Two days moved by faster than Tess had expected. She had bottled several potions while they had been sailing, and was now running out of room for them. “How are you going to carry all these?” Tom asked, looking at the shelf she had taken over in the kitchen.

“I’m not,” Tess answered. “I told Nyx he could use some of these to enhance his cooking.” Tom looked at her, uncertain if he believed her. “What? Half of them were his ideas.” Tess defended herself. “Also, I gave some to Destru so he could take them on his travels to use as healing potions.”

“Hm, perhaps he’ll stop robbing hospitals for their medicines then.” Tom mused as Destru came up behind the two, clapping them on the back.

“Just until they run out,” Destru grinned. “We’ll be docking within the next hour. Then it’s up to you two to lead us to our final destination.”

“You’re sure you still want to come?” Tom asked, turning to face Destru. “The Last Prophecy might not be what you think it is.”

Destru looked offended. “All this adventure for nothing? I’ll take my chances and get my disappointment first hand.”

“Your loss,” Tom laughed. “Tess, make sure you’re packed and ready to go once we’re docked. We should be able to make it to the house before it gets dark.”

Tess nodded. She had been looking forward to today, but was dreading it at the same time. What were they going to find when they made it back to the house? Were Mama and Papa’s bodies going to be there? Did they die peacefully in their sleep? Or did they struggle in a battle? Questions swirled through Tess’ head. Tom and Destru went above deck to start the docking process.

Nyx looked towards the now seasick looking girl. He slid a chair next to her and sat her down, taking his own chair and sitting next to her. “You look sick,” he finally said, eyeing her to make sure she didn’t faint.

“I’ve been waiting for today all summer. When I went back home, I was supposed to get a present to start my final studies. But now-” Tess stopped, trying to hold back her tears.

“It’s okay to cry,” Nyx said, nodding towards Tess, handing her a handkerchief.

“Thank you.” Tess took the handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes. “I didn’t think I’d be returning to nothing,” she finally whispered.

“You’re not returning to nothing,” the troll chef answered. He got up and grabbed a couple of vegetables along with some paring knives. He handed one to Tess and sat down in his chair again, peeling the vegetable. Tess followed suit, waiting for him to continue his explanation. “You’re returning to memories.”

Tess sat there peeling her vegetable, taking in his words. He never spoke too many, but he always made sure they counted when he did. “Memories,” Tess whispered back, reaching for another vegetable, then looked up at Nyx. “They were wonderful memories.”

She thought back to playing with Tom and his little brother. Tom’s first transformation without the moon and how tired he had been. Tom’s mom teaching Tess how to brew the recovery potion. Tess casting her first spell on accident…

“Thank you,” Tess hugged the troll.

He didn’t move right away, taken aback by the sudden physical touch. After the shock wore off, he gently wrapped his arms around Tess and returned the hug. “They would be proud of the person you’ve become,” he whispered, before releasing her. “Go watch the docking. It will be one of the last ones you see with us.” Tess nodded, then ran up the stairs to watch Tom help dock the boat.

-----

Tess shouldered her pack as Tom, Destru and a small crew followed them to the edge of town. “Ready?” Tom asked Tess as they looked down the old familiar path they had traveled so many times before.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” Tess slid her hand into Tom’s, giving it a reassuring squeeze. Tom gave her a squeeze back, then started walking down the path.

It usually only took about an hour to walk to the house they grew up in. Today it seemed like it took infinitely longer. The pair were filled with dreaded anticipation as they tried to imagine what they were going to walk up on. Every rustle in the brush made them jump, concerned that an enemy might still be lurking.

Destru and his crew stayed nearby, their swords at the ready. Anticipating for the chance of the imaginary enemies becoming real. The chances were unlikely, but they weren’t taking the risk.

“Tom,” Tess shook his hand as she saw the roof peak come into view. She looked up at his face, tears in her eyes. She had missed the little house more than she thought she would.

He gave her a smile, releasing her hand, allowing her to run ahead. The familiar scents were hitting his nose. His dad had a smoke shack where he cured and smoked meats not too far from where they were. It surprised him he could still smell the hickory chips. The familiar forest smells pulled at his heart as they pressed on. His family’s house slowly came into view. He watched as Tess looked at the flowers around the house. She pulled at the weeds that had grown from the disuse. She hadn’t looked in the windows, most likely scared of what she would see.

“A quaint little home,” Destru commented as he took in the view of the one story white house. It wasn’t a large house, but it had never bothered Tom or anyone else that had lived with them. They had been a close knit family, and he couldn’t think of a single thing he would’ve wanted different.

The small group made it to the front of the house. It was so peaceful a person would never guess that something bad had happened in the area. Maybe it didn’t happen here, Tom hoped as he opened the front door. He stepped in first, Tess following close behind him. He flipped a light on to show the small entryway. His family’s shoes were sitting in their spots. He took a deep breath, then walked further into the house. He stopped when he was greeted by his father’s body sitting in his chair, slumped over.

