Old Promises, New Mysteries: Book 2 of The Kinstone series

I rubbed my eyes once more, trying to stay awake as I wandered down the corridors. With how exhausted I felt, the best idea would be to find the elevator and take it back to the residence.

My very late lunch had already emptied from my stomach, leaving a hollow void. Yet the prospect of lying on a bed seemed far more appealing than getting something to eat. I sighed softly, hoping my mother was at least somewhat finished with her meeting.

As I rounded another corner, I passed by two girls, giving them both a simple nod.

“You, girl!” yelled out one of them.

I turned and looked at them. Both were dressed in what appeared to the latest Parisian fashion. The girls also seemed to be older than I was, by a couple years or so. With how tired I felt, I really couldn’t tell, nor cared.

“Can I help you?”

The girl on the right, with shoulder length dark blonde hair, glared at me, “Who are you to call yourself Countess Rivenfeld’s daughter?”

My head tilted slightly, “What do you mean? She is my mother.”

The girl’s anger grew as glared at her, “Lies. Countess Rivenfeld is a paragon of beauty and grace. A true scion of nobility. A magus of such wondrous power that she is the envy of many.”

I looked at the girl, rubbing my eyes, “Okay…what’s your point? You’re right, my mom is amazing and I am blessed to be her daughter.”

The girl snarled, “The point, is that there is no way that a lowborn commoner such as yourself could be her daughter. You must have weaseled your way into her life.”

I shook my head, “No… I didn’t. If anything she found me.”

The girl on the left, wearing a multi-layered outfit, with mid-length black hair, shook her head, “Again you lie. We demand that you remove yourself from her side, renounce your affiliation with her now, and then leave this castle in disgrace.”

I stared at her, curling my eyebrow, “Seriously? Who are you to demand such a thing?”

The black haired girl placed her hand over her chest, “I am Mistral, daughter of House Laevatain. My companion is Lana, daughter of House Drakthul.”

I looked at them both, “Okay and so?”

Lana snarled, “We are descended from two of the great houses from the Empire of Dewloura, you gutter-trash of a girl.”

I nodded, “That’s nice and all, but how does any of that give you the authority to demand that I leave my mother?”

Lana’s anger grew even more, “You will do as you are told, you common-born brat.”

I shook my head, “Sorry, but I’m not leaving her, and you cannot tell or make me do so,” I then turned and began to walk away.

Lana growled as she reached into her purse and pulled out a rapier, with Mistral summoning a small wand from a ring on her finger. The tips of both began to glow as magic swelled around them.

“If you will not comply with our demands brat,” said the girl as she began to thrust the sword forward, “then you shall die for your insolence and disrespect!” A magic bolt erupted from the tip of the sword as Mistral twirled the wand, launching a spell of her own.

Just before the spells reach me, a cold rush of wind howled through the halls as Fenris emerged from my shadow. Enveloping his tails in swirling shadow and ice-filled wind.

He swatted away their attacks, forming layers of ice around us. Both girls stood in shock as he growled at them, baring his glistening fangs.

I turned to see Fenris snarling at them, his fur bristling with anger and fury as he stared at both girls. Mistral’s mouth dropped and quivered rapidly as Lana nearly let go of her rapier.

“An Uldulvan wolf…is protecting a low-born child” spoke Mistral.

Lana slowly looked at her partner, “But…that’s impossible.” She then turned back towards me, “Where… where you find that wolf?”

I walked over to Fenris, stroking his fur, “He found me.”

Mistral face turned from shock to anger, “Again you lie you little bitch.”

Fenris barked loudly as he growled, “You dare call this child a liar when you would strike at her from behind without provocation?!”

Lana’s rapier dropped from her hand, clanging onto the floor, “It spoke…” Mistral stared at Fenris.

“This…this cannot be,” said Lana, “Uldulvan wolves were said to be the guardians of the great houses. Those of noble blood were the only ones to whom they would bond with.”

I looked at them, “Can we just end this?”

Both girls looked at each other, with Mistral calming herself, “You will hand over that wolf to us.”

