I waved a hand towards my home. “Mom’s going to want to hear about this. If you’re there, you can help me explain everything.”

Fina nodded. “It felt wrong. She looked wrong.”

I nodded my head slightly. “Yeah. But maybe Mom will be able to help explain some of it. Or we might need to talk to Anna.” I scratched the back of my head as I headed home. “Do we need to make a deal with the devil to save the world? It’ll be impossible to hunt her down. Also, the demon king sounds really powerful if she needs the power of the four riders to consider challenging him.”

“Is it right to fight evil with evil?” Fina asked as she followed me.

“I don’t know.” My head started hurting. “We really should hold off until we talk with my mom. If we tell Evalana, can the kingdom help?” I shook my head. “I’m getting distracted again.”

We walked to my home together. I hope she didn’t have to do anything today. She’ll be able to take care of it after lunch. My stomach grumbled. Evalana will try to treat us to a super special, succulent lunch.

I groaned. Why is it food always distracts me? Oh, right, I eat as much as two people. Feeding me would be impossible with a normal job where I didn’t go hunting.

Lexia was brushing her fur in the living room as a fire burned in the fireplace. When she noticed Fina and me walking in, she bolted to her feet and ran to hug the lynx beastkin. Seeing the mash of brown and silver fur, I didn’t want to feel left out and joined in.

After we hugged for a bit, Lexia examined Fina. “How are you feeling?”

Fina’s tail swayed behind her as she smiled lightly. “Better after a nap with Lucia.”

Lexia turned to me and smirked. “So you did need a nap after all.”

I shrugged. “So?”

Lexia rolled her eyes before turning her attention back to Fina. “Did my sis invite you for lunch?”

“No. We spoke to the demoness,” Fina answered in an emotionless tone.

My sister’s eyes went wide as he flinched backwards. Her tail whipped back and forth in tandem with her head. “She’s here? Where? Why?”

I held out my arms. “Relax. It’s okay, she wasn’t interested in you. It was more like she wanted me to do something for her.”

Lexia’s head snapped to face me. “You didn’t agree, right? You didn’t. Never do it.” I could see her hands shaking and her claws extending. She constantly shuffled her feet.

“I didn’t agree to anything. Honestly, the things she told us were difficult to believe.”

“She had no reason to lie,” Fina added.

I waved a hand towards my friend. “Yeah. Mom’s going to blow when she hears about this. Also, Evalana might want to hear about it too. Aurtour has to do something. What? I couldn’t tell you.”

“Your life is way too complicated for a fifteen-year-old.” Lexia rubbed her eyes with her palms.

I slumped my shoulders, ears, and tail. “Tell me about it.”

We heard the sounds of footsteps approaching. “It sounds like Mom’s home already,” Lexia said as she turned to look out the window. “Is it really that late? Did I sleep that much?”

“My stomach says it is.” I gave my sister a pat on the back. “But it’s nice to hear you slept well. I’m going to grab my gambeson.”

I shuddered after mentioning my gambeson. While I was on vacation, and after hearing the entire story of my adventure in the Wild Kingdom, Mom demanded that I get some armor. And after trying practically every armor under the sun, gambeson unfortunately was the most comfortable for me.

She also made me promise that if I ever went out on a mission, I would take it with me—and wear it. After seeing the sin of lust, the orcs in the area sound dangerous. After lunch and talking with Evalana about getting a message to her brother about the Rider of Death, I want to ask Captain Aenwyn if I can help hunt them. She’ll probably make me prove that I’m still in good condition. So I‘d better come prepared for some sparring.

Mom’s footsteps ended in their usual triple tap before she entered. Lexia filled Mom in on why Fina was there. As expected, Mom didn’t stay calm.

“Lucia, where are you?” Mom’s shout was on the cusp of hurting my ears.

I flicked my ears back. “I’m right here. Everything is fine, mostly.”

She looked at my hand. “What are you grabbing that for? Wasn’t the plan to have lunch?” Her eyes went wide before she pointed a finger at me. “You aren’t going after that demon. No. Even if your captain mobilizes her entire company.”

I shook my head. “I doubt that will be enough to kill her anymore. She’s more...” Fina’s face didn’t help me find the words I wanted to use. “She’s not just more powerful. Before, she didn’t seem to be the one in charge. Now she has a mission of her own, and she’s fighting for her survival. Almost like she’s cornered herself. A cornered animal is the most dangerous animal.”