“Oh,” Tess’ small voice trembled as she took in the view. “Papa,” she whispered as she reached out for Tom’s dad, stopping her hand before she touched his still body. Destru took the respectful route and kept his men outside, while Tess and Tom assessed the damage.

Tom moved on, not wanting to stay in one spot too long. They walked into the kitchen to see Tom’s mom laying on the floor in a pool of dried blood. A large knife had fallen near one of her hands. “Tom,” Tess whispered, tears streaming down her face.

“I’m sorry, Tess.” Tom pulled her into a hug, his chin resting on the top of her head. He didn’t know what it was like losing parents twice. His ears perked up when he heard a familiar growling sound. “Theo?” Tom whispered, pulling away from Tess.

Stolen novel; please report.

She wiped her eyes, following Tom’s movements as he walked to a hallway that led to the bedrooms. He opened the door to his younger brother’s room, falling back as a black blur jumped on him with snapping teeth. “Theo!” Tess screamed, making Destru and his men rush in at her distress.

Tom pushed his brother off of him. “Theo! Shift!” Tom commanded, trying to take control of his alpha senses with his brother.

Theo continued to snarl and snap his teeth, backing into a wall, his hackles rising. “Tom, look,” Tess pointed towards Theo’s side. A black thin barb was sticking out of him, hidden by his black fur. “Is he poisoned?”

Theo lunged for Tess, making Tom throw him to the side, shifting as he did so. Tess moved behind him. She didn’t want to get between the two brothers. Stay near, Tom instructed Tess. He was planning on pinning his brother to the ground so she could remove the barb.

Theo jumped for Tom’s throat once he regained his footing. Tom backed up and batted his brother to the side once more, snapping his teeth as he did so. He was trying to communicate with his brother, but wasn’t getting through.

A neurotoxin? Tess mused.

Theo hit the wall as Tom knocked him to the side once more. Tess could almost feel the pain radiating from Tom as he injured his brother trying to pull him back to his senses.

“Tom, stop!” Tess shouted as Theo shifted back into his ten-year-old self. “Theo! Are you okay?” Tess asked, rushing up to his side, trying to check him for injuries.

Theo collapsed against the wall, panting for air, sweat beading at his brow. His brown eyes pleaded with Tess to help him. “I don’t want to,” Theo cried out as he coughed up some blood. He took the barb from his side and began swinging his arm in Tess’ direction.

“Lass, look out!” Destru grabbed Tess from behind, pulling her out of Theo’s reach.

Theo fell to the ground, sobbing in pain and defeat, as he gasped for air. The toxin was finishing its work since he was in his human form.

“Theo! Shift!” Tess screamed at him, her heart pounded in fear for his safety. If he shifted back, she might have enough time to find something to heal him with.

“Poor boy,” a voice came from a bedroom further down the hallway. Everyone’s attention turned to the speaker.

“Witch!” Destru growled, moving Tess behind himself, brandishing his sword. “How dare you destroy this small family.”

“I only came for what is mine,” the woman walked forward, removing the hood from her head. Her skin shimmered in the dim light. Tom lowered his head, growling as she came closer, unfazed. She smiled, revealing small needlelike black teeth.

Tess gasped as she realized what was happening. “Destru, that’s a siren,” she whispered, tugging at his coat for his attention. She glanced around for something they could shove into their ears. The bookshelf caught her eye. She rushed over and grabbed a book off the shelf. The Odyssey, how ironic. She started ripping pages out, shoving them at the sailers to put in their ears. Hoping it would be enough to prevent them from falling under the siren’s spell.

“Oh, I have no desire to enchant them...today,” the siren laughed at Tess’ actions. “I only want my priestess,” she continued to walk towards Tess, stepping on Theo’s wheezing form. Theo let out a pained yelp as his breathing became more labored. He wouldn’t last much longer.

“Don’t come any closer,” Tess warned, trying to keep as much space as she could between her and the siren. Her heart was thumping so fast she felt like it was going to explode. She didn’t know who the priestess the siren was referring to was.

The siren didn’t take Tess’ threat as she continued walking forward. Destru and his men were putting on brave faces, but reeked of fear. The siren used that to her advantage as she continued her slow movement forward. Few people had seen sirens up close and lived to tell the tale. They didn’t know what to do.

The siren continued to walk, their movements hidden behind their shimmering cloak. The siren was now within arm’s length of Tess.

Tess stepped back, running into the bookshelf. She heard Tom growling from across the room, getting ready to attack the siren as she came closer.

“Oh, such a wonderful dog,” the siren smiled towards Tom, paying him little mind. Tom’s ears laid back on his head. Tess could feel his rage building up as he let his emotions take over. “You dogs are so much better when you sit and are quiet.” Tom sat on his haunches and closed his mouth, no longer growling.

