《A War Torn Child》


 Chapter One: A Child Torn From Reality

    <h2 align="center">Chapter One: A Child Torn From Reality</h2>


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    "We¡¯re what?" I yelp as I spin around and look at Grandpa Troy. "You didn¡¯t mention we were going to the Hunt four months ago when I planned this vacation?? And you''re now telling me that we have to leave in two months the day before my eighteenth birthday during my planned vacation? Fine. I¡¯ll go, because I know I need a circle myself, but don¡¯t take that for me being happy!" I turn around and slam the cabinet door shut. "Look, I''m late to school as it is," I say to the cabinet door, grab a granola bar from the counter and then take a deep breath while counting to ten. I shift the amulet around my neck as I think about what has just been told to me. I slowly turn back around and tell him, "I know this conversation has to continue, but I''ve got to leave for class. Can we please deal with this later tonight? We can go over how to contact the Water Court about me then." I grab my backpack and kiss Grandpa Troy on the cheek.


    He sighs, closes his light green eyes, and says, "Yes, dear one, we can deal with the rest tonight after your birthday party." He opens his eyes and looks directly at me. "Grandma Molly and Joni will expect you here no later than an hour after your class, please don''t be late. Now shoo, you can''t be late for school." He looks back at the newspaper and continues reading.


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    I walk over to the bright red front door and pause before opening it. "You know I love you right? All four of you?" He nods and I nod back at him; I throw open the door and walk over to my 5-speed bike to start heading my way to school. As I pull out of my neighborhood, I wave to neighbors that I know and pointedly ignore ones that I do not. I reposition the necklace as it moves out of my shirt neckline and peddle faster knowing I have only a few more minutes to make it to school. I stop at the red light at a major intersection, hit the crossing button, and wait for the crosswalk light to come on. As I wait, I start humming a melody that Grandma Joni sang to me when I was younger. After the light turns on, I started biking into the 6 lanes of traffic after making sure no one was going to drive through anyway, and then I heard it, the sound of a car''s tires squealing in an attempt to stop. And then as I flew into the air, my necklace gets warm against my skin and I get sucked through a multicolored tube that never seems to stop. I can almost hear static in the air as I travel through whatever this is. Then it was done! I am no longer moving and land on something soft and squishy.


    "Kesmar¡¯s bloody reefs!" A husky male voice says, before continuing with "Wait, she looks like my mother! Allani, is that finally you back??" I drunkenly whirl around with colors still swirling all around me as I try to stare at the male who previously spoke.


    "Alann-?" I painfully try to say mama¡¯s name as the colors swirl faster. And then darkness...

 Chapter Two: Awoken From Slumber

    <h2 align="center">Chapter Two: Awoken From Slumber</h2>


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    " - this! She looks just like her!" An unknown voice says from beside my bed.


    My eyebrows twitch as I start to wake up. I scrunch my eyes but refuse to open them. I don''t want to wake up if there''s pain...


    "Shhht!" A second voice says on the other side of the room. "I can see that you are awake." He says "Open your eyes and we can start dealing with whatever happened last night. My name is K-." He pauses after someone clears their throat. "Well my name is Alcandor and you look suspiciously like my mother." He stares at the wall and mutters "...And you''d probably look exactly like my si-" He pauses and then stares into my eyes. "Alanni, did you know her? Please tell me you know her!"


    I squint open my eyes and look at the Merrow speaking. All I can see is blue as my eyes struggle to adjust to the light. "My mother''s name was Alanni." As I finish mera''s name, I start coughing as Alcandor comes and brings me water to drink. "My name is Alexia, though. Mera named me it because she could hazily remember people with names starting with Al." My eyes are able to focus and see the three Merrow in the room with me, Alcandor, and two others. They all look at each other and Alcandor clears his throat.


    Alcandor sighs and then says, "If your mother is who I think she is, then you are my niece." He looks down to the floor and then back up at me. "Welcome to the Nevarah, Princess Alexia of the Water Courts. I am your uncle, King Alcandor. Your mother hasn''t been seen in almost 16 years after she was stolen from her crib at my father''s Palace. I see you have her eyes, well, eye at least. Who was your sire then, if you have his eyes."


    I can''t help but break out into laughter. "Heh! I''m sorry! Mera wasn''t my bearer, but my third. My bearer was a dragel named Brian, and my sire was a dragel named Matt." I awkwardly twist the necklace as I look around the room that I am in. It is more of a sick room, as it has a light blue colored wall with two large windows to the outside. "I don''t know much about how she disappeared, but I know Grandma Molly tried for months to contact the Merrow courts. You would have to ask her about it." I suddenly sit up and gasp out, "My birthday party! Oh no, they must be so worried!"


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    The merrow next to my uncle steps next to my bed and says, "It''ll be easy to contact their circle, what part of Nevarah are they in?" He looks down when Alcandor glares at him and he spits out, "My name is Alphaeus, I would be a cousin of sorts. It is nice to meet you, princess."


    "Uh, we don''t live in Nevarah at all! We live in Iowa." I say and bite my lip as they give me blank stares. "Iowa...uh, the midwest?" They still stare at me astonished and look at each other questioningly. "In the USA?? North America!!" I look up at the ceiling in shock. "Of course, you''ve never heard of the Midwest," I mumble to myself sarcastically. "Have you never heard of Earth??" Ah, that grabbed their attention very quickly.


    "How did you come all the way from there to here? You shouldn''t be able to without a portal!" Alphaeus says, stepping back from the bed. "You must be a traitor! No one else would be able to get into the Merrow courts without proper authority!" He turns and starts walking over to the door, but gets grabbed by the unknown third merrow before he can open the door. "Unhand me! She is a traitor and needs to be executed right away!"


    Alcandor touches the necklace that I''m twisting and hisses, "She had all the authority she needed in this." He turns around and tells the two of them, "Stand down! She has Alanni''s locket and it must''ve recalled her back here when Alexia got injured. They do that if a royal merrow is in danger." He turns back to me and says "Take Alph and have him taught some control and manners while I talk to my niece." The third merrow pulls Alphaeus out of the room and shuts the door. "Well now, why don''t you catch me up with your mother as she must be worried sick that you are missing.


    ''Oh shit, I don''t think I''m the right one to talk about this.'' I stare at him and say, "Well, it all started out..."

 Chapter Three: A Watery Mess

    <h2 align="center">Chapter Three: A Watery Mess</h2>


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    "And that happened the year that I was three. The next year, when I was four, was when it happened." I look down with tears welling in my eyes. "That winter was a hard one in the midwest. It was covered in snow AND ice while also being one of the colder winters in a long time. When we were going to drive to grandma''s house, we ended up getting rear-ended by a car that for some reason, slid to a stop." Uncle Alcandor gives me a handkerchief, and I wipe my eyes before I continue. "I don''t remember much about what happened, just dizziness and the feeling of pain." I stop to blow my nose and wipe my eyes to give me a slight break. "After that, I was sent to grandma''s circle and they raised me. Thankfully, I''m not quite as blue as mom so they didn''t have to glamour me to be able to fit in. We just called it a health condition and left it at that."


    "While I am sad that I was never able to meet my sister after her kidnapping, I will forever be happy that I have met you." He hugs me as he also wipes his eyes. "Now, I assume you wanted them to be told yes?" I nod my head and he continues. "Then I will contact them and will bring them over as soon as possible. Do you know if they have a way of coming here?"


    "They do have a way of getting here. They are the circle on Earth trying to find Dragels that have suddenly had an inheritance or have not been assigned a mentor. The newly inherited then get sent on to Nevarah to be given mentors and trained. They''re the Waller-Perevell circle, and they''ve trained me in everything Perevell related. I will need to have Lady Death contact, for her to know that I have moved to Nevarah to stay.


    Uncle Alcandor sighs and then says, "Of COURSE, you know Lady Death. Of COURSE, you are one of those Perevells. Okay, well what about the hunt? Submissive Merrows rarely are allowed to hunt on the surface and you will be no different."


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    "No different! No! I will be allowed to hunt on the surface! I barely look Merrow and technically, mother is my third, not my bearer! I will hunt like I am supposed to, even if it means I have guards." I narrow my eyes and glare at my uncle. "I will not permit you to hinder my hunt because you don''t want to let me go!" I stomp my leg and glare even harder. "Are three Gheyo guards enough to let me go? Please uncle, let me go, for my sake."


