The End of Innocence: Book 3 of the Kinstone series

Twenty minutes later, I arrive at Diana’s home. It was a simple, if not welcoming, two-story house that I swear had been plucked straight out of my old neighborhood in Chattanooga or even off of my grandparents’ street in Knoxville. The neighborhood also felt comfortable. Trees lined every street, shading the pavement from the sun.

I can’t begin to remember the last time I turned down Anderson Mill and going past the HEB. Definitely been a while. Heh, it’s kinda funny how the day after I moved into my apartment I actually took a trip to this particular grocery store.

It felt…distant, for some reason.

Of course it was the first full day of being back and everything was still new, despite having known the area for years. Even still, I recall that day with a fond, almost naïve innocence. I could play it out in my mind as if it were happening all over again. But looking back on it now, how was I to know that…that…

“You are crying little Aria.”

I turn, seeing Fenris poking his head between the front seats, his ice-blue eyes staring gently down at me. Streams of tears roll down my cheeks, a few even dripped onto my shoulder, soaking into my shirt.

I look forward, hiding my face underneath my hair. “Sorry,” I sniff, rubbing my eyes and cheeks, “just had some old feelings creep back up on me.”

He leans forward, piercing my hair with his nose. “Will you tell me?”

I reach up to his face, gently stroking the wolf’s soft muzzle, “I…I had no idea that my new mother or sister lived so close to me. That a new life was just waiting for me. That a whole new world was just within my grasp.”

He leans in even closer, pressing his cold dark nose against my cheek, “If you did…would it have changed anything about your life?”

I smirk, feeling more tears rolling down my cheek, “No…not one bit,” now staring into his eyes.

He lowers his head, pressing the top into mine. I wrap my hands around him, burying my fingers into his fur. If we were home, he’d have dragged me into his side, with me curling up into him.

He’s always considered and treats me as if I was his daughter, always present to comfort me and snap me back into place. A low rumble ripples through his body as I rake my fingers up and down his mane.

I pull back, wiping my face once more, “I feel like such a child.”

He huffs, “You are a child, Aria. Though in the past you weren’t, you are once more.”

I giggle, leaning into my seat, “I am…thank you Fenris.”

He leans in, catching a tear with the tip of his nose, “You are welcome, my little Aria.” I giggle, wiping the rest away.

He then pulls back, just as Diana came rushing down her walkway. Her mother waves at me as she stands in the doorway. Kinda felt strange, picking up someone to go hang out. I really only did it once in past and it was…again strange. I wave back to her as her daughter opens the door and climbs in, “Morning.”

I smile, “Morning,” in her hands was several small tote bags and a cooler.

I smiled, knowing that I had only brought a couple of my old ones myself. She looks back and stares at my bonded, who is now lying down on the backseat. “Ready to go?” I ask.

She buckles herself in, giving me a nod, “Ready. I have to say, this was an interesting suggestion you made.”

I grin as I slowly begin to pull us away from her house, “My mom was the one who came up with the idea. Plus it’s a lot of fun.”

She leans up against her seat, “But don’t you think that people are going to freak out when we show up with him walking around?”

I glance up into the mirror, seeing his ears perk up, only to quickly settle back down. I shook my head as we pull onto Anderson Mill.

“Nope. I used to take him with me all the time, for the first three weeks after the start of the year, until I moved in with my mother.” That was also the last time I was even in Lakeline.

I was a wreck the day I called Rachel and accepted her offer to live with her. My old apartment, the area, everything, had ceased to feel like home I think as early as right before Marron and I went to Ikkicon.

After burying my birthmother and dealing with the new semester, it just was too much. I wonder if I was forcing myself to stay there, just trying to move on with my life after everything from the past December.

I felt hollow, lonely, and cold…colder than any January morning. I soon came to realize that what I was feeling was homesickness. So, in a display of how much of child I had become, I called Rachel, asking to come live with her. After that…the rest is history.

We finally arrived at the mall, with a curious look on Diana’s face as we turned down Pecan Park rather than Ridgeline. I still was far more comfortable going this way, and it really was safer, with having a traffic light and all.

As we rounded the turn where I was at just a week prior, I saw a line of familiar white tents just over the hill. A small nervous smile rose on my face, this was a place I absolutely loved, and I had missed it. I pulled into the lot just before the market, where I normally would.

The weather is perfectly suited for a mid-summer’s morning in Austin. Hot, humid, and with an air pressure that almost stifled each breath you took. The moment I stepped out of the car I was met with a hot gust of wind, which nearly knocked me off balance. I shrug it off, opening the backdoor and letting Fenris hop out.