I tilted my head, “Why? Again you’re making demands when I don’t recognize your perceived ‘authority’.”

Lana growled like a cat, “If you will not hand him over to us willingly, then we shall take him from you.” Fenris snarled, fangs still bearing at them.

“Talvalrish Elevnaor Uldulva Inlicua.” spoke Lana.

The words echoed through the hall as they rung in my ears, feeling a certain power flowing from them. Fenris’ growls subsided for a brief moment as he glared at them.

Mistral and Lana smiled, “Come to your rightful masters, wolf.”

Fenris growled even louder, digging his claws even deeper into the carpeting. Both girls stood shocked, eyes wide and mouths quivering.

“Why…why didn’t the words of subjugation work on him?” asked Mistral.

Fenris stepped closer to me, “Your words have no power over me.” I clung to the wolf and stared at the girls.

Lana glared at me, picking up her sword, “What is the meaning of this?”

I took a breath, looking at Fenris, “I bonded with him.” Both girls then stepped back at they stared at us.

“No…it cannot be true. There is no possible way that an Uldulvan wolf, whose race has been missing since the fall of Dewloura, would bond with a common-born peasant," spoke a quivering Mistral.

I looked to them, “Well…it’s the truth.”

A servant saw this and dropped the tray he was carrying and ran. Bounding down the endless flight of stairs, racing through the halls as he desperately ran for the assembled host.

Rachel and the Court members, having completed most of the day’s discussions, stood around the parliamentary hall, conversing with each other.

“Your skills of negotiation have not lapsed nor dulled during your long absence, Rachel,” spoke Andriy.

She smiled, “I thank you my old friend. Dealing with human business leaders tend to help sharpen one’s abilities. Not to mention having to rein in a certain child of mine from time to time.”

The vampire chuckled, “I would imagine having such a child as your daughter would be extremely difficult.”

Rachel grinned, “My little girl has been quite the challenge, but she truly is a wonderful young lady.”

Andriy smiled, he then noticed a man nodding at him. The vampire looked to his friend, “If you will allow me to take my leave, there is a glass of Triizi I believe is calling to me.”

Rachel chuckled, “Very well, go and retrieve your drink.” The vampire bowed to her and took his leave. She smiled as he left, eyeing the crowd.

“Might I have a moment of your time?” asked a voice from behind her. Rachel turned to look up a dark ebony haired man, standing before her.

A smile rose upon her face, “Well hello there.”

The man smiled, “It’s wonderful to finally see you after our last meeting,” as he stepped closer to her.

Her face flushed softly as she stared up at him, “I would agree.”

The man softly lifted her hand, kissing it, “It has been far too long.”

She smiled and nodded, “That it has.” He smiled more slowly pulling her closer to him.

Rachel chuckled, “You are acting rather bold.”

He grinned, “As the old phrase goes, ‘fortune favors the bold’.”

Her cheeks flushed softly, beaming, “You old charmer.” Both stared into each other’s eyes, losing themselves within their gaze, as they drew ever closer into a kiss.

A woman then coughed, breaking the moment, “Not even a moment together and both of you are on the verge of eloping with one another. Not to mention in the midst of court, no less.” Rachel and the man blushed as they gazed upon a green dragon with long red hair, grinning at them.

“Minerva,” quivered Rachel, “I…I didn’t see you there,” composing herself.

The dragon grinned as she folded her arms, “Of course not. Not when either of you are together.” Rachel stepped back from the man, straightening her dress. The dragon chuckled, “Neither of you have changed in all these years.”

The man smiled at Rachel, “It can’t be helped.”

Rachel blushed softly and then looked to the dragon, “I am actually glad to see you Minerva.”

The dragon grinned, “Oh, and why would that be?”

Rachel smiled, “Because my daught-.”

Just then, a servant burst into the chamber, panting heavily, “Forgive my intrusion my Lords and Ladies, but an Uldulvan wolf has appeared within the castle.”

All eyes turned at the servant as two men, one dark blond and heavily built with the other spindly and dark haired, rose from their seats and walked over to him.

“Explain servant,” ordered the heavily built man.