    "Fine! But only if you take five Gheyo guards and bond to at least one of them!" He bellows while turning back to me. "There is no other way! And if you think I will let you on the surface sooner, well I wo-..." He looks at me and sighs while bringing me into a hug. "I''m just worried about you."


    "I know you are! Okay. Fine. Five Gheyo guards and I''ll think about bonding with one of them. And! it''ll be safe to go before the hunt starts because I know they can get glamoured into being not Merrow to protect me." I widen my eyes and give him puppy eyes. "Please! It''ll be fine! They won''t even know I am up there! That we are up there!" I smile as he breaks.


    He looks at the ceiling and mutters about being helpless to my sad eyes. "Fine. You will stay here tonight and I will pick out the guards." He grins and I get worried for a second. "I have just the Merrow guard for you too." He laughs in a slightly evil manner. "Boy, Tobias better know what is coming his way with you. Heh." He shakes his head while continuing to laugh.


    ''Tobias huh? I wonder why uncle is laughing so much about him?'' I squint at Uncle Alcandor and say, "What exactly are you laughin'' about Tobias?" He laughs even harder. "Stop laughing uncle! Tell me why!" I hiss as I gape at him.


    "Oh sweet niece of mine, you''ll see why I picked Tobias tomorrow. Until then, rest until dinner. I''ll have someone bring something for you to eat. I need to go finalize the list of gheyos that will be going with you tomorrow." He kisses my brow and then exits the room.


    "Well shit," I say out loud, finally alone after spending hours with my uncle. I still wonder why he giggled so much about Tobias. Well, I guess I''ll figure that out tomorrow when it finally comes. For now, I''ll just go back to sleep and dream of better times.

 Chapter Four: A Helping Hand

    <h2 align="center">Chapter Four: A Helping Hand</h2>


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    I wake up as someone knocks on my door and cracks it to speak to me. "Huh?" I croak out as I start to wake up.


    "Princess Alexia, wake up. My name is Eliza Sorenson and your uncle has assigned me to be your chambermaid so I must get you ready for breakfast and going on the surface." A light voice says as she turns on the lights. A purple Merrow with pale blue eyes and hair comes into my room and does a quick bow. "Now up!" as she pulls the covers off the bed and forces me to get up. She shoos me to the bathroom next door and says "Please go take a shower while I make your bed and get clothing set out for you."


    I walk into the bathroom and start to shower after using the toilet. I smile and start humming the song I vaguely remember mera singing to me as a child as I wash everything. I dry myself completely as I walk back into the bedroom. My eyes widen as Eliza has completely made the bed plus gotten a gorgeous blue ombre dress with stockings and plain shoes for me to wear. She helps me get into the dress and stockings and brings me a perfume bottle to try out. It is in a beautiful tall glass bottle with a top that looks like a pyramid. The fragrance is light and summery with a hint of watermelon and jasmine. "It''s perfect!" I decry as I spray a small amount on my wrists. I get up from the bed and try to remove any wrinkles from the dress. "Ah! Can you please escort me to breakfast, Eliza" I ask as I open the door.


    "Yes! Let me show you where to go!" she says walking in front of me and showing me through the house. "As you can see, this is King Alcandor''s private residence that is not meant for the public to go to. In fact..." We walk further into the house.


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    "Ah, niece! You have finally shown up for breakfast! I was worried you would take too long in the bath as it has been over a day since you have been in the water." Uncle Alcandor says the door opens after the tour is done.


    I nod and hurridly say, "Yes uncle, I don''t need as much water as Mother used to. I can go for days without having to really soak as she did." I sit down where Alcandor mentions as one of the waiters pushes me under the table. I grab my silverware and get eggs and bacon put onto my plate for me to eat. I look up as my uncle clears his throat and motions to his side.


    "Niece, Alexia, this is my Queen - Killigan. Killigan, this is Alanni''s daughter, Alexia." He motions to the female merrow next to him. She had pale blue hair with blue eyes and skin. "Everyone else is away for now, but we will introduce you to them later."


    I nod and introduce myself to the Queen, "Hello Au-. Killigan. May I call you Aunt?" I bob my head a bit as I am unsure of the traditional ways to introduce myself.


    They beam at me and say "It is wonderful to finally meet you! I was worried that Al would never meet his sister again, but," They reaches out and strokes his chin before turning back to me, "it is wonderful to have you in our house and court. You may call me Aunt Killigan if you wish."


    I smile back at them and finish eating breakfast. As I ate, I kept looking outside to make sure not too much time has passed as I am eager to hit the surface. After I am done eating, I stare at my uncle and try to make him hurry up and finish. It works. Sort of...


    "Fine! Stop looking at me with those eyes!" He says, motioning me to follow him. "I had the five Gheyo gather already, and they are waiting for you to get to the surface. Just remember, no Merrow is allowed to be up there, so do nothing to suggest you are Merrow." He brings me out through the front door and motions to the Merrow down below.


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    I gasp as one of them locks eyes on me. I wave and he steps up toward me with a bow. ''He is very handsome isn''t he?'' He has Nordic blue eyes that tug at my soul with pale skin. And his hair is so blue that it almost looks black. I gasp as he kisses my knuckles and then looks into my eyes again.


    "Hello, your Highness, Princess Alexia." He says with a deep voice. "I am Tobias Marin and I am the captain of your surface guard. Please follow my guidance as we go up there." He bows again while motioning to his four fellow Gheyos. "This is Caspain, he is my second." As he claps a Gheyo with purple eyes on the shoulder. "And those three, well the light Gheyo with light blue eyes is Cove, the Gheyo with white eyes is Loch, and the Gheyo with dark blue eyes is Pike. All of us have been glamoured to make sure we are not outed as Merrow." as he points to the three Gheyo below him. "Please follow us Princess, and we will get you to the surface." He motions me to follow him.


    I kiss my uncle on the cheek and cheekily say "Well uncle, I''ll be back before bedtime! Time will fly while I am up there, so don''t blink or you''ll miss it." I follow Tobias as the Gheyos move away from the door and follow them to a close beach.


    "Well, here we are Princess." Tobias looks at me and my soul gets tugged once again. "Although, we will have to call you something else while we are up here. How is ''Lexia until we go back below?" he asks me while still staring into my eyes.


    "Um, ''Lexia is fine with me," I say shaking my head to get his eyes out of it. "How close is the city? I''m anxious to begin!" I chirp as I rock on my feet.


    "Well, we need to ''register'' you with the courts, though it has been approved that you get done under a false flag until the hunt actually starts," Caspian says as he steps forward. "Follow me and don''t get lost. Also, don''t allow yourself to get pulled into an alleyway. Some  scum  will try to abduct Submissives, but we will not allow that." He says fiercely.


    I nod and follow the five of them to wherever registration is. The streets are quite packed and people are hustling through the streets. As I pass a group of dragels, an exquisite smell floats by me and I try to turn around but am urged on by the Gheyos. I try to look to see what has that smell, but all I can see are green-blue eyes as I am forced to keep going. I pout and try to start speaking, but am shushed and moved on.


    "We''re halfway there, ''Lexia. We just have to turn 3 more corners and we''ll be there." Cove says and turns into a narrow alleyway and the rest of us follow. As Tobias turns, he makes sure no one is following us from behind. And then, as the alleyway grows larger, it happens...


    As we get five steps into the alleyway, I hear "Get them!" from the side and get shoved down as Tobias dives down on top of me, probably to protect me. I see that the other three Merrow are trying to get rid of the attackers, but they are not managing to make them go away. Tobias eventually gets out his dual scimitars and stands in front of me with my back to a wall. Regrettably, he eventually gets harried by an attack and eventually falters while getting stabbed in the side. My soul lurches and cries out at seeing Tobias falling to the ground.


    As I crawl to Tobias, he looks at me and smiles with blood in the corners of his mouth. "No, no, no!" I cry to the sky.


    He takes his blood-covered hand and slowly caresses my cheek and says "I would have loved to become your Prince." and starts to breath weird.