The wolf’s nose rose high, smelling the numerous foods which waft through the air. I smirk as he makes his happiness known with his tail happily beating against my car. I latch the leash onto his collar, an act I still hate having to do. I pull out my bags and the three of us snake our way through the cars and into the market.

The market is abuzz with hundreds of people and a few dozen stalls. My grin from earlier rose higher, remembering the market at the shrine. The first stop I made was the vendor who sold various vegetables as well as jars of pickled and fermented ones.

The seller looks to me, “It can’t be,” stepping forward, “is that you Aria?” he asked.

I grin, “Hey Mr. Gecker. It’s been a long time hasn’t it?”

The man leans over, “That it has young lady, too long in fact. Where did you disappear off to?”

I open a container of humus and stick a sample spoon into it, quickly tasting it, “I moved in with someone who then adopted me.”

The man smiles, “Well that’s just great. I really am happy for you kiddo. We all were concerned when you stopped coming all of a sudden.”

I stare up at him. Mr. Gecker had been a good friend, among many here, whom I would talk briefly too before moving on.

I look down, “Sorry about that. After the semester started, I just couldn’t take living out here on my own anymore.”

He places his hand onto my shoulder, “It’s tough losing family. Anyone can tell you the exact same thing. But I’m glad you found someone who was willing to take you in. You deserve a happy life.”

I stare up at him, “Thank you sir.”

He smiles, “Your welcome.”

He pull back, plucking a bag of freeze-dried bananas and then hands them to me. I pull my backpack around to pull out my wallet. “No need to pay for this.”

I looked back at him shocked, “Are you sure?”

He smiles, “Of course. Despite your long absence, we still consider you our little goddess of the market.”

My cheeks flare brightly, it was a title that I had been given shortly after I first transformed, and somehow I had garnered a small following from the vendors. I didn’t do anything, apart from simply talking to everyone like I normally would as a man. I never took advantage of it, mainly because I really didn’t care for the attention.

This popularity did have some benefits, with the rare occasion that someone would hand me free items from their stock. I would try and pay, only to be politely declined.

I hold the bag, “Thank you sir.”

The man smiled, “You’re welcome little lady.”

I pan over to Diana as she picks up a few things, and holding them up to him. He smiled, telling her the price, and even giving her a discount.

I smirk, stuffing the bag into one of my totes. She thanks him and we both start walking away from his stall. “Come back soon to us.” I wave to him as we both moved on.

We walk up the row, sampling foods, and buying a few things. This was really nice and it really hadn’t changed all that much since I last was here. I could still hear music being played even as far down from where we started. Sure there were a few new vendors, but the majority of the old standbys were present.

One vendor sold the absolute best goat cheese, which I received my usual sample of everything he had. Another vendor sold various kinds of duck spreads, another with jerky, and then breads and cakes. So many familiar faces present, but slightly older. Well it has been sixteen months since the last time I was here, so time marched on.

There are also dozens and dozens of dogs present, which is a common thing. Many instantly start barking at Fenris, with a few straight up getting into his face. The wolf would simply shoot the rowdy pooches a glare which makes them back down.

One German Shepard did however try to challenge him. My bonded huffed at it, causing the dog to whimper and lie down onto the ground with it tail between its legs.

I won’t say that I felt sorry for the dog, because it did get right into his face and was looking for a fight. Fenris and I both know that it wouldn’t have ended well, and that fact the wolf would only act if something were to happen to me. Other than that, he just loves being out with me, but his ears were on a swivel, making sure nothing just pops out.

When we came to a woman who made homemade toffee, she leans forward, “Well hey there little Aria, it’s been a long time.”

I smile, picking up at sample cup, “It has Miss Tiffany, and it’s good to see you.”

The woman smile, “Where have you been? Did you move away or something?”

I giggled, popping the lid with my thumb, “I did,” quickly tossing the piece into my mouth and eating it, “moved in with the woman who adopted me last year.”

She smiles, “Oh I am so happy for you darling. But I will ask…whatever happened to your cousin? Did he too move away or something?”

I look up at her, clenching my bag, “I haven’t seen him in ages. To be honest after my mom passed away, he sort of dropped off the face of the world.”

Which is true, Clay Edge did disappear, but is also standing in front of her in a manner of speaking.

She leans back in her seat, “I’m sorry to hear that, he was really well-liked around here.” I smile, thanks.

She shakes her head, “Oh well, what have you been up to? Loving your new family?”

I giggle, “I am, and I’ve been doing a bit of traveling, quite a bit actually.”

She smile, “That’s great, been anywhere special?”

My cheeks blush, “I was in Japan from spring break up until the start of June.”