Tess felt Tom’s confusion as he tried to howl a warning call. The siren had some type of psychic connection over Tom. He took his front paws and pawed at his muzzle, trying to free himself from the spell over him.

Tess watched with fearful eyes as the siren took her friend and reduced him to a common lap dog. “Tom,” she squeaked out. Destru was at a loss as well. He watched in horror as the siren tamed one of the strongest breeds of werewolf.

“And you,” the siren turned towards Destru, who was trembling with fear.

“Stay back,” Destru pointed his sword at her, trying to keep her away from his crew.

“Such a noble dog,” the siren glided closer to Destru. “So loyal.”

Tess, she’s distracted. Tom’s voice cut through her thoughts as the siren reached the tip of Destru’s sword. Use your magic.

Tess looked fearfully towards Tom. She had always been told to hide her magic, but he wanted her to use it now. Tess looked towards Destru and saw him scared stiff. He was just as lost as everyone else.

Tess took a deep breath and focused her energy into her hands. She felt her anger and sadness at the situation overwhelm her. “Leave them alone,” her voice boomed throughout the room. It sounded like she had several voices instead of just her own. She felt the energy from nearby objects join in on her own.

The siren looked towards her as Tess’ eyes glowed from the sudden power overload. “Priestess,” she whispered, covering her eyes. Tess grew brighter and brighter with the amount of energy she absorbed. The siren’s skin shone blindingly from the power emitting from Tess.

Tess moved her hands so a large ball of power formed. “You’ve hurt my family,” Tess’ voices boomed throughout the room. Papers flew as Tess’ power absorption became unstable. Destru and his crew shielded their eyes. Books flew off the shelves and began swirling around the room. Tom sat helplessly across the room, unable to do anything to help Tess as she lost control of her power. Theo let out a soft whine, as he succumbed to sleep, he had little time left.

Tess concentrated on the siren, losing focus. The power orb crackled from the stored energy in her hands. “You will never hurt anyone ever again,” Tess nearly growled, the voices echoing in the room.

The siren finally made it to Tess, shielding her eyes from the flying papers and books. “My priestess, please come with me to hone your powers,” the siren pleaded in a soft voice, reaching up to touch Tess’ arm. She didn’t expect the amount of power radiating from Tess, and flew backwards when she contacted her.

Tess! Tom’s thoughts rushed to Tess, but she was so absorbed in the power she didn’t hear him. He attempted to get up and help her, but the siren’s spell still had a hold on him.

The siren got back up and walked back up to Tess dazed. Destru tried to yell for Tess’ attention, trying to bring her back to the present, but was unsuccessful. The siren reached Tess once more and reached out her hand. Stopping when Tess’ glowing eyes snapped to face her. “You will be no more,” Tess’ many voices announced. The siren flinched backwards when Tess reached out for her with the ball of energy. The siren screamed in agony as it made contact with her skin, slowly consuming her.

“My priestess!” the siren shrieked, as she tried to shake the ball of light off of herself. She fell to Tess’ feet groveling, ignoring the flesh consuming light ball. “Please forgive me. I was only doing as I was instructed.”

“I will punish you for your transgressions.” Tess’ eyes closed, reducing her glow slightly. She brought her hands together, making the ball consume the siren, leaving no trace of her. All that was left was the echo of her shrieks of pain.

Tom shielded his eyes as he felt the siren’s spell lift from him. He rushed to Theo’s side, shifting to his human form. “Tess,” Theo gasped out, then his head lolled to the side. The poison had done its work.

“I’m sorry, Theo,” Tom sobbed, giving his brother’s lifeless body a hug. He was brought back to the moment upon hearing Tess yell in pain. He looked at her floating body to see her convulsing in pain. Her body wouldn’t tolerate much more energy. “Tess!” Tom yelled over all the noise and shifting in the room. He didn’t think she could hear him. What could he do to gain her attention? If she still had her star, he would show that to her, but what could he use in its place?

Tom looked over towards Destru to see he wouldn’t be of much help currently either. Destru could barely be heard above the power Tess had blowing around the room. Tess screamed again as she curled up in pain, her body glowing even more than it had before. Tom took a deep breath, then walked up to Tess, reaching a shaky hand towards her. “Tess!” he called once more. “Tess, I’m right here. Take my hand!”

He bit his lip when she didn’t seem to hear him. He called to her once more, then reached up and grabbed her hand when she still didn’t respond. Her hand was horribly hot. “Tess!” Tom shouted once more, pulling her hand towards himself.

Tess opened her eyes and searched for the person holding her hand. Her glow began fading when she found Tom looking at her with a concerned expression. “Tom,” she whispered, the power fading away.

“Tess!” Tom called, relief flooding his features when he saw her slowly coming back. He caught her as the energy left her, leaving her in an exhausted heap in his arms.