The servant bowed his head, “On the third level near the library. The daughters of Dewloura confronted another girl and that is where I saw it, standing in defense of the child.”

Rachel’s heart ran cold, Fenris…Aria!

Both men looked to each other and rushed out the door. Rachel took pursuit after them. “Rachel?” yelled out her partner as he then ran after her.

Andriy, Josephine, and Sabine also ran out the door, following after their friend. A third man, who was sitting adjacent to the first two men, slowly stood from his seat, and calmly walked out the door, also following the crowd.

They wasted little time as they hurried through the castle. The hallways were covered in a thin layer of frost as they rounded the corner. All stood in shock as they gazed upon the scene.

A massive black wolf stood guard in front of Aria, tails swaying from side to side, as it bore down upon Mistral and Lana, weapons in hand.

“What is going on?” asked the spindly man.

Both girls turned and tried desperately to put away their weapons, “F-Father,” squeaked Mistral, “she…she has a wolf,” pointing to Aria.

The heavily built man walked to Lana, fists clenched, “Why are you armed?”

Lana quickly sheathed her rapier, “That girl attacked us, we were only defending ourselves. And then that wolf appeared and is protecting her.”

Rachel arrived and looked on in shock as she saw Fenris standing before her daughter, snarling and bearing his teeth. When Aria saw her mother, her face recoiled in fear, feeling small.

“Aria…” spoke her mother.

The crowd turned and saw her, “So…” spoke Lana’s father, “your daughter attacked mine, and you presumed to hide the fact that you have an Uldulvan wolf? How dare you.”

A loud echoing growl rang through corridor, “THEY. ARE. LYING!!!” The crowd turned and looked at the Fenris, whose glistening fangs still shone brightly against the light.

“This child was not the aggressor,” spoke the wolf, “those two attacked her, unprovoked, when she would not comply with their demands.”

“What demands?” asked Rachel.

Aria glared at the girls, “They wanted me to leave and renounce myself of you and then wanted me to give them Fenris. Even speaking something I couldn’t understand.”

Rachel’s eyes flared in anger as she stepped forward, glaring at both fathers, “By what right do your children demand that my daughter abdicate herself from my side or for her to give over the wolf standing before her?”

Lana’s father turned to her, “Is this true?”

The girl looked away. “She also claimed that wolf is bonded to her,” exclaimed Mistral, looking terrified at her father.

The lord of House Laevatain looked at his companion, “That…is impossible.” Both men then turned at stared at Aria, whose eyes now were the same as the wolf.

Both men then turned toward Aria. Both mouths dropped as they gazed into her eyes. Her eyes were now the same as the wolves, a rich icy-blue set within pure darkness. Each man glanced at the other, unsure what to think.

Andriy stepped forward, surveying the scene, “Might I ask when the houses of Dewloura adopted the practice of claiming sole ownership of all Uldulvan wolves? And the evidence of young Aria’s innocence is clearly present, the scorch marks around her, the fact that I cannot sense any magic from the child. Lastly, her wolf is standing across the child as oppose to standing directly in front of her, indicating a defensive posture.”

Josephine sighed but nodded, “A well thought-out deduction, and yet obviously stated.”

Lana and Mistral hung their heads low. Lana’s father, having snapped back to the present, looked to his daughter, “We are leaving,” he then turned to Rachel, “I ask for you to forgive my daughter’s rudeness and disrespect.”

She frowned, “Do not let your daughter come anywhere near my child again, am I understood Almarec?” He nodded calmly. The girl offered no protest as her father grabbed her by the shoulder, escorting her away.

Mistral’s father looked at Aria, scoffing as he too left without a word, daughter in tow. The gathered crowd then turned to Aria, still standing behind the massive wolf.

Rachel sighed softly as the ebony-haired man from earlier stood beside her, “I must see to Tobias so we can get ahead of any potential issues. I wish our reunion was longer.”

She smiled, “I thank you.” He smiled and nodded as he disappeared into the corridor. Rachel then turned to her daughter, who had hidden herself behind her wolf.

She smiled, walking over to her, with Fenris stepping aside. Aria’s head hug low as she fumbled with the hem of her skirt, “Sorry if I embarrassed you,” she whispered.

