The next day…

Emalynn and I are packing to leave after spending most of the night talking with everyone about our plans and things the two of us should know. It’s like they tried to pile in a lifetime’s worth of knowledge into one night. Although I know we will see each other again, everyone acts like this will be the last time. Aunt Leah decided Elias would escort us through the Imber Mountains toward the Wizard’s Guild where the research on the rings may still exist. Elias reached out to one of the contacts to create new identification papers for Emalynn and myself. Some may know our faces, but odds are good that most do not.

After cleaning my daggers that reeked of rotten bear blood, I sharpen the blades to center myself. I am doing my best to remain calm and focused since I shift at random when my emotions are in control. There was one incident last night when Aunt Leah explained more about how mates are different from marriages or partners. Emalynn was mesmerized by the conversation. Who wouldn't want to learn about their culture's companionship rituals? Me. I don't. What's the point of learning about something that I can never have? Safe to say I growled and bared my fangs. Emalynn flicked my snout, and Aunt Leah growled behind her forcing me into submission. I released my shift and everyone crowded me for a hug. Although it was suffocating, it managed to temper my discomfort and anger.

This underground house has been the closest thing to a home that I have had in years because everyone already knows my secret, but I can't stay down here forever. I won't put those I care for in danger.

My ears twitched at the sound of bouncing footsteps approaching my door. To my surprise they are heavier than Emalynn’s. Who else could bounce when they walk? The door knob started to turn and without a second thought I flung a dagger at the door.

"Shit." Elias’s voice murmured as he evaded my blade. "Rory!" He yelled. I was flinching at his voice, expecting some lecture on controlling my paranoia. "What a shot! It almost took my eye out." His tone was excited, leaving me confused.

"What?" Was the only thing I could say. Never has he ever been excited that I almost nailed him in the eye.

"Hey Leah! Rory almost took my eye with her dagger as I opened the door." Elias cheered. My mouth dropped open. Did he hit the cliff too hard the other day?

"Really?" Aunt Leah came running to my room inspecting my clean, sharp dagger wedged into the wall of the hallway. It was eye level with Elias, so Aunt Leah had to stretch up on her tiptoes to reach it. She pulled hard falling to the floor on her fluffy tail whimpering. A rock fell beside her just missing the end of her tail. She looked back at me with astonishment. "Nice work, Rory." She complimented me.

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What the hell! "Did I miss something? Did Elias prank you all with the opposite potion or something?" I could feel my brows furrow as I studied them.

Elias shook his head. "I would not do that a third time. I learned my lesson."

"There was a second time?" Aunt Leah’s voice clicked.

"Wait. So, you are happy I destroyed part of the wall and nearly took out your eye?" I asked, flabbergasted at the reality that was before me.

"Rory, we are happy that your skills are sharp enough to protect yourself and cause a fair amount of damage without igniting strong emotions." Aunt Leah explained as Elias helped her up.

So, they were testing me? I know I had some close calls yesterday, but I didn't think I worried them this much. Who willingly spooks someone trained to kill? You would think they would have come up with a better plan. "Are we done poking the beast, or do you guys want to push me some more?" I huffed, laying on my annoyance nice and thick.

"Aww. She's annoyed at us. She used to make that same face when missed a target during training. So cute!" Elias pinched my cheeks adding to his sarcastic tone.

"Yep. I may not have changed much, but thank God you are aging with grace. All the grays must be attracting many of the ladies these days."

"Oh, and she responds with a low blow to his ego." Emalynn giggles as wiggles her way past Elias into my little room.

"Remind me again why I need to escort them to the Imber Forest." Elias questions Aunt Leah.

"Because you volunteered." Aunt grinned widely at him. Elias shook his head at her, clearly regretting his decision. "Besides, you have to get them new traveling papers. Maybe, get a morph spell from the local salon. Any changes will help hide them, but don't do too much. They still need to be believable."

Elias nodded. Emalynn helped me pack my weapons and strap them on. Elias and Aunt Leah exited the room as I did one final check on my gear.

"So, we are getting new identities, huh?" Emalynn asked as she plopped down on my freshly made bed.

I nodded. I thought through our plans of getting new traveling papers and new looks. I loved my black curls and blue eyes that I got from my parents. With the olive complexion of my dad and heart shaped face from my mom, I knew I had a piece of them with me. What would I look like a few days from now? How would my name change? If I know Elias, he's going to pick names that he finds hilarious. Crap. What if he gives us goofy names for his own entertainment!

"Girls, let's get moving on. We have to meet my contact in three days to get your new papers." Elias called out from the living room. "I can't wait for you to see what names I picked out this morning."

Yep. I am screwed.

"He picked out our names already. How?" Emalynn squeaked with a nervous tone.

"They have messenger hawks. Kind of like a familiar that wizards use. They can carry a message within a few hours. He must have contacted the person last night." I answered. Their communication system is quite intricate. All the hawks are paired with a person, and the hawks trained to find their pair and the central hub. It's faster than the human mailing system.

"Do you have one too?" She asked with a bit of excitement.

"Yep. I got my mom's." I said with a sad smile. Uncle Axel paired the hawk with me for my thirteenth birthday. It was an emotional birthday to say the least.

"Emalynn, Rory, come on. We have a schedule to keep." Uncle Axel chimed from the doorway. "You need to eat quickly. Elias is itching to go. He's probably excited to see her again."

"Who?" Emalynn pried. Her tail flicked with amusement.

"Someone special." Uncle Axel gave a small smile.

And the journey just gets more interesting.