    "No!" I whine as I cover his palm with mine. And then as I am still hearing battle going on, I start shrieking to the world and do not stop. As I shriek, I hear many little bolts of lighting hitting something and see multiple flashes of light. I feel something at my back, but I refuse to look away from Tobias. And I am still painfully screaming for him to come back to me. I look up toward the sky and slowly stop screaming. As I stop screaming, I choke and look down at my front expecting there to be glass, but there is none. However, there are white and silver feathers around me. Around Tobias! I tense up and spin around with my teeth bared as I see her. She chirps at me and I slowly start to relax. As I do so, I pet the feathers and say "Oh, hello." And then I collapse into darkness.

 Chapter Five: A Circle Made Anew

    <h2 align="center">Chapter Five: A Circle Made Anew</h2>


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    "Alexia! You must wake up now!" A nagging voice tells me.


    However, I am more likely to turn over and go back to sleep. I moan and try to turn over on the bed, but the bed is firmer than I like.


    "Harald, get her to wake up. It is imperative that she wakes within 2 hours of a soul scream with the wounds she had two days ago." A voice says.


    Wait, I know that voice. "Un-" I start coughing as I try to say my uncle''s name. A glass of water gets put to my lips and I drink deeply. I sigh and try to open my eyes. I see Uncle Alcandor over me along with two unknown Merrows, purple and light blue. "Uncle Alcandor, what happened? You weren''t here after we left the house..." I narrow my eyes and then try to get off the bed. "Tobias! Where is Tobias? He''s been stabbed!" My arms scratch deeply at the arms holding me down and I hiss out while looking down to see him. "Tobias!"


    "''lexia, can you please stop trying to scratch my armor? It''ll have to be polished if you scratch it too much." Tobias says while slightly letting go.


    I instinctively turn around and bite him in the spot where I always imagined my circle to have my mark. A spot high on the right side of the neck, but lower than the jaw.


    "Poeira¡¯s scales" He exclaims as I slowly nurse on the wound. "Did you need to bite me that hard Alexia? You nearly made me tear my wings out."


    I get done nursing on the wound and give it a small kiss as I stop. "I want my mark right here!" As I point to the tip of my chin. "I want all my markings to be from wrist to wrist!" I say to my new circle and angle my chin so Tobias can bite it there.


    "Fine, you win this time princess." He sighs and bites the tip of my chin. After biting it, he quickly kisses the new mark and hands me back over to my uncle. My uncle who scolds me for a good ten minutes about everything that I had done. And what I hadn''t done. I''d probably do it again for Tobias.


    "Well now that you''re awake niece, you should probably spend time with your circle as I talk with the Mage about how this plot of land has to be warded for your protection." King Alcandor says, before handing me to the Alpha and Beta. He then walks over to the probable to talk about warding.


    "Why don''t we start from the beginning, exchange basic info, have you exchange marks, and then catch up with more details later?" Says the dark blond-haired Dragel. "My name is Leonard Zharim. I am a Water Alpha. Where do you want your claim mark?" He asks me.


    I point to the left side of my neck, under where Tobias'' mark already is. He bites me there and afterward, I bite him on the same spot as I did Tobias.


    Next, I get introduced to my Beta ("Noel, Air Beta"), and his bite goes under Leonard''s. And then a dragel with pale white skin comes forward.


    "I''m Gerhard Knol. Nameless Rheyo. Necromancer. Where do you want me to bite you?" He asks and his bite goes under Noel''s.


    Then Leonard beckons the next dragel over to talk to me. "My name is Artak Miller, princess. Nameless Pareya Banza. Halfling Merrow" a pale white dragel comes over to greet me.


    But, I want someone else. I instinctively whine loudly. "I need..."


    Tobias goes over and grabs a terra-cotta colored gheyo and a tanned gheyo while motioning to a pale almond gheyo. "Here princess, these three might be more what you want to mark next. You really want protection don''t you." and caresses my cheek and rubs my chin where his mark is.


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    The terra-cotta-colored woman comes up and croons at me. "I have waited an eternity to meet you, Alexia, but I would''ve waited for more if this is an indication of my future. My name is Tania Galvao and I think I am your first feathered shadow. I am a Water Pheolix. Where do you want your mark to be put?"


    I only point to across Leonard''s bite on the other side of my blank neck and sigh as she bites me there. I happily bite her at the same place as everyone else.


    Next comes a pure-white man with gorgeous molten silver eyes. "My name is Gaspar Molinari, Ice Fae. Water & Fire Pareya Toracle and your second shadow. I promise to protect you and yours with my entire being." I only need to point to under Tania''s before it is done.


    The pale almond dragel comes back with a tanned gheyo. "My name is Monika Cardillo, princess." She looks at me with the most brilliant seafoam-colored eyes. "I am the second Gheyo Joker and I am Storm, but prefer Water. I will be your third shadow. Do you want your third bite under Gasper''s?" She asks and I nod. Then I feel protected. I go limp against Monika''s body and nuzzle her marked neck.


    After a few minutes, I let go and turn back around to Artak; I hold my hands out for him to grab and smile as he does. "So, Artek Miller and nameless Pareya, where do you want to place your mark?" He smiles at me and bites the crease of my left elbow. I let him nurse for a while before placing my mark in the usual spot.


    Afterwards, Leonard motions a gold-haired dragel over. "Hello, your princess-ness! My name is Rebeca Vilches! I am a Shadow Pareya Gehrca and my job was to acclimate newly inherited halflings. Oh! I am also half Dragel and half Vampire. Do you want the mark in any particular place?" I shake my head and she bites me high up on my right bicep.


    "My name is Nicolae Vilches." A tanned dragel comes over and gives me a kiss on the hand. "I am a Shadow Pareya Sylven. And I was in charge of keeping the schedule at the library. But, I will enjoy keeping yours." At this, his green left eye winks at me while his gold right eye shimmers in happiness. "I assume you don''t have a specific location for anyone else''s mark?" I again shake my head no and he bites me on my left forearm.


    Then a dark-skinned dragel comes up and says. "My name is Alan Warren and Alice in my other form. I am a Storm Pareya Oracle. I have not had a job yet." He bashfully says while closing his indigo eyes. "But you can still count on me." He bites me on my upper left wrist in his fist form and on the lower in his second form.


    At his heels is a pale white dragel. "My name is Alexei Galieva, but everyone can call me Zephyr. I am an Air Pareya Deracle and my special magic is blood magic. As Alan said, I have not had a serious job outside of doing courier work for the family." He bites me on my upper left bicep.


    After both Alexia and Alexei are done, Tobias pokes the same pale almond Gheyo as before. "I guess your King wants me to go first, Princess. My name is Armin Mayr and I am a Were-Snow Leopard. My elements are Fire & Air and I am a Gheyo Ace." His bright orange eyes shift over to a tan man. "That," he says tilting his chin, "is my brother Lucas, different bearer and sire though." He rakes his dull orange hair back and continues. "My job was patrolling the Shadow Haunts." He bites me on my left forearm, next to Nicolae''s.


    Next a pale white Dragel pulls two other Dragels with her. "My name is Loreta Shae. I am an Air & Fire Gheyo Prince. My job was to patrol the Air areas with the two beside me. We bonded about five years ago." She bites me on my right forearm, right near the elbow.


    "My name is Philipp Perevell, 5th. I am an Air Gheyo Queen." He says with his brown eyes twinkling at me. "Our job will probably be to patrol the air around this plot of land and its surroundings." He bites me next to Loreta''s mark.


    The third olive-skinned dragel walks over to me. "My name is Ferran Belaire, Princess. I am a Storm Gheyo Princess. I am the reason that the three of us got bonded before." He bites his lip and averts his ocean-blue eyes. "I am willing to tell the story, but in private." He bites me on the right forearm, almost making a triangle with their bites.


    Uncle Alcandor comes back with Marin and says, "Well, his thoughts on warding the property is a good start. I will send some of my Gheyos out to patrol the waters until you can come up with a suitable schedule yourself. Look and see if you''re willing to bond with them, niece, as it will make your uncle feel safer." He nods at me and portals away. ''Well, more Gheyos wouldn''t be that bad. Then I''d be even more protected from being kidnapped.''