Her mother looked to her, pulling the girl into a tight embrace, “You have done nothing wrong my love.” Aria rested her head onto her mother’s chest, sighing. Fenris brushed her hand, looking up at her. She smiled as she stroked his face.

Rachel’s friends walked over to the trio as well. “Are you all right petite colombe?” asked Josephine.

Aria nodded, “Yes Ma’am.”

Andriy smiled as she looked to her, peering at the sitting wolf, “It truly has been over four hundred years since I last laid eyes upon an Uldulvan wolf. And a black one no less, quite rare indeed.”

Aria’s eyes grew heavy as the adrenaline finally flushed itself from her body, causing her fatigue to come rushing back into her body.

Rachel smiled, holding her child, “I believe my little girl has had enough excitement for one day.”

Her friends smiled and nodded. “If you wish Rachel, we can walk you three back to your residence,” suggested Sabine.

Rachel smiled, “I would be grateful for that.”

Aria then saw a green dragon standing elegantly against the wall, wings furled behind her.

“Well, that certainly brought a great deal of excitement to these typical drab sessions.”

Rachel sighed as she shook her head, “I tried to avoid this very incident from occurring, obviously failing in the process.”

The dragon smiled, “Those two little brats have been becoming more and more of a nuisance these past few months. Both acting as those they rule over the Court itself."

Rachel nodded and smiled as she then looked to her girl, “Aria, this is someone I believe you will truly enjoying meeting.” She looked up at the dragon, tilting her head. Her mother grinned, “This is Minerva Oslont, an old dear friend.”

The girl nodded, “A pleasure Ma’am.”

Rachel then grinned, “Minerva is also the author of your favorite novel series.”

The girl’s eyes lit up like fire as she stared at her. The dragon smiled, “Well…it’s not often I meet a fan of my work.”

The girl’s lips quivered as she absentmindedly reached into her satchel and pulled out her copy of Stellarus Overture.

Minerva grinned and chuckled, “Of course I’ll sign your book little one,” gently taking it from her, “my, my. This is actually the first volume.”

Aria blushed, “I…I’ve read it twice. I’m also a huge fan on Dragon Wings.”

She smiled, signing the book, and handing it back, “I am honored little one.”

Aria blushed as she held the book tightly, “Th-thank you.”

The Dragon winked at her, “You are quite welcome little Aria.”

Rachel smiled as stroked her hair, “Thank you Minerva.” The dragon nodded and smiled. The group all then turned and left the corridors.

As they strolled down the hallway, Aria eyed another dark-haired man, with a streak of silver along the side of his head. He watched her calmly, giving her a soft nod as she passed him. She nodded back, but was curious about him, wondering who he was.

I plopped myself onto the bed, having changed into something more comfortable, and sighed heavily into the covers. I watched as the curtains swayed gently by the balcony door. I knew I had done nothing wrong and yet felt as though I did.

Fenris had taken a place near the foot of the bed, having lied down onto. A whirlwind of thoughts ran through my exhausted mind.

I wanted to go home, home to the Estate and to my family, which were all waiting for me. A sly smile drew upon my face as the thought of Silvi endlessly pacing across the floor in the foyer floated into my mind. I also pictured Silvi and Velhemina bickering with each other, trying to pass the time.

A knock on the door snapped her out of my daydream, “Yes?”

“May I come in sweetheart?” asked my mother.

“Come in.”

I spun on the bed until I was sitting upright as I watched Rachel enter my room, having changed out of her dress. “How are you feeling sweetheart?”

I looked to her, “I’m feeling fine. I’m more worried about how everything is with you and rest of the Court.”

My mother smiled as she sat next to me, “Everything will be all right my love. You have done nothing wrong. Those girls were to blame for the situation.”

“They said that they were the daughters of the great Houses of Dewloura and that somehow Fenris was supposed to belong to them. They also spoke something in a language that I had never heard before, something that actually pissed off Fenris.”

