
“Yoohoo! Haloo?” A dark-skinned boy dressed in fashionable clothes waved at her from a few rows up.
“Me?” Elizabeth raised her brows and pointed at herself.
The boy nodded, wiggling an index finger for her to come over.
“Haloo there!” The boy beamed, indicating for her to take the vacant spot behind him. “I'm Ben, short for Benus. You know—the Goddess of Beauty, except with a B .”
“More like the Goddess of Delusion,” a thickset boy wearing a bas eball