    Leonard steps up and says, "With that, we should probably eat lunch and then continue introductions afterward." All the Pareya sprang into action with that.


    Rebeca steps forward. "While I don''t normally cook, I''m willing to do it today. We''ll need -"

 Chapter Six: And So It Begins

    <h2 align="center">Chapter Six: And So It Begins</h2>


    <hr>


    Alexia hugs Rebecca and breaks the awkward silence. "Okay, so now that lunch is over and everyone is fed let''s begin..." Cleaned plates are put down as the Pareya are done cleaning up the temporary kitchen.


    Leonard gets up and motions to one of the Gheyos. "Let us finish -." He abruptly stops when a young brown-skinned dragel comes running over to shake my hand.


    "Hi! I introduced myself at lunch, but my name is Odeta Liske, I''m a Nameless Dragel, carrier rank and I''m pleased to meet you." She quickly curtsies to me. "Oh! I''m 19! and am totally willing to carry as many children as I can. At least once I hit 22 and Aunty Demeter tells me I can. Um, she''s a Pareya Sephracle so she''ll want to make sure I can bear children without problems. I''ll contact her later today." She lets go of my hand and quickly says, "Ah, and can we please get a pool? I was told I can''t swim in the ocean. Also, where do you want your bite?" She twirls a blond strand of hair around a finger waiting for my response.


    I start to giggle as I respond. "Well, we''ll see later about children as we still haven''t sealed any bonds. As for a pool," I look at Marian, "I''m sure I can convince Marian to build us some type of indoor conservatory for a pool. And for a bite? Well, wherever it fits." Odeta quickly bites me on the center of my collarbone after I have bitten her neck and dances off to look at nearby plants.


    A pale white dragel comes up next with a "Well, this will certainly be an interesting circle for sure. My name is Vanessa Bruins, Vinny in my other form. Nameless Companion, Runemistress, and part owner of Three Skeins Socks. I knit clothing, blankets, and various odds and ends; because of my rune mastery, I am able to incorporate runes into what I knit." She bites me first on the outside of my left shoulder joint and then bites me a second time on the inside of the joint to make an overlapping circle. "I hope an overlapping circle is fine for bites, I saw a Kadel use it once on his bonded and always wanted to have someone with it."


    I nod and acknowledge her by saying, "Yes it''s fine!" I adjust my shoulder around for everyone to see. "I''m honestly fine with all of our Changlings to mark like that."


    "I introduced myself to you earlier at lunch, my Princess, but my name is Marian Poole." He tugs his light blue hair out of his vivid cerulean eyes. "I am a Storm Mage with a rune mastery. My job is to ward King Alcandor''s private and royal housing. I was actually given this property because I interrupted a kidnapping attempt on Queen Killigan early last year." He bites me halfway between my right shoulder and right collarbone.


    A tall almond-skinned male dragel comes over and bows at me. "My greetings, princess. My name is Fabian Vollmer, and Fabienne in my other form. I am an Air Advisor." He flutters his phthalo green eyes as he continues, "I watched everyone during lunch and I do believe this is almost a political/royal circle, especially given that you are a Royal Water Princess. We currently have twelve Gheyos, soon to add at least three more¡± He says before muttering ¡°If not more if I can recognize a fussy royal uncle.¡± Leonard clears his throat before Fabiran speaks again. ¡°Along with the three Merrow that King Alcandor is suggesting we pick up, I would find five Gheyo Jokers. One each for the Alpha, Beta, and Rheyo as a personal guard, but also one or two that specifically guard the nursery and cr¨¨che to make sure no further kidnapping happens with our future children. Have the two guarding the children swear to a different ACE." He shuffles in place to think before going on. "We also happen to have six pareya. I would heavily suggest shifting that to twenty as well to have it uniquely balanced." He breathes in for a second before he goes on. "I would also heavily recommend getting at least two or three more advisors. With a circle this size, I will need help with everything needing to be done. That is all I can think of for now." He bows again before gesturing if he can bite my right hand. I allow it. He bites on the top with one form and the bottom with the other. Both bites are in the middle of the hand.


    A lilac-colored Merrow flutters over next and says "Hello princess! My name is Shanaya Kalzik and I am a Storm Healer. I worked at my parent''s clinic in the Merrow waters with my twin sister, but I would like to set up a private family clinic here, as we have quite a few number of people in our circle. I would also like to try to find two medics and maybe even another healer. If we are really to be a political circle, we shall need it." She bites me on the top of my left bicep.


    "Hello Alexia, my name is Faidon Zotos." A tanned dragel comes up next. "I am a Nameless Gheyo Ace. I usually work with guarding families with my uncle''s military circle, but I guess I will have to tell them that I must end that." He bites me on the inside of my right elbow.


    A tanned, blue-eyed man comes up next. "Hello, princess. My name is Lucas Mayr. I am a Water and Fire Were-Snow Leopard, Gheyo King. My job was to guard the Storm areas along the ocean via the beaches." He bites me on the left side of my collarbone.


    "Hello! My name is Evelyn Davison and I am a Shadow Gheyo Queen. I am also a Halfling Were-Tiger. My job was to guard the Shadow homes and businesses." She bites me on the lower side of my left bicep.


    A pale white dragel comes to me next. "My name is Carmo Carvalho and Carmael in my other form. I am a Fire and Air Gheyo Prince. My job was patrolling the Dive to make sure there are no problems with any flying Dragels trying to show off and fail." He bites my right wrist on the top with one form and the underside with his other form.


    The last dragel to be introduced comes over. "My name is Elvira Cazzaniga and I am an Earth & Water Gheyo Princess. My job was guarding the Earth houses." She bites me on my left bicep.


    Leonard stands back up and claps his hands. "Alright, now that all the introductions are done, we need to move on to something just as important: how we want the house to look and where we are staying until it''s done. Now, Gerhard''s bearer''s side does building, so please get in contact with them. Until we get something approved and built, which hopefully won''t take more than a few months, we will have to sleep in either tents or in the Merrow building in the ocean. I know at least five of you will be sleeping down there. Did you want to sleep there in the water with the entire circle joining, Alexia?"


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    I shake my head no. "I''d rather be with as many people as I can above water. I''ve slept in tents before, and am willing to do so again."


    "Great! So, someone needs to buy enough tents for all of us, and if we can get a giant tent for whoever wants to sleep with the full resting group, we can do that. I assume you can ward the tents to make sure nothing bad happens while we are in them?" He asks Marian who nods in acceptance. "Even better. Why don''t Fabian, Nicolae, Phillip, Loreta, Ferran, and Vanessa go buy what is necessary to house 30-40 people while the Gheyos can sort themselves out in the lower basements... the lower basements have soundproofing correct Marian?"


    Marian says, "Yes, the lower basements are soundproofed from the upstairs for the Gheyos and there are some basic gym mats and a small bathroom down there. In addition, on the main floor, there is already a small bedroom with a king-sized bed that has been enlarged along with a small bathroom. That room is also soundproofed."


    "Perfect," says Leonard. He continues with, "Okay, so Alexia, Noel, Gerhard, and I will be busy for the next few hours. Tania, Monika, and Gaspar should probably stick around in the house. Anyone else is free to go and tell their families what has happened. I will send for bank and circle trinkets tonight after Alexia and I approve a pattern. That is all, now shoo!"


    <hr>


    The four of us go into the house where the resting room is. "It is okay, Alexia, but I do believe that I would like to get the Alpha-Beta-Rheyo-Submissive bonds in place before tonight. Please tell me if you disagree with this."


    "No, it''s fine." I say and continue with, "But let''s start in the bathroom to relax and clean ourselves of the battle that happened earlier.¡± I strip in sight of my new mates and shut the door as I walk into the bathroom to start the shower. I hear murmuring in the other room and after a minute, I hear a knock on the bathroom door and only Leonard comes in.


    Leonard strips himself naked before murmuring to me. ¡±I thought it would be easier with just the two of us for bonding together.¡± He ushers me into the shower stall and I just stare at him, but he turns me around.