Mom crossed her arms. “So you think she’s more dangerous, and that’s why you’re not going after her? But if you’re right, she’ll need to be dealt with. It won’t be easy or simple.”

I turned and looked at the ground while scratching at it with my toe-claws. “About that...” The room went silent. I could distinctly pick out the sounds of everyone’s heartbeats. Mine was the fastest. “She wants to help kill the demon king.”

“She does,” Fina said to break the silence.

“That’s...” Mom’s voice trailed off.

“Hard to believe? Yeah, I know.” I wrapped my tail around my waist. “Regardless of what we want to do about her, we have another, more immediate danger coming.”

“You’re just full of good news today,” Mom said.

Trust me, I enjoy this as much as you do.

“But it’s something Evalana is going to need to hear. So will the King.” I hugged the gambeson tightly. This thing’s going to see a lot of use in the near future, isn’t it?

Mom sighed. “Because Fina was there, she’s going to help fill in the details. Am I right?” I nodded. “I’m sure Evalana will be fine with one more for lunch. She already ordered extra food because of you. Come on, let’s go. She’s already said that she’s plenty hungry.” As we filed out of the house, Mom grabbed my shoulder. “So much for a quiet life, huh?”

I didn’t answer and shrugged her hand off. My claws itched as I led the way towards the gates. Fina kept pace with me, and with how much she moved around, she enjoyed the chance to at least jog.

The guards gave us a worried look as I stormed past. After I entered the city, I realized that I didn’t know where we were meeting Evalana for lunch. When Mom caught up, she waved for me to follow. I followed behind her at an annoyingly slow pace.

Mom led the three of us through the streets until we reached a rather extensive building in the wealthy part of town. All the windows held solid panes of glass. White-washed stone walls loomed over us for three stories. A pair of massive oak doors marked the entrance, with a sign above them saying “The Silken Clouds.”

I glared at Mom as Lexia grabbed my hand.

“She said we’ll have a private room.” Mom tapped my nose before I could say anything. “So don’t throw a fit. We all know how much you don’t like crowds.”

I closed my eyes and tried to visualize a peaceful waterfall. There was a tingling sensation in my hand that held Lexia’s. My arm felt cooler than I could feel ice wrapping around it. As I smiled at my sister as she cooled me down, Fina grabbed my other hand. I turned and saw her staring at the door. She also looked like she was shivering.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

The people walking around started watching us as we stood outside the tavern. I squeezed Lexia’s hand. When she turned towards me, I nudged my head towards Fina. With one look, Lexia released my hand and went to wrap an arm around the lynxkin’s shoulders. Fina’s shaking stopped immediately.

Mom opened the door once all three of us looked at it. We are quite the sight, aren’t we? I loathe crowds; Fina’s scared of crowds; and Lexia needs to balance both of us.

The cacophony of sounds that assaulted my ears once Mom opened the door nearly turned my vision red. As soon as we walked in, the elven hostess’s eyes went wide before she ran towards the tables and bar, whispering to everyone to keep it down.

I guess having a reputation for violence can be nice. We stood and watched as, table by table, voices quieted down after most of them checked the door to see if the elven woman was telling the truth. Even the trio of musicians lowered the volume at which they played.

After the volume of the dining room was reduced to an almost acceptable level, the elf returned to greet us. She tried to hold back her heavy breathing. The elf was just below average height with an average build and face, but her hair was anything but average. Shiny red locks weaved into an intricate braid danced behind her as it reached just behind her knees.

That looks like a nightmare to care for.

The lady stood in front of Mom. “Sorry about that. My name is Yaprenzal. The dining room is nearly full, and the bar is full.” Yaprenzal extended an arm towards the stairway. “Would you like one of our more private rooms? I promise they will be more quiet for you and your, um...” she eyed us from the corner of her eye—”entourage."

Lexia and I both started growling. The elf squeaked and jumped backwards.

“My daughters and I are here to join Princess Evalana.” The elf shrank as Mom glared at her as she stood between us and the elf.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t know you were Nora Stormleaf. Please forgive me. Please save me,” Yaprenzal rambled as she lowered her head and raised her hands.

“Save you?” My growl silenced the room. Nobody in the room even moved.

Lexia scrapped her toe-claws into the wood floor. “You don’t deserve to be saved.”