My mother sighed softly, rubbing her eyes, “Lana and Mistral, daughters of House Drakthul and Laevatain. Their ancestors fled Dewloura shortly before the fall. As for Fenris…the Uldulvan wolves at the time, were the guardians of the great houses, nearly vanishing themselves completely, only to have the remaining population also be destroyed along with the city.”

She peered over to Fenris, “Since then, the survivors of the houses have constantly searched for the wolves, hoping that once discovered, it would be a sign of the city’s return.”

I nodded, but tilted my head, “What made both houses so important? And I also remember you telling me about how there were three houses that survived.”

My mother nodded, “Drakthul constituted the leaders of the military, brilliantly masterful in the arts of war and diplomacy. Laevatain were the greatest magic wielders within the empire, having been the personal tutors to the royal families for centuries.”

I nodded as I listened, “What of the third house?”

Rachel smiled, “That would be House Titalos. They were among the lesser houses that served the great houses,” she then peered over to the door, “they are not belligerent like the others. In fact House Titalos has often played referee between the other two, while at the same being belittled because of their ancient status. I have come to find the members of Titalos to be far more reasonable.”

I then recalled the man she saw in the corridor, “There was someone watching as we walked back here, a man, with dark hair with a silver streak.”

Rachel nodded, “That would be Viktor, head of House Titalos, and a good man.” I nodded. My mother smiled, “You should know that Viktor also has a daughter who is older than you. She, however, is a rather shy child. Never becoming involved with the others, much like her father. I would assume that the both of you would become rather good friends if given the opportunity.”

I looked up at her, “What’s her name?”

“Alizia.”

I nodded, “Pretty name.”

Rachel then leaned over and kissed me on the forehead, “Now, I want you to rest. It has been a rather eventful day.” I nodded as I lied back down onto my bed.

My mother slid off the bed and pulled a blanket over me, and kissed my cheek. I smiled softly, slowly succumbing to my exhaustion. Fenris draped a tail over my body, watching me sleep.

“Thank you Fenris, for everything,” whispered Rachel.

The wolf nodded slowly, resting his head onto the bed. Rachel smiled as she quietly exited the room, watching her child sleeping soundly. She then gently closed the door, catching one last glimpse of me.

I stirred softly in my bed as I began to feel hot as I slept. A cold sweat ran down my face as I opened my eyes, seeing that that the sky had now dark. I pulled myself upright, feeling something lay across my lap.

Smiling, I discovered Fenris’ tail draped across my lap, peering over to see the wolf that it was attached to, sleeping beside me. I quietly leaned over and gently stroked him behind his ears.

I then heard voices echoing from outside my door, voices I quickly recognized as both my mother’s and those of the people I had met earlier that day. I slid off my bed and quietly cracked open the door, crouching beside it as I listened in on the conversation.

“You needn’t worry yourself Rachel,” I heard the man named Andriy speak, “if you fear reprisal from either Drakthul or Laevatain, both men left earlier. I personally saw them leave.”

“I am not concerned for either of those men,” replied Rachel, hearing her sigh, “my daughter still troubles herself over how this incident affected my reputation.”

A gentle cackle rose from another person, “That little one of yours is quite mindful of her mother isn’t she.”

“That she is Josephine. I wonder if too mindful.”

I blushed softly, hugging my legs to my chest.

“What of tomorrow then?” asked Rachel.

“I wouldn’t fret over the proceedings for the future,” spoke a sultry voice. Lady Sabine, I thought.

“What we deliberated today was the more pressing issues that needed to be addressed. For which I truly am grateful for your presence. We couldn’t have progressed nearly as far as we did without your calming voice present. All that remains are minor issues that pertain to procedural matters. The primary council can deal with those easily.”

I heard Rachel sigh once more, “Thank you Sabine. Perhaps Aria and I should leave tomorrow then, if there isn’t any need for us to stay.”

I leaned my head back against the wall, even though we had only been there for only a day and a half, I really just wanted to go home. I then heard a knock on the front door, with steps quickly chasing after it.

“I hope you and your daughter are doing well,” spoke a voice I had never heard before.

“We are. Thank you Arcturus,” I heard my mother reply. “Would you like to come in?”