    "Let me give you a quick massage before we get cleaned. I told the two of them to join the other three in the rest of the house until we are done. It''ll be easier to bond without them here." He brings out shower gel and gives me a back massage until I fully relax. Eventually, he then spins me around and kisses me straight on the lips. "Are you ready for me, princess?" He asks me while stroking my stomach. I bite my lip and nod. He turns the shower off and wraps a towel around me as well as tossing another one on himself. He walks out of the bedroom, lays me down on the bed, and then dries me off.


    "Touch me," I say eagerly. I pull his wrist down to my breasts as the other is caressing my cheek. "I''m not a china doll, the school system in my state had a pretty decent sex educat -." He kisses me to make me silent. His hand lowers even more and slightly enters me. Leonard starts kissing down my stomach and continues until he hits the jackpot. He tries to go further down from my clitoris, but I stop him. "There!" I gasp, "Continue there!" He continues.


    He continues for a few minutes while a climax starts building. Right before it hits, he gets up and wipes his mouth. "Don''t want you to finish quite yet." He quietly laughs at my upset face. "There will be a pinch, but let me know to stop if it''s more than that." He begins to push in and I make a noise as it begins to hurt.


    "Stop!" I whine as the pain continues to burn.


    He pauses and starts playing with me again. "Shh, it''s okay." He soothes me. "The pain will soon be over. Let me know when I can continue." Thankfully, the pain is quickly over, and then something bends within. The bond between us snaps into place with a solid crack. I gasp loudly and kiss Leonard.


    I begin to touch him as my climax waves over me. I shiver and bite his neck as I feel him ejaculate inside of me. I finally begin to relax for the first time since my own kidnapping when I was four. I caress the bite with my nose. "I want to have Tania, Gaspar, and Monika bond me with after Noel and Gerhard do. I think it''ll finally make me relax. I think we also need to get a Merrow Changling."


    "A Merrow Changling? Why?" Leonard asks as he sits up to spin my necklace strand with his hair. He soon gasps as I change form.


    I hiss at him while he stares at me with his jaw dropped, "This is serious! If my uncle knew that I was a Changling, much less a Merrow Changling, he never would''ve let me out to the surface. We need a Merrow Changling that looks like me in this form to not draw attention to me! They would preferably like the female form so that my uncle never sees us as males together.." I close my eyes and turn away from him.


    Leonard finally closes his jaw, sits up, and cups my chin while bringing my face close to his before making eye contact with me. "I love you in either form. We will protect you from this threat, don''t worry my Princess. Just make sure to never mention yourself as being a Changling, and we will protect you." He closes and then kisses my closed eyes. "Now, what scale do you want from me?" He brings out his wings for me to peruse.


    I open my eyes and gasp at his olive and blue scales. ''Hm, which one do I like the most?'' I trail my fingers down his left wing and stop on the scale that makes him twitch and whine. "This one!" I tap. I pry it off his wings as he whines again. "Which one do you want from this form?" I ask him. "I would''ve offered you ones that I chose earlier this year to bring to the hunt, but -" He presses a finger against my lips.


    "It is fine princess, I will find the perfect ones." He finds a pale blue scale with hints of iridescent lilac. "This scale right here." He taps. He gouges it out and puts it away in his clothing. "I still want a scale from your other self though. Many probably will."


    I quickly change back to my preferred form and show him my favorite scale. "This one, my Alpha! This one is my favorite unshed scale. But no one but you shall get a scale from Alexian." I quickly gouge out the scale and hand it to him. It is a white and peach scale with the tip being iridescent teal. "This is the only scale that hints of, well, who I call Alexian." I put his olive scale on the necklace. "I might need a bracelet as well." I laugh.


    "Ha!" Leonard laughs. "Maybe a matching set of bracelets?" He strokes me from my chin to my flank. "Now my Submissive, let us go make our Beta and Rheyo ours."


    "Wait.¡± I say before grasping his hand without letting it go. ¡°I want to tell you about my family circle so you can spread it around while I¡¯m otherwise...occupied.¡± I sigh and close my eyes to prevent the tears from falling. ¡°First off, is Grandma Molly Yates...¡±

 Chapter Seven: The Bindings That Hold Us Together

    <h2 align="center">Chapter Seven: The Bindings that Hold Us Together</h2>


    <hr>


    Leonard opens the door and motions Noel and Gerhard to join us. "Come on you two, it''s time to complete our bonds." They quickly join us in the room. "Gerhard, you are welcome to watch, but first Alexia, Noel, and I must complete the Alpha-Beta-Submissive bond." Leonard points to a chair lounge. "Feel free to sit there and get yourself ready for us."


    I peek at Gerhard and quickly decide something. "I want to bond with Gerhard with my second form." Both Noel and Gerhard freeze from taking off their clothes. "But normally with Noel. I hope neither of you minds.¡± I ignore Leonard glaring at the two of them.


    "They''ll be fine," Leonard says, almost daring either to complain. They don''t. "Are you ready, my Submissive?" Leonard asks me and I nod in agreement. He places Noel on top of me and begins to get him ready. "Well Noel, hope you are ready for me, but why don''t you be a good Beta and rev our Submissive backup." He says smacking Noel on his ass before going to the nightstand for lube.


    Noel takes the job and begins to kiss me on my neck while playing with my nipples. He eventually gets bored and starts French kissing me while moving one hand down to play with me down there. He gasps and I look around him to see that Leonard has started to breach him open. He glares up at Leonard and gently enters a finger into me.


    "Just wait, Alexia, that''ll be you soon," Gerhard says to me. "It''ll soon be that I breach open for the first time like our Alpha is doing to Noel." He gets up and kneels next to me on the bed and starts to tweak my nipples. "He told me while we were waiting that he was saving himself for his Alpha and did not get in bed with any Gheyos." He caresses my stomach and kisses a nipple before telling Noel. "I think our Alpha is waiting for you to enter our little one here."


    Noel slowly enters me before Leonard thrusts into him. I gasp as Noel goes deeper than Leonard ever did. "Shove over Gerhard and suck her other nipple," Noel says and starts sucking my left nipple as Gerhard sucks the right. Gerhard''s hand slowly strokes from my left breast down to my clitoris. Noel starts groaning and pauses thrusting as Leonard starts pounding into him. Gerhard starts to circulate his finger and I quickly hit my peak. Then everything snaps into place and I can feel the bond circle between the three of us. Pretty soon afterward I can feel Noel release into me and hear Leonard groan behind Noel as he did with me. Tears fall down my face as I start to cry with the feeling of the completed bond between the three of us.


    "Don''t cry, Alexia!" Gerhard says while he brushes off the tears. "We''ll be here for a good and long time, worshiping you as we should." I nod at him and then snicker when Leonard pulls Noel off me. "Yes, don''t smother our submissive before I can bond with her!" He says laughingly. He then pulls me onto him. "Here princess, take a nap and I''ll wake you in half an hour." Don''t mind if I do. I quickly fall asleep, listening to my bond mates talking about things that need to be done in the next few days.


    A hand strokes down my body jostling me out of my nap as Gerhard says "Alexia, wake up sweetling, it''s been that half hour." I groan and roll over him and back onto the bed. "Are you in pain? Here, bite my wrist and take a bit of blood. That should heal whatever aches you''ve got." I twist over while biting his wrist. I nurse it for quite a while before letting it go. "Now, I was promised a time with a sexy merrow changling! So get to it!" He lightly slaps my thigh and I quickly glare at him.


    I hiss out "If it''ll be like that, then sure." and quickly switch forms. I hiss at him again and then try to grapple Gerhard''s arms. As we wrestle for domination, he stops for a second and kisses me on the mouth. I quickly bite his lower lip and then gasp as the bond bends into place.


    "Well, well, well princess. I guess I will allow you to win this match, so why don''t you settle down and we can begin this anew." Gerhard says as he strokes my flank. I flirtatiously look at him with my teal-blue eyes as I sit on his lap. ''I guess I win after all.'' as we begin to gasp in unison. I can feel my body flush purple all tho my stomach.


    <hr>


    After we are done and panting in bed, Leonard and Noel come back clean from the bathroom. "Exchange scales with Noel and Gerhard princess," Leonard says "and then we can figure out what our circle name will be, along with you okaying the circle crest and bank tokens." I quickly change form and grab one of the orange scales with the most white accent while putting it to the right of Leonard''s. I make grabby hands toward Noel as a pale peach scale is taken from my lower left wing. I hunt all over Noel''s wings until I find a white scale that has both grey and orange specks. I put it to the left of Leonard''s scale.