“Girls,” Mom snapped as she held up a hand to us. “I suggest you treat beastkin with respect in the future. My daughters, while lovely and loyal, are short-tempered.”

The elven hostess didn’t lift her head. “You’re right; I’m so sorry.”

“Just take us to Evalana.” I tapped my toe-claw on the ground. The sound echoed through the still silent room.

“Yes, ma’am.” The elf didn’t lift her head as she headed to the stairway. “Right this way, ladies.”

Just before I ascended the stairs, I felt like someone was staring at me. I turned to see the human bartender glaring at me with one hand below the counter.

If you want to die that badly, bring it on. I bared my fangs for a moment before turning to follow the other up the stairs. The bartender didn’t move. I guess that’ll save me some hassle explaining why I tore up a human in the middle of a tavern.

Our guide led us to the second floor and towards the far end. She opened the door to reveal a table loaded with candles, empty plates, and utensils for seven people. Evalana sat in the corner of the room with all the curtains closed next to an out-of-place stone.

She wore a leaf-green silk dress. The delicate, loosely tied fabric of her dress covered her bulging stomach. A wide red ribbon was wrapped fairly low around her waist, below her pregnant stomach as if it were trying to help hold up the baby. Below the ribbon, the green dress opened up to the left and revealed another dress below, a yellow one. The front of the bottom dress danced above the ground in the front, as the back continued to flow behind her and ended in a broad tip. One arm was covered in a long sleeve that opened up at the elbow, while the other sleeve ended abruptly just past the shoulder.

Standing next to her, glowing with magic, was another woman whom I’d never seen before. She was a human who looked to be about the same height as Evalana, but she looked older than my friend. There were minute signs of wrinkles developing on her brow and cheeks. She was slightly heavyset, with a round face. With short, curly brown hair and brown eyes, she looked normal—until you saw her right arm. A spiral of music notes tattooed on her arm started from her shoulder and traveled down her arm, ending on the back of her hand.

Daric was sitting at the table, looking bored. His auburn hair was shorter than when I last saw him. His squarish face lit up once I walked into the room. He stood up and punched his fist in the air.

“Finally!” the human nearly shouted. “She’s here. Time to eat.”

A human male who looked like he was in the middle of pacing back and forth stopped mid-stride and glanced at Daric before turning his attention to us. When his eyes landed on me, his body went ridged.

Ah, Mr. Prissy-Pants, or Dante, as the rest of the world knows him.

The pudgy man with early onset male pattern baldness stared at me like so many deer had done before. My instincts tugged at me to chase him down. I could see Lexia wanted to as well. His actions even earned Fina’s attention. With three beastkin watching him, Dante backpedaled until his back hit the wall.

I leaned forward and let go of Fina as my tail went still.

“Lucia!” Evalana’s delightfully cheery voice called out to me. She started moving to get out of her chair. With one arm and not “a little” pregnant, Evalana struggled to stand up, so the other lady stepped up and helped her. “Thanks, Gwen.”

“You should keep still.” The older woman’s voice was strangely similar to Mom’s.

Evalana waved at the woman she called Gwen. “Stop worrying. Lucia’s my friend. And what kind of friend would I be if I didn’t give her a hug?” She placed her hand on the underside of her belly. “Besides, I’ve sat around plenty today. My butt’s getting sore.”

I turned to Mom. “She looks more than a little pregnant.” Mom just gave me a wink. I rolled my eyes as I lost interest in hunting Dante. There was an odd scent in the air, and it got stronger the closer Evalana got.

She waddled towards me with a fussy old lady behind her. With her arm stretched out wide, Evalana wrapped her arm around me while I leaned forward to make things easier for her. Don’t hug too hard. Easy on the touches. I hugged her as gingerly as I could. It almost felt like I didn’t touch her, just in case she would shatter like a fragile clay cup.

“Wow, you’re about to pop, aren’t you?” I couldn’t stop staring at the round bulge of flesh covering the soon-to-be-born child.

Daric laughed. “Yeah, she is.” He started walking around the table. “Everyone kept telling her that coming here right now was a bad idea. And for the last five days, I’ve heard every complaint a pregnant woman can have.”

“Let’s put a massive baby in you and see how you feel!” Evalana snapped.

I flinched away from the hormonal woman. But the more I looked at her, the more I saw my future—a future that terrified me.

This is what you want? I asked my instincts. Expectantly, there wasn’t an answer.