“As much as I would, I cannot. I merely came by to inform you that the council has decided to punish both houses for the actions of their daughters. Yet I fear that nothing truly will come of it.”

I heard her sigh again, “Such are things.”

“I should go, there is still work that must be done before that night is through.”

“I thank you again Arcturus,” she replied.

I heard the door slowly close, something told me that those two had a history together, wasn’t sure what, but something that might be fun in the future, giggling softly.

“If you are awake young lady then you should come down,” announced Rachel, causing me to squeak.

I slowly opened the door and walked over to the banister, “So…you knew I was up?”

Rachel grinned, “I am your mother after all.”

I blushed and smiling, lacing some hair over my right ear, “Are we really going home?” walking down the stairs.

Rachel nodded, “That we are my love.” I nodded, heading down the stairs, reaching the bottom floor. I bowed my head to the guests.

The trio smiled, nodding back towards me. I heard the soft padding of feet as Fenris stepped beside me, brushing his fur against my side. I smiled, running my fingers through his soft fur.

“We should let you both get some rest before your long journey home Rachel,” spoke Sabine, and then grinned, “I believe that my husband might require some ‘aid’ after all of this, ‘fun’.”

My mother nodded, “I pray I haven't driven Tobias into a difficult position.”

The lilith smirked as she shook her head, “Tobias handles these sorts of crises all the time. In fact this would have been rather easy for him to deal with.”

My mother nodded, “Thank you Sabine.”

The trio then rose from their seats and then each walked over to me. “You truly have a wonderful mother, little one,” spoke Andriy.

I blushed as I peered over to her, “I do, I think you already know how hard I try and make her happy.”

The vampire smiled, “Indeed I do little one. If you are in need of any assistance from any of us, you have but to ask.”

I nodded, “Thank you sir,” I then tilted my head, “one question though. What’s triizi?”

Andriy smiled, “Triizi is a drink distilled from human blood, the process of which can take well over a hundred years to accomplish. A true delicacy amongst vampires and a rather expensive one at that.”

I nodded slowly, “I...see.”

His smile softened as he placed his hand onto my shoulder, “Rest well little one, and know that you have friends amongst the Court.”

I smiled, bowing my head to him, “Thank you Sir.” He smiled, his fangs glistening against the flickering light as he then turned and headed for the door.

“Goodnight Andriy,” said Rachel.

He smiled and nodded to her, “Rest well and safe travels old friend,” quietly leaving the residence.

I quickly found myself being pulled into a hug, with a hand stroke my hair, “Sweet little fox. Oh how I wish I could see you transform before I leave,” mournfully said Sabine. I blushed and smiled, looking to Rachel.

My mother chuckled, shaking her head, “Not this day Sabine, perhaps if you were to come visit us in America and away from the confines of the Court.”

The lilith smiled as she pulled back, “And so I shall endeavor to find the proper time to come and visit you both,” Sabine then placed a kiss onto my head, “until then, little fox.”

I giggled, “Yes Ma’am.”

She smiled as she turned and headed for the door, “I shall see later then Rachel.”

My mother nodded, “Until next we meet and give my best to your husband.” She nodded and left.

I turned expecting to find Lady Josephine also pulling me into a hug, only to find her staring down Fenris. The wolf gazed into her eyes, unsure of what to make of her.

The woman smiled, “Truly a wonder to see an Uldulvan wolf up close.” My bonded sat still as she looked him over and smiled. Lady Josephine then nodded and turned to me, “Well petit colombe, or rather petit renard,” winking to me, “you have a safe flight home.”

I smiled, “Au revoir Lady Josephine.”

The woman grinned, “Au revoir petit renard.” She then turned and headed for the door, “Keep in touch Rachel, we miss you far too much.”

My mother smiled, “I shall, until later.” Josephine smiled and nodded, finally leaving.

I sighed, drooping backwards, with Fenris catching me by standing behind me. Rachel closed the door and walked over to me, pulling me into a hug, rocking me gently. I smiled as I clung to her, nuzzling her chest.

“I know it has only really been a couple days at most, but are you ready to go home?”

I nodded, “I’m ready.”