    "Hm..." Noel says while trailing both of his hands down my peach-colored wings. "I want this oneI" he says as he taps my inner wing. "this is the most special one from what I can tell." I look at it and have to agree; it is a pure peach scale that is tipped by both teal and purple iridescence. "Now change back into your clothes so we can go grab your three shadows." He says while tweaking a nipple. Leonard kisses me on the mouth as he hands me my clothes. "As for the name, circle, and banking tokens?" He reminds me again.


    "Well," I say while putting my clothes on, "I think the name should be "Perevell-Zharim" as my grandparents will probably move to Nevarah now. They had already told me that they would follow me to wherever I end up at. As for the circle icon? Just base it on the mark I give you. It doesn''t give away anything." The mark features a stripped Angelfish that has an iridescent circle around its head. "Yeah, just use that image for the circle token. Oh! You could always try to see if the banking token could be just an Angelfish!" I am quite proud of that! "And you should probably move all of our banking to Pheonix Holdings. It''s a bank that the Perevells had a hand in creating. It''s where my banking account and savings account is at." I smile up at Leonard, knowing I''m already causing him problems.


    Leonard sighs and says "Sure princess. I guess I can create two new circle accounts at Pheonix Holdings and move my bank accounts into it. I just won''t make the circle iridescent on the circle token. Well, with that taken care of, I assume you want me to get your shadows while Noel and I go and send this taken care of?" He gets off the bed and dusts himself off.


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Before the two leave, Noel kisses me and Gerhard on the lips. "Don''t do anything I wouldn''t" He winks at me as he and Leonard leave the room and close the door. Gerhard goes and sits on the chaise while we wait for my three protectors to come to the room. It thankfully doesn''t take too long.


    Someone politely knocks on the door before opening it up. A terra-cotta-colored hand opens the door the rest of the way. "We are here like you asked for," Tania says while pulling Monika and Gaspar inside the room. "Were you needing anything in particular?" She croons at me while her sky-blue eyes stare into my soul.


    I gulp as her mark begins to heat up. "Yes, I''d like you and Monika to preen my wings. And for Gaspar and Gerhard to wait until they''re done." I look at them as Tania grins to herself.


    "As you say, princess. Does someone have preening oil with them?" Tania looks at us. She makes an unhappy squawk when all of us shake our heads and wanders over to the nightstand. "Ah!" She trills happily, "There was some inside the nightstand. On your stomach with your wings out, Princess." She waits for me to comply and then tells Monika, "I will teach you the best way to preen scales and feathers, as you or Alexia will be preening me from here on out." She has Monika drizzle the oil over my scales. ''Wow, it smells like frankincense, cedar wood, and myrrh. I''ll have to thank Marian later for stocking up in here.'' I croon as Monika hits a good spot and then cry out as the bond snaps into place. I sob as she continues to preen me. "Shh, princess," Tania whispers as she wipes my tears away. "pay attention otherwise you won''t know what to do for me." She continues to quietly talk to me until Monika is done. "Well, my turn now!" She prods me to get up and switches places with me.


    As Tania lies down, Monika shows me how to preen her. "Like this princess." She makes a motion with her hands. As my hands move the feathers around and preen the Pheolix below me, our bond blankets me like a warm comforter in winter. Tania gasps and I moan as it snaps into place. I finish preening her and when done, she presents me with a feather that is silver tipped with white.


    "This is the feather you first touched when I held you during the fight. I cannot give you a scale for your necklace, but I can give you this." She hands me the feather and I immediately put it in the middle of the necklace with Leonard on one side and Noel on the other. Monika, on the other hand, allows me to choose the scale. I trail my fingers over her right wing tip and she exhales as I hit a sensitive spot. I pick a seafoam scale with no blue as my scale and put it to the side of Gerhard''s.


    Speaking of Gerhard, I motion for him and Gaspar to join me in the shower. "Pamper me." I whimper. And oh, do they do so. In the midst of getting pampered, my bond snaps into place as Gaspar lovingly cleans me after we are done having sex. ''Hopefully, with the six of them, I''ll never get kidnapped again...''


    <hr>


    After getting out of the shower and getting dressed, the five of us leave the room a mess. I fret as I don''t want to leave a mess for someone else. "Don''t fret Alexia, a Pareya will come and clean it," Monika says while pulling me out the front door. I wave at everyone that is still here and breathe the sea air in deeply. Leonard comes up, kisses me on the cheek, and declares, "Alexia, I''ve gotten everything sent off and should get tokens by tomorrow. The order got flagged as a royal request so it should get expedited." I clap and kiss him on the lips. "Wow, what did I do to deserve that?" He laughs before continuing, "And everyone who got the tents is back and has been setting them up for the past two hours. I also see that you have busy?" I blush and slap at his arm. "Well, Rebecca contacted her sister Isobella who is a Pareya Kalenta (and apparently looking for a circle herself) who is willing to help out with cooking for a few days.


    A husky feminine voice calls out, "Dinner time! And sister, go make sure your new submissive eats." I slowly walk to where I hear the voice. "Oh, hello." A very beautiful tanned female dragel says. "It''s nice to meet you, Princess Alexia." She bows to me with her hand over her heart. I cannot help what comes out of my mouth. A high-pitched warble bursts out of my mouth without permission. "Oh...sweetheart!" She returns my soul cry and then hugs me. "Why don''t we talk later about courting each other while it is less...exposed." She murmurs before caressing my cheek. "I would like to mention something before dinner though. I''d like us to get another Kalenta or two as I hate figuring out food menus, needed nutrition, and shopping, but love the cooking." She brings out a dinner cowbell and loudly hits it to alarm everyone that it is dinner time. "FOOD!" She howls. ''I can''t believe she accepted my soul cry.'' I think to myself while walking over to the table.


    Most of the Gheyos are "mysteriously" gone, but Monika and Tania don''t seem concerned so I don''t pay any attention to it. A bountiful spread of different thin sliced meats, cheeses, fruits, and crackers is placed on the table. "I hope no one minds, but Rebecca and I figured that it would be better to have a light dinner as people will be coming and going as they bond," Isobella says. "By the way, everyone can just call me Iso for short." She scratches her chin. "Anyhows, dig in!"


    Everyone grabs a plate and starts eating various cheeses and meats. Rebecca and Iso sit by my sides and continuously put food on my plate and urge me to eat. I playfully glare at them as I eat and then lightly nip Iso''s finger as she feeds me a grape. But it all gets disturbed as a portal opens next to the multiple tents; all of my protectors jump up to protect my sides while Gaspar pulls out a sharp machete with a green sheen to it, puts his back to my back, and pulls out his feathered wings to shield me. Both Monika and Tania pull out their longswords while Alexei pulls out a long bone needle that he pokes himself with.


    Thankfully, it just ended up being my Uncle Alcandor. Unfortunately, with him are three merrow Gheyos, one whom I recognize. "Caspian?" I yelp as I shove my head around Gaspar''s wings. "I''m glad you are one of the three Merrow chosen! Tobias seemed slightly sad that you weren''t chosen as a bonded." Caspian fully blushes purple as I say this. "Stand down," I command everyone. "Uncle, next time please send a message otherwise bloodshed may happen with how protective my circle is." Uncle Alcandor looks slightly apprehensive as he nods in agreement.


    "I do apologize, Alexia. I hadn''t been thinking about what happened this morning." He brushes his hands together and looks around to who is all here. "I am just glad the rest of the Gheyos weren''t alerted. But, as promised, here are the three Merrow I will assign to your plot of land." He looks over at Marian who stares back with agitation. "With or without approval." His gaze comes back to mine. "I just hope you eventually will bring them into your circle to have three more water patrols." He clasps Caspian''s shoulder. "You remember Caspain Masse, good. Cas is a Gheyo Prince." He points at a pale blue merrow. "This is Adrian Kestern, he is Caspian''s bonded Queen." He motions to a smaller figure, a feminine figure and her sky-blue eyes tug at my soul. "And this is their bonded Princess, Anemone Villee. Her other form is Aenon." I look at Leonard and he nods giving permission for what is about to happen. Leonard nudges Noel who rolls his eyes but eventually nods as well. Gerhard just lustily stares at both Caspain and Adrian. Well, I know what has to happen.