Her mouth drops, “Really, I bet you had fun there didn’t you?”

I giggle, playing nervously with my hair, “I did, and…even went on my first date.”

She leans forward, “Congratulations, I bet the boy who took you out was a respectable one. If not, he might have to answer to a few people here.”

I chuckle, “You and a lot of other people had said that exact thing. Plus, I’d have to translate for everyone.”

She looks to me, “I didn’t know you spoke Japanese.”

I toss another cup into the trash can, “Yep, fluently. I even spoke to him just last week on Skype.”

She grins, “You think he might be the one?”

My heart feels like it skipped a beat, “I…I don’t know. He might be. Just waiting to make sure I know.”

She crosses her arms, “Well, if he has you this bent out of shape then I say that he is.”

I drop my hat over my hair. She laughs as Diana picked up a couple boxes of toffee.

I look to her. She gives a motherly smile, “Well hun, you take care, and hope to see you soon.”

I bob my head, “You too Miss Tiffany.” We each wave at each other as I leave.

As we close in on the top of the hill, I look over to Diana, “You’re awfully quiet.”

She looks to me, “I’ve never been to this market before, and you clearly were in your element while talking to everyone.”

I giggle, “Just natural for me to be around people I guess. This used to be a weekly event for me. I’d get up early and stay for an hour. I wouldn’t buy much, just a few things, while refilling others.”

She gives a slight nod as we pass by the tent where the live band was playing. I lean over and dropped a twenty into his jar. The band members each thanked me, I respond with a smile.

We head back down the opposite direction, meandering our way through the crowds and lines for the lemonade stands. The heat had to become more and more untenable, even the slight breezes would over further accelerate how hot I was feeling.

I did keep an eye out for Orga and Kateryna, thinking that Rachel was able to convince them into attending the market. But to the best of my abilities, I couldn’t spot either of them.

I let out a soft sigh, kinda wishing that they were here. I know they would’ve loved it. I also knew a couple Coven members lived nearby, so maybe I could have seen them as well. But as with my knights…nothing. That would’ve been cool, getting to be with some of them again since the Gathering.

We would stop a few times for Diana to pick out a few things from vendors. She really seemed to become enamored by the men who sold cookie dough. She picked up a few samples, and promptly bought a few tubs and cookies. I hung back with Fenris as I watch. The wolf sits beside me, tail tucked to his side, not wanting to have it stepped on or a child to reach for it.

Apart from coming to the mall last week, this was the largest amount of normal people I had been around for some time, possibly since the shrine festival back in May. It really it funny how acclimated you become to being surrounded my magical beings on a daily basis.

So maybe this was more of a reminder of where I used to be. I wasn’t bitter or prejudiced, just felt different. I panned back up towards the mall, thinking about coming back again, this time just to hit my other usual stores.

“Hey, ready to move on?”

I turn back to see her standing in front of me, “Got what you wanted?”

She holds a large bag full of tubs and cookies, “This will definitely be a surprise gift for my father when I see him next.”

I smile, “He sure does love to travel a lot.”

The girl smiles, “It’s worth it, he’s soon to be in Europe in a few days. Hopefully you’ll get to meet him soon.”

I readjust my bag, “I’d like that.”

Her smile deepens, “I know he’ll like it too,” turning to head back down the row.

We finally came to one of my favorite stalls, “The tastes of the market”. It is the station where the workers would go out and pick up samples from various vendors and have them for people to try. A long time ago it was here that I tried kimchi for the first time and fell in love with it.

There were so many things to try on the table; sunflower seed humus, Greek yogurts, breads, sweets, pickled vegetables, snacks; just a plethora of choices.

I start picking up a few pieces, slipping a few to Fenris, who have been snatching up dog treats as we passed by vendors who sold dog food. Either way, he was happy. Granted once we got home, he’d more than likely go out and hunt for deer.

My vision then goes dark as something covers my eyes. “Hey sweetie.”

My heart quickens for a moment as I turn and see who had blinded me, “Marron,” smiling broadly.

She grin, quickly pulling me into a deep embrace, rocking me a little. “Oh God how I’ve missed you Baby Ahri. I know it’s only been a couple weeks since the gathering, but I still missed you all the same.”

I look up at her, “Wait if…if you’re here,” my mouth then hung open, “does that mean that?”

She grins, still hugging me tightly to her, “Yes it does. Your big sister has finally come home.”

I squeal softly, “So where are you living?”

She taps my nose, “I haven’t closed on a house just yet. Just know that it’s close by to you. And before you ask, it is a three bedroom, which means you will get your own room as always.”