She smiled, kissing the top of my head, “As am I.”

We stayed that there for a moment until we decided to make dinner. I shook my head as I watched her fumble around the kitchen once more. I laughed as I took over after she somehow made a pan of boiling water poof into smoke.

Over five hundred years old and you still can’t cook, I thought to myself as I made us dinner. Fenris sat patiently as he watched. I gave him a glance, smiling.

After dinner Rachel and I clambered onto a couch, with her holding me close to her, wrapping her arms around me. Fenris laid in front of the couch, looking up at us. I smiled softly as I slowly falling asleep once more.

I awoke the next morning to find myself lying next to Rachel on her bed. Her scent enveloped me as it always had done in the past. I curled up into her more, smiling softly, watching her open her eyes, “Good morning my love.”

I grinned, “Morning.”

She smiled, kissing my forehead, “Sweet little girl.” I giggled.

She grinned, “Always a pleasure to hear that lovely laugh of yours.” I smiled. She placed another kiss onto my forehead, “Shall we get ready to leave, my love?” I nodded. Rachel nodded in return as we both then rolled out of bed.

After a quick shower and getting dressed, I zipped up my suitcase, taking a quick glance at my room, part of me wished that I could’ve spent more time in an actual castle, but the call of home rang heavy in my mind. I pulled up the handle of my suitcase and rolled it out of the room.

As I walked down the stairs, I saw Rachel and Fenris already standing by the door. I smiled as I headed over to them, “Okay, now I’m ready to go home.”

My mother smiled to me, “Good. The plane is fueled and ready for our arrival.”

I nodded as Fenris stood up and looked me in the eye. I smiled, pressing my head against his, stroking his face, “Thank you,” I murmured.

His tails wagged softly as he then pulled back and licked my face, causing me to giggle. He then walked behind me and disappeared into my shadow.

I shook my head as I pulled the handle of my suitcase, watching as Rachel then opened the door and walked out of the residence, with me walking close behind her.

The castle was quiet as we made our way through the first floor towards the main entrance. I didn’t feel the venomous, stabbing glares like I did on the first day. In fact I couldn’t feel anything coming from the entry hall.

“Where is everyone?” I asked.

Rachel looked to me, “Most members often elect to depart upon the adjournment of proceedings, hence why the castle seems empty at present.” I nodded as I exited the castle and out onto the waiting car.

As I climbed in, I quickly nestled into my seat and pulled out the grimoire I received the previous day, opening it. My eyes quickly began to scan over the pages, rapidly absorbing the information held within.

Rachel chuckled, “Ever the consummate student.”

I smiled as I felt the car slowly pull away. Within a few short minutes I looked up as the castle slowly began to grow smaller on the window, soon becoming hidden behind a vast thick wall of trees. I smiled, knowing that the girls would be completely jealous when they heard that I actually visited a real castle, not to mention flying to France.

As we arrived at the airfield, I stowed away the grimoire into my satchel as I exited the car. When I approached the plane, I couldn’t help but giggle.

Rachel smiled, “All right, now what has you giggling?”

I grinned to her, “I’ve seen London, I’ve seen France, I’ve seen my Momma’s-.”

Rachel quickly placed her hand over my mouth, looking at me sternly, “You finish that poem and I will have you writing reports on the eclectic works of Carville Etisnoir for a month. Am I understood?”

I grinned and nodded, “Yes Ma’am.”

My mother shook her head, “Honestly young lady, I raised you to be better than that.”

I giggled, “I’m still a kid after all.”

She sighed, “That you are,” smiling as we climbed into the plane. I quickly took my seat with Fenris lying in front of me as usual.

Rachel too found her seat and buckled in. After the pilot sounded off the pre-flight checks, the plane slowly groaned to life as it pulled onto the runway. My body then pressed into the seat as the plane then sped along the tarmac. I peered out the window, watching at the forest below grew smaller.

I could feel a whisper creeping into my mind, Safe journeys, Little Princess of foxes and wolves. Beware the coming of death’s corrupting flames.

I curled my eyebrow, wondering what the voice meant as we ascended higher into the sky.