    I pull the three away from everyone and hold all three of their hands and give a soul cry as blue sparks fly between all four of us. I cry tears of joy when I hear three matching answers back. ''Well, this is my life now...''

 Chapter Eight: The Building of a Century

    <h2 align="center">Chapter Eight: The Building of a Century</h2>


    <hr>


    "Well, that takes care of one thing." My uncle says smugly as he looks at my three new Gheyos and me. "Why don''t you introduce yourse-." Uncle Alcandor gets interrupted as almost all of the Gheyos slink out of the house and go over to eat dinner. I lead my three new Gheyos over to the table so I can make sure that they eat enough.


    As we''re about to sit at the table, Alan asks, "Do you mind if we take Tania and Monika over to the beach to talk about schedules?" I nod as I eat another cracker and Alan gestures for the two to join him and Alexei.


    As I''m eating my cracker, my new Gheyo Queen introduces himself. "Adrian Kestern, Water & Air Gheyo Queen. Merrow Halfing." He says as he moves his silver hair out of his face. "The three of us mostly patrol the merrow waters along the beaches to ensure no one drowns." He bites me on the upper part of the right shoulder blade on my back.


    "Hello again, princess!" Caspian Masse chirps. "I know I got somewhat introduced to you today, but I am a Water Gheyo Prince." He blinks his purple eyes and gives me a cheeky smile. He bites me next to Adrian''s mark on my shoulder.


    As soon as I am done biting Caspian, the female Merrow comes up and says, "Anemone Villee, Merrow Changling; my other form is Aenon. Water Gheyo Princess." She bites her lip and averts her sky-blue eyes. "I''m hoping that my mark only needs to be done once." She daintily bites next to Adrian''s to make a triangle of marks before switching to her other form. "Good," Aenon says brushing my hair out of the way, "I don''t need to mark you twice." He comes forward to let me look at his form which is almost identical to mine. His hair has dark blue roots with white tips along with teal-blue skin close to mine; he slowly switches back to give me a chance for a good look.


    ''Thankfully Aenon matches quite well to my form.'' I think to myself. I send a curious feeling through Leonard''s mark and am glad to see him smile and nod back. ''Well, at least my Alpha thinks it''s a close match. Well, that''s one thing off my plate for now.'' I notice a lot of yawns happening from the present Pareya, my Companion, and my Carrier. "Let''s go to bed." I yawn as I pull Odeta, who seems half asleep already, to the main sleeping tent. "I''m exhausted from today," I say as I pull Odeta into bed next to me.


    One by one, sleepy people pile around me. Lucas changes into his white leopard form and stretches out on the pillows. Artak climbs to the other side of me as Monika glares at him but cuddles Artak from behind. Vanessa slips next to Odeta while Tania grumpily nuzzles into her. Gerhard curls around Nicholae on the other side of Monika while Leonard exhaustedly lies down on the rightmost spot at the edge of the bed next to Tania. Noel spoons Nicholae being on the left edge of the bed. Faidon sleeps at an angle at the foot of the bed, guarding everyone while forcing Armin to lie on the ground next to the door in his black leopard form.


    Before falling asleep, I pop my head up from Lucas'' flank to say "Goodnight everyone." and then lie back down. I snuggle into Artak before trying to fall asleep.


    <hr>


    "Alexia, wake up!" A slightly familiar masculine voice says while something shakes my shoulder. I hiss in unhappiness and try to fall back asleep. "Oh no, you don''t! We''ve got a schedule to set up!"


    "Oret, no, I wanna sleep more," I whine before getting flipped onto my back. Someone kisses my lips and my eyes flutter open. "Oh, hi Nicolae. Mmm, good morning." I yawn and stretch before sitting up in bed. I quickly look around for who is in bed, but it is only Nicholae, Artak, Iso, and I left.


    Artak and Iso are cuddling me on each side while Nicholae is getting dressed for the day. "Now that you are all awake," Nicholae looks at Artak, "or at least mostly awake, I need to run and get these calendars and notebooks to Marian so he can make them connect to each other. Breakfast should get started soon, otherwise, we will get some hungry people." He kisses me on the lips again before leaving the tent.


    Artak pokes me in the side and sleepily inquires, "Talking about sleeping, what do you know about how long your resting period is? Did your grandparents ever figure it out for you?" He grabs me and flops me on top of him while expectantly waiting for the answer.


    "No, I always aligned with my grandmother''s cycle which was 32 hours every 14 days. And her last cycle was four days ago, so I don''t know when mine would be or for how long." I say as I poke both Artak and Iso. "I''m starting to get hungry, so we better go and make breakfast for everyone before they need to get to work for the day." I get out of bed and grab a dagger that I have had for a courting gift. I nudge Artak to leave the room and after he does so, I step up to Iso and declare, "Here is my first courting gift to you, my Pareya. A knife that I made in class at the school I was going to. I''m glad that my teacher asked me to bring it back to school to show it off." She caresses the jeweled dagger, gets up, and roots through her bags.


    Isobella comes back over and gives me a boot dagger in return. "I''ve had this waiting until I could find a perfect Submissive to bind myself to." She sighs and then bear-hugs me tightly. I kiss her on the lips for a few minutes before kissing her in the location of her mark.


    "We should probably get out to the kitchen before we get angry dragels." I laugh as I pull her to the kitchen. We are able to drag Vanessa and Rebecca into the kitchen to join us for cooking breakfast.


    <hr>


    Once breakfast is cooked, Iso rings the bell to signal everyone that breakfast is ready. As everyone eats, I notice a delivery is made to the table. "Leonard, I think the bank and clan tokens came," I say before taking another bite of breakfast. He nods and motions for Marian to inspect it.


    "It''s from the bank," Marian confirms before shoving it back to Leonard. "I know I should be here for the house plans, but someone from the main palace sent me a message about one of the rune wards being strange." He eats the last of his breakfast before continuing. "I don''t really care how the main building is, as long as there is somewhere functional for the Merrow to be close to Alexia."


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    I blush lightly purple before responding. "I planned on having a small swimming pool attached to the master bathroom. It should be big enough for four or five people to be in at once. I also plan on having a conservatory built near the back sliding door to have a large natural pond and garden for year-round swimming. You''ll need to put in some heating runes though to keep it at about 80 degrees." I get up from the table and start taking plates. "If I may, can I also put a small rooftop deck on top of the fourth floor for an adult-only sunning area and hot tub?" I give Marian my best puppy dog eyes and he melts.


    "Yes, my cheeky Submissive, you have my permission to have that built. Spare no expenses, I have plenty of money." Marian says before he starts to head off.


    "Before you go, Marian," Leonard says teasingly, "You should probably grab your bank and clan tokens." He grabs the two tokens and hands them to Marian. "Our submissive would be sad if you left without our clan mark." Marian laughs while putting the tokens onto his bracer. "Also, don''t forget you need to come back after lunch to do the suppression seals." Marian nods before porting away.


    Leonard turns back around to face the table and distributes the rest of the tokens among everyone. "I currently have plenty of money in our circle''s main bank account, so don''t worry about spending money until it hits $500 a purchase. You can decide to pool your money into the bank account as well or keep it separate in a personal one. If we can manage to snag a Pareya Lerca or two, they will be the ones dealing with the finances from then out." He looks at Faidon before continuing. "I expect Faidon to be in charge of the circle''s Gheyo bank account. You''ll send all the info to the Lerca before they send it to me." He continues with, "As for our circle''s savings account, I have set it up, but I have not put much money into it. If you want, you can use your token at the bank and deposit whatever you wish, or you could have me deposit it for you. Either way works for me. Just know that a Lerca will tell me about any major purchases or deposits in the future."


