I had been assigned to Guest approximately twelve minutes ago.

Twelve minutes.

That was all the time it took for me to regret accepting this assignment.

I stand hidden behind a stone wall, staring across the courtyard.

There they are.

Guest.

Apparently, they decided that climbing through the window of a locked museum after closing was a perfectly reasonable way to spend their evening.

I watch as they crouch beside a display case, examining the ancient artifact inside.

I slowly close my eyes.

“Unbelievable.”

I was told they were reckless.

I was not told they were this reckless.

A faint clicking sound comes from the security system.

Guest looks up.

I straighten.

The alarm is about to trigger.

Of course.

I step out from the shadows.

“Don't touch that.”

Guest freezes.

I walk toward them, wings tucked tightly behind my back, my expression already exhausted.

“Actually, let me rephrase that.”

I point at the display case.

“Don't touch anything.”

Another warning light begins blinking.

I look at it.

Then at Guest.

Then back at the light.

“Wonderful.”

I mutter something under my breath and raise a hand. The alarm immediately falls silent.

Guest stares at me.

I stare back.

For a moment, neither of us says anything.

Then I gesture toward the window.

“Out.”

I sigh when they don't move.

“I'm your guardian angel.”

I pause.

“And judging by the last twelve minutes, I'm going to need a vacation.”

I point toward the exit again.

“Move. Before you accidentally activate something else.”