Daric stopped moving and held up his arms. “Sorry. But even you have to admit that any day now that baby is due.”

“They better be.” Evalana grabbed a chair at the table and sat down. She rubbed her belly with her arm while staring at her child. “I don’t know how much longer I can take this. Just walking across the room is exhausting.” She looked up at Lexia and Fina. “Who are you two?”

“Oh, that’s right. I didn’t tell you,” Daric said.

“One arm. Are you Evalana?” Lexia asked as she started sniffing the air. “You smell weird.”

I elbowed my sister. “That wasn’t very nice, sis.” She glared at me while rubbing her arm. “Yes, this is Evalana. And what you’re probably smelling is Mr. Prissy-Pants.” I pointed with my thumb towards the cowered hugging the wall with his back. “Or more formally known as Dante." I turned to see Dante puff out his cheeks, but he wilted under my vision.

“I wish you wouldn’t call me that.” His voice was high enough to make me question if he was old enough to get Evalana pregnant. He rubbed his hands together, making them look like a ball of tasty sausages.

I slammed my eyes shut. “Stop that!” Everyone jumped. I pointed a claw at Dante. “Stop acting so scared. You’re driving me wild. Standing there like cowering prey is making me want to hunt you.”

Lexia hopped next to me and stared at Dante. “Can I join?”

“Girls.” There was a tingling sensation across my torso. I could feel Mom attempting to hold me back. “Stop that.”

“But we weren’t going to hurt him, just hunt him,” Lexia whined. “Even Fina wants to. Look.” She pointed a finger at the lynx beastkin. Everyone turned to look at her, and she wrapped her arms and tail around her waist before nodding slightly. “See.”

I closed my eyes. “Lexia, hunting people might be normal in the Wild Kingdom, but it’s not here.”

Mom groaned. “I guess I have to say it now. Dante, grow a backbone.” She stepped in between us and him. “Your actions have attracted three beastkin’s desire to hunt. If you keep acting like this, it will be best if you leave.”

Dante’s eyes darted between the three of us. He started shaking and swallowed visibly. “I think... three?” The cowardly human couldn’t stop wringing his hands together as he kept watching us. Sweat dripped from his brow. “Maybe, maybe it’s best if I find someplace else to eat.”

Mom waved for us to head towards the table, away from the door, as Dante walked out of the room without removing his back from the wall. He closed the door behind himself and, by the sounds of his footsteps, ran to and down the stairs. I shook my head.

“I don’t know what you see in him,” I said as I sat at the table. All the chairs had cutouts for a tail. She thought about that detail. This is why I like Evalana.

“You could try to be a little nicer to him.” Evalana drummed her fingers on the table. “He’s unbelievably smart and kind. Yeah, even I will admit he’s a colossal coward. But not everyone needs to be as brave as you.” She glared at me.

“I have to insist that those three identify themselves.” Gwen pointed towards me, my sister, and my friend.

Lexia flattened her ears and growled subtly.

Mom placed a hand on her shoulder. “This is Lexia, my second daughter.” She extended a hand towards Fina. “This is Fina. An immigrant from the Wild Kingdom.” Then she extended her hand towards me. “You should be familiar with my first daughter, Lucia Silverbreeze.”

I glared at the older woman. At the mention of my last name, it looked like she flinched ever so slightly. If I wasn’t watching her as closely as I was, I would never have seen it.

“My apologies,” Gwen said with a stony face.

The tension in the room swirled like heavy smoke.

“I’ma gonna go get the food,” Daric blurted as he dashed for the door. His exit was a little more dignified than Dante’s, but not by much.

You do that. At least you can make yourself useful. We were back to stewing in the silence and tension as everyone picked a seat. The three of us beastkin sat on the far side of the table, away from Gwen and Evalana. We sat so that Daric and Mom would be the buffer between the grumpy woman and us.

“Lucia is my friend.” Evalana’s voice broke the silence. “This is Gwen, my midwife, who my mother picked out for me.” She clenched her jaw. “And she’s just as much of a mother hen.”

“So, Lucia, do you want to talk now or wait until there’s food?” Mom asked me.

I kept glaring at Gwen. Something about her is annoying me. “I’ll wait until there’s food. Hopefully, eating some food will calm me down.”

At least Daric did his job and returned with four people in tow. They placed platters of food on the table. I wasn’t interested in most of it once I saw the platter of whole chickens. My mouth turned into a waterfall of drool.