Merci ran as quickly as she could back to where her father left the carriage. On her run back to the carriage she received the occasional stare by those wondering the streets. As she neared the carriage, she began to hear the townsfolk point and whisper. "That's the girl with magic..."

When she reached the carriage, to her surprise she saw her father waiting impatiently. “There you are, girl!” He growled.

“Sorry father.” Merci said as she hung her head low.

“Just get in the carriage.” He growled as he hopped in the right side. “Now!”

She sighed in defeat and got on the left side. Her father didn’t even wait before he started to yell at the horses to go.

The carriage jolted forward as the cart moved at a quickened pace out of the city of Luminara. Once outside the gate and a good distance from the community he halted the carriage to stop.

Merci looked over at him surprised, “What is it father?”

“What was this I heard about a redheaded girl using magic?” Zarro’s voice was firm as he stared at her, motionless.

“It was nothing.” Merci muttered.

“Don’t lie to me child!”

~Smack~

Zarro’s right hand impacted Merci’s right cheek. Causing her instant pain. The sheer force of his palm against her flesh sent a tidal wave like effect through her skin.

Merci’s eyes swelled with tears, but she dared not to let them flow. “I’m SORRY!” She shouted, “It was self defense!”

Merci couldn’t help but notice that Zarro looked uneasy at her confession. With a blank expression and a whisper, “So, it’s started again?”

Merci blinked twice, “Again? You mean, I could cast magic my whole life?!?” Merci’s face lit up in excitement. However, that excitement was shattered instantly.

“No. This development is more recent.” Zarro said bitterly.

“But you said-”

“I know what I said! I want you to tell me what you have learned.” Zarro commanded.

“Merci, don’t.” The voice inside her head begged. “Two days, we are close.”

“I-” Merci fell silent.

Zarro grabbed her and shook her, “Tell me NOW!”

The tears began to fall down her cheeks, “I can’t.” Merci whispered softly.

“And why not?” He got closer to her if that was even possible.

“Because I can’t.” Merci’s voice was barely audible at this point. Her body was shaking as fear raced through it. She had no idea what Zarro was about to do or will do to her.

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He shoved her against the carriage and grabbed the reins once more. “I’ll deal with you when we get home.”

Merci stared out into the open plans of Zanderia as the carriage lurched forward. Nothing to be seen for miles once the city diminished out of view.

Once they were about an hour out of the city, Merci’s heart began to quicken as she spotted the black wolf once more. The wolf never moved towards the carriage. Only followed it, all the way back to the farm.

Once they were at the farm, the howl of the wolf sounded in the distance. And to her surprise, another responded back.

Merci was curious as to what the howling meant but that meant casting a spell and clearly her father was against magic. So she would have to wait until nightfall and sneak out and listen to the sound of the wolves.

Once the carriage stopped fully her father got off first. He unhooked the horses and ordered her to put them away while he unloaded the carriage.

Merci did as she was told. However, curiosity was getting the better of her and she couldn’t help but cast Animal Friendship once she was alone in the barn. Merci stepped outside and turned into the nature around her.

Birds chirping, singing well. She was able to fully comprehend the songs the birds were humming. Beyond the birds were the grunts of deer off the distance, a hawk, and other forest creatures.

Tuning them all out she focused on the sound of the wolves. And to her surprise she managed to hear a faint one.

“It’s her.” The howling wolf seemed to say. It was a bit choppy considering the distance, but Merci managed to hear enough to make out the words.

“I’ll alert the King.” Another responded back. Again a bit choppy, but for the most Merci was able to pick it up.

“Merci!” Her father shouted from the porch, “Get your ass in here, now!”

Merci hurried off towards the house. “Sorry father.” She said as she walked quickly through the threshold of the home.

“Before you go upstairs to your room, we need to have a talk.” Zarro said firmly, beckoning her to the kitchen table.

Merci held her breath as she walked to the kitchen table. There her mother was sitting in her chair and her father took his seat. “Sit.” He ordered.

Merci went and sat down in the third chair at the table that was placed in the middle. “Now, tell your mother what you did in the city.”

Merci bit her lip. She was hesitant to say a word about her use of magic. As the voice inside her head told her not to say a word. However, she was more scared of the abuse her father may give her if she doesn't.

She took a deep breath and exhaled. Her foot began to tap as she felt the nervous boil within her. “I---I--used--magic.” She stuttered.

Her mothers face was well, stunned. Her eyes went wide in shock. “Magic?” Her mother questioned both of them. “Did you witness this Zarro?”

“No but it was the talk of the whole damn time.” Zarro's eyes narrowed as he shook his head in dismay.

Her mother looked between the two of them. Merci held her head low as she didn’t want to look them in the eyes as fear raced through her veins.

As fear ran through her, her heart began to race. She felt terrified as she feared a punishment would be in her near future.

“Merci dear,” Her mother said as she grabbed her daughter's hand. The grasp of her mother’s hand caused her to flinch. “Tell me what happened.”

Merci pulled her hand back and took a deep breath, “A man was being aggressive. It was self defense.” Merci said in a hurried tone.

“What did you do to the man?” Her mother asked her.

“It was just a scratch! I mean it!” Merci cried as she looked up at her mother. “I mean it!”

“I believe you, dear. We just can’t let a bunch of people find out that you can do magic. Magic is a rare treat in Zanderia.” Her mother said calmly.

“Am I in trouble?” Merci asked her mother.

Her father grunted, “That is my call not your mothers.”

Merci glanced at him then back at her mother, “Well am I in trouble?” She questioned once more.

Her father let out a deep sigh. “Not this time. But your mother and I need to have a further discussion about your magical abilities. Go upstairs and stay there.”

Merci nodded and quickly darted up the stairs. She moved to her open window and listened a bit more. As her spell was still up. However, the sound of the wolves had fallen silent.

Merci whispered to the sky that would be turning dark soon, “Save me…”