I giggle, “Yes.”

She grins, pulling me into another hug. A nose then pokes into her side, causing her look down, “Oh hello Fenris, it’s great to see you too.” The wolf bobs his head, along with a wagging tail. She reaches over and strokes his head.

This is the best news I had heard in a long time. Finally, after so long I finally have Marron back with me. There was so much that we could do together. No doubt Rachel would let me spend weekends or something with her.

I even thought about us heading back to conventions again. She could also visit me as well. The possibilities were endless. Oh, this was going to be awesome.

“So this does also mean that your company finally is expanding to Austin?” I ask, still clinging to her.

She pulls back slightly, “Yep, and to celebrate the opening of our new office, we’re hosting a small show tonight along with a couple other studios. If you want, I could swing by and pick you up.”

“Uhhh Aria,” another voice perks up, “who is this?”

I look over the Diana, smiling broadly, “This is Marron,” gazing back up at her, “She’s my big sister.”

The girl pans up at her, “So you’re the woman in the picture.”

Marron looks to me, “So who’s your friend?”

My fingers cling to her shirt, “Marron, this is Diana. She was the girl I met out on the lake that night.”

My sister smiles, “Well…I guess I should thank you for that.”

Diana nods, “Was glad to help.”

I bury my face into her chest, “I wish I could go with you tonight, but I’m having dinner at her house.”

My sister leans over and kisses my forehead, “That’s okay sweetie. We’ll have plenty of time to be together.”

I giggle, tugging on her slightly, “Hey, so when can I come over? You know I’ll be over in a flash to help you unpack.”

She grins, “Maybe in the next week or so. Apart from closing on the house, I still have to wait for my things to get here from Seattle. Which as you know, will take forever.”

I groan, rolling my eyes, “Do I ever.”

She smirks, “Hey, why don’t I take you both out the lunch?”

I lean back, “Sounds good me,” panning over to Diana, “whatcha say?”

She holds onto her bag, “I’m okay with it, just have to clear it with my mother.”

My sister adjusts her purse, “Always a good thing to do first,” then turning to me, “I’m sure yours won’t have a problem, don’t you think?” winking.

I giggle, pulling out my phone and texting Rachel, who within less than a second replied with her blessing, along with praise for having Marron back in Texas. “She said yes.”

Marron leans in, “Good. So…where should we go?”

I stood on my toes, “Just not over ‘there’ please,” tilting my head back toward the south.

She taps her chin, and then snaps her fingers, “Sushi sound good to you?”

I grin, “Well if you’re offering, we could go to Junai.”

She flicks my nose, “I said I’d take you out, not gorge you.”

I giggle, rubbing it, “Okay, that also eliminates Bang Bang. So where then?”

She peers up towards the north, “Snow Pea sound okay?”

I tilt my head, “Never been there.”

She leans in closer, “You’ve lived here all this time and never went to Snow Pea?”

I shrug, “Too pricey, hence why I went to Junai.”

She rolls her eyes, “You really need to get out more.”

I giggle, “Maybe.”

We pan over to Diana who gave us a thumbs-up. Marron looks to me, “Well, looks like everything is all set then. Shall we go?”

I grin, “You bet.”

She ruffles my hair, “Okay sweetie, I’ll meet you both over there in about twenty minutes, still need to pick out a few things here.”

I smirk, straightening my hair, “Sounds like a plan,” then eyeing the rest of the market, “I also want to snag a couple more things as well. Mainly I want some pecans.”

She turns and eyes a faint green banner down in the distance, “That’s not a bad idea either. Definitely could go for some Cajun or jalapeno if they still sell them.”

I grin, “Champagne or cocoa for me.”

She smirks, looking back to me, “You and your sweets.”

I giggle, picking up my bags, “See you in a bit then.”

She smiles softly, “I’ll see you both there.” We finally let go and headed in different directions.

As promised, I visited the pecan vendor, and snagged a large bag of champagne and a few little ones of cocoa thinking the pups might like something from the market. Diana and I then head back towards the parking lot, carrying everything we had purchased. I really didn’t get all that much, apart from the pecans, some pralines, and the bag of bananas.

Diana on the other hand also picked up some vegetables and meat. It made me think that she had been sent to the market with a shopping list. Not a bad thing. The one thing that I used to buy nearly every week was some kombucha. I haven’t had it sometime, and still had a taste for it, but it be a little difficult to have at home. In the end, not a major loss.

We got back to my car where I open the trunk to let Diana place the meat into the cooler. We then climb into the car, with Fenris hopping into the backseat. Once everything is secure, I start the car and back out, heading towards the restaurant.