If the statement surprised Adeline, she hid it well. Instead of shock, she held a critical gaze focused on Kierra's face. "And what about home? Do you not want to return to your world?"

"No," Kierra stated. Her eyes lost their glimmer, and she looked far away for only a second. "My world holds nothing for me. Not anymore."

"You understand you could die. Our lives are not pretty."

"I accept that truth."

"You won't be human, not truly. You'll be a monster in kind, even if you learn to hide it well. Can you accept that?"

"Yes."

Adeline broke out into a wide grin. "Then I'll introduce you to Astra tomorrow. She'll help explain some things about our world. But I warn you,it'll be grueling. You'll hate me or love me by the time you're ready for the rite."

Kierra smiled and bowed. "I won't fail you."

"Then let's go. Might as well head back now and begin."

Adeline stood up and tucked in her chair, followed by Alice and me. If they were all heading out, I might as well follow.

Adeline sent Kierra ahead and waited until she was out of hearing before spinning around and holding up both hands. "Yes. I did."

"What made you think she would want to try joining us?" Alice asked.

"She's strong, never flinched—a survivor. She may be unknown and new, but I'll stake my reputation on her. I know she'll be a good one. And we could use the help."

I felt angry. A heat bubbled in my chest. My cloak flapped against my back despite there being no wind. The action drew my attention back to the two beside me.

"Cain, I'm sorry. You're all those things, too," Adeline said.

"I… Thanks? Do you think she'll be okay?" I replied.

"Yeah. I do," Adeline said, giving me an uncomfortable smile. "At least now that my protégé is abandoning me, I'll have time to help her learn the basics of combat."

That's completely unfair.

"What gives? She gets training, and Devon offers me a crumb of wisdom. That's so dumb."

"Didn't he take you on a hunt already?" Alice interjected.

"Yeah? And?"

"You got first-hand experience. Way better than training drills."

My eye twitched. Adeline snickered and motioned for us to move. "Listen, Devon... he's many things. A good teacher is not one of them. Not unless you're someone like Alice."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Alice asked.

No, she's right. I get it. Alice's personality is starting to make a lot of sense.

"Nothing. Just know that Devon is weird, but he'll make you into a better hunter than all of us. If you survive his methods."

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

I said nothing as we continued. Eventually, we made it down a different street, and I recognized the two buildings I squeezed through.

"Over there, I started smelling something amazing by the stalls, and it led me through that small space," I said.

"Is there any reason you didn't go around?"

"Well…" I scratched the back of my head. "I didn't really have much control over myself other than I wanted whatever I smelled."

"Right. You're still a pup. I don't envy you. Those days sucked."

"Wasn't too bad," Alice remarked. "Got to eat more of Volto's food."

Never mind, I don't understand you.

Maybe it was how we met, but the more she talked, the less I understood. Blunt described her best, but in my head, all I could think of was the hazy memory of her threatening to chop my head off.

Adeline clapped. "Alright, I don't smell anything, nor do I see anything. It looks like she's gone. When we get back, I'll report this to Devon and tell the others to keep a lookout for her if she shows up. You especially, Cain."

I nodded, stealing one last glance at the alleyway before following Adeline.

Hopefully, I never see her again.

We made it back, and Adeline said her goodbyes while leading Kierra deeper into the tunnels. While the outside trip had been nice, it wasn't enough time to suddenly get over the awkwardness I felt around Alice–especially when she wouldn't stop staring.

"Hey, listen. I think I'm going to go find Astra."

I didn't even buy anything in the village. Though, I don't think anyone could blame me.

"I'll join you."

I grimaced. "You don't have to. I think I'm fine."

Her mask slipped, and I caught disappointment in her eyes. "Alright. I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Look. I get that you're serious about us getting to know each other and all that, but like, I just want to relax a little, you know?"

"I understand. I'll see you tomorrow."

And why are we seeing each other at all tomorrow?

"Yeah," I said. "Maybe I'll be up for some training then. Devon hasn't really taught me anything."

Her eyes brightened even if her mouth remained the same. "Sure. It's good that you use an axe. We don't have the same weapons, but there are some drills you should learn if you want to get better."

That didn't seem too bad. And honestly, I could use some practice. My wild swings had kept me alive so far, but I couldn't stop thinking about how poorly I had done against the wolf and boar.

And then Elias' face popped into my head. My fists tightened, and I felt my chest constrict.

Pack. Kin.

"Hey? What's wrong?"

I met Alice's blue eyes and recoiled." Uh, yeah, I'm fine. Sorry."

Get ahold of yourself, Cain.

"You sure?"

"Yeah… I, uh." In, out. Relax. "There wasn't a good time to tell you this, but I … well. Before your brother passed away, he wanted me to deliver a message."

She stilled as her eyes widened. Anger flashed across her face, then sadness. For a moment, she looked exactly like Garret.

"What did he say?" Her voice came as a whisper, low and clear.

"He told me that if I saw his sister, I should say this: To my sister, tell her I'm sorry. And not to blame the others. She'll make a great hunter, greater than I had ever been."

My eyes didn't meet hers.

"Thank you."

And then her footsteps echoed down the hallway as I stood there, staring at the floor.

You have nothing to thank me for. Not for this.

"Wow, that sucks," I whispered.

Now that the words had left my mouth, I felt hollow, more so than I thought possible.

Yeah, magic can wait another day.

With the day feeling terribly long for how much daylight the sky still held, I wanted a nap. Hopefully, come tomorrow, things stay normal.

Well, as normal as things could be around here.

When I got to my room, I slid back the curtain and stared into the darkness. Bare and empty, save for a bed in the corner with messy sheets. I stepped in and closed the covering behind me. The darkness enveloped the room, and I sighed, letting the tension in my shoulders fall away.

The pillow welcomed me into the world of dreams.

----------------------------------------

"Cain."

My eyes fluttered open. Shades and shadows greeted me, save for the dim light coming from the side of the curtain.

I plopped my head back onto the pillow.

Stupid dreams and dumb voi-

"Cain."

I bolted upright and jumped to my feet. I reached for my waist but found only my belt.

"Who's there?!"

"Pup," came the voice again, this time my brain more alert and awake enough to recognize the voice.

"Devon?" I searched around and spotted a shadowy figure sitting in the corner.

He opened his eyes, and the dim light caught the crimson of his irises. "What did you do to Alice?"