    I smile at Leonard before telling him, "I want to put my entire checking bank account into the circle''s main account and my trust fund into the savings account." I giggle to myself before continuing. "The bank account contains five million dollars while the trust account contains seventy-five million dollars. And I will have my grandparents deposit the money into the main bank account." I burst into laughter seeing everyone''s faces. "The trust fund was from what my parent''s circle gained before they died. The Pareya they were courting was a talented Lerca that could basically spin money from nothing." My face falls before I manage to keep going. "Adam was the reason why I have such a healthy bank account. He died about five months after my parents and that entire time he spent every minute trying to make the most money for me." I start weeping before Artak and Gaspar take me to lie down for some time before the builders arrive.


    <hr>


    After about an hour of napping, Gaspar wakes me up. "Princess, it''s time to wake up." He squeezes my shoulders before murmuring "If you wake up now, I''ll get you a mug of your favorite hot chocolate that you told me about yesterday."


    My eyes flutter open at the thought of hot chocolate and I smile as I look at Gaspar. "Thank you, love, but I think I''ll take a rain check for another time," I say before I kiss him on the lips. "Mm, are the builders here already?" I ask before stretching and turning over to cuddle Artak for a minute.


    "No, Alexia!" Gaspar says before pulling me out of bed and away from Artak peacefully sleeping on the bed. "The builders will be coming any second now." I groan and follow him outside the bedroom. We go and sit in the dining room tent with the rest of my circle.


    I look around for my Gheyos but do not see any but Gaspar. "Where are all the Gheyos?" I ask Gaspar. "Are they all patrolling the land?"


    Gaspar laughs for a second before answering me. "Not all of them Alexia. Faidon''s Gheyo Circle is patrolling the land while Armin''s Gheyo Circle is talking with their previous training circles or employers. Adrian''s Gheyo Circle is patrolling the sea. And uh, Tania is speaking to her employer while Monika is chatting with her parents. Armin''s group should be back by lunch as should Tania and Monika. They will flip schedules so there is always a patrol." He thinks for a minute before continuing. "We might need to go out and get some supplies for the builder after lunch, but Leonard can think of a group then."


    Gerhard raises a hand before responding to a sent message. "Yes, we''re ready for you, feel free to port to the location I sent earlier." He looks at Leonard and Noel before continuing. "That was one of my fathers. The circle should be here in a few minutes so please do not draw weapons."


    After about ten minutes, a group ports into the yard. "Ah, hello Gerhard!" says a blond man and runs over to Gerhard to hug him. "Your Mera has missed you at the dinner table, and so have I. Now, introduce us to your circle!" He says looking towards us.


    "Well, this is my submissive Alexia, my Alpha Leonard, and my beta Noel. This is my sire, Eike Ekstrom, my Mera Katerina Mayr, and my third, Felix Knol." Gerhard says before looking around. "Most everyone else is out talking to their training circles or parents." He says before motioning the group of dragels to sit down. "Come and sit down, everyone." He waits for everyone there to sit down. "We know about what we want for the house..."


    <hr>


    "Well, we''ve taken up most of the time we scheduled for this." Eike laughs. "But let me reiterate what you want. The main floor will have the one bedroom and bath it currently has, a large eat-in kitchen with a center island, a large dining room that opens up to a future sunroom/deck, and a large living room with a fireplace. The first floor will mainly be the master bedroom with one normal master bath with a jetted tub plus a large walk-in shower. There will also be another master bath with a pool built for Merrow. It will feel like an outdoor conservatory. It''ll also have two nurseries large enough for five young children in each. And a sitting room for Alexia with multiple couches and a desk for someone to work at. The second floor will have six bedrooms with twin-sized beds and have jack and jill bathrooms. There will also be a playroom, but nothing is to be put in it as it''ll be expanded and hidden like the nurseries. The third floor will contain three bedrooms with queen-sized beds and their own 3/4 bathrooms along with two bedrooms with king-sized beds and their own full bathroom. Plus a teen lounge that will also be empty for future expansion. The fourth floor will stay empty for now." He pauses here and then grins at me. "And Alexia wants us to build a new fifth-floor deck that''s big enough for 6 sun loungers plus a small swimming pool and hot tub." We nod at Eike. "Well, we''ve got a list of things that will need to be purchased from the building stores. It''ll take about four weeks for the main floor to be done and another five for the master bed and bath. But if you get your uncle to come, we can do them both at once and have it done before the hunt." He gives the list to Gerhard. "We won''t know what your Gheyo floor will need until Katerina is done figuring out what all needs to be done. That should be known by tomorrow though."


    "That''s a wrap then huh," Gerhard says while gesturing to his family circle. "Why don''t you guys head out to get things ready for the afternoon? We''ll eat real fast and then go to the building store and order all this. It should be ready within two days. How about we meet two mornings from now and go from there?" He hugs his sire before they leave.


    Leonard stands up and says, "Why don''t I go send a message to your grandparents Alexia? Maybe we can get them to Nevarah before the hunt starts?" I run over to him and nod. "Okay, Iso start making lunch. Nicolae...."

 Chapter Nine: The Strength of Family

    <h2 align="center">Chapter Nine: The Strength of Family</h2>


    <hr>


    After telling everyone what is going to happen for the rest of the day, Leonard sends a message to my Oret, Derek Perevell. "Hello, this is Leonard Zharim, your granddaughter''s new Alpha. Alexia wants to know if you are still in the Midwest or if you''ve come to Nevarah. Also, Alexia says ''Mera, c''est Alexian et ?a a ¨¦t¨¦ chang¨¦!'' for proof. Whatever that means...but let me know where to meet up to bring you to the house." I shake my head as he completely butchers Mammam''s French language. He turns back to me and I hug him while nosing my mark on his neck. "It''ll be okay, Alexia. If we''re lucky, they''re in Nevarah and we''ll be able to reunite you with your family soon."


    Before I can even respond to him, he holds his hand up and says, "They''re already here in Nevarah. Gerhard, Tania, Gaspar, and Faidon with me to go and get them." After the four of them move to Leonard, he gives me a quick kiss and whispers, "I promise it will be just a few minutes, Alexia. We''ll be right back." I nod and the five of them port out.


    "Come and help me, Princess," Iso comes and holds me before ushering me to the kitchen to help her and Alexei. "We''ll keep your mind busy helping us cook." She says before handing me a spoon and telling me what to do.


    Not ten minutes later, a port flashes, but before my Gheyos have time to draw arms, I run to a man with dark red hair. "Oret!" I bear hug him before starting to cry. "I missed you and grand-m¨¨re."


    "Ah, meine Bienchen, I never would''ve let you be stolen for long. You know that after last time..." My Oret says as he closes his ruddy-brown eyes before hugging me closely. We hug each other for about three minutes before my grandma Joni joins the hug.


    I hug her back before wiping my eyes and looking at grand-m¨¨re Molly. "When did you guys get here? I know we planned on coming in two months, but I don''t want to leave. I never want to leave Nevarah again." I dash and hug my grand-m¨¨re. "Do you guys plan on returning to the Midwest now that you know I''m safe?" I let her go and look at Grandpa Troy


    Grandpa Troy comes over and cups my cheeks. "You know better than that, Alexia." He says before kissing my forehead, then going over and hugging Grandma Joni. "We''ll find a plot of land close to this. We didn''t want to tell you this right away, but your grand-m¨¨re got a soul cry from an Ace earlier when we landed. He''s an Earth Fae so we''ll need to be close to some greenery anyway. We sent him off to get his things before making a reservation somewhere for the five of us."


    Before anything else can be said, Iso comes out and rings the lunch bell. "Food, come and get it!" She says before holding my hand and tugging me to the lunch table. "Let''s eat!" Everyone else comes to the table before Marian rushes in and sits down.


    <hr>


    After lunch, Marian gets up first and loudly says, "Everyone with a fire element needs to come over so it can be slightly suppressed for everyone''s sake. Gerhard, Gaspar, Rebeca, Nicolae, Faidon, Evelyn, Armin, Loreta, and Vanessa all have to stay while everyone else is free to leave." He leads them over to a ritual circle that is formed in the front of the house from stone. "Gerhard, I''ll start with you..."


    As Marian begins the ritual castings, Leonard gets the list of things needed from the various stores before declaring, "Alexia, Noel, Tobias, Monika, and Tania, join me and we''ll go to the various stores to go buy all that''s needed on this list." He looks at Troy before stating. "You guys can come with us if you want, but it might take us an hour or two, so feel free to go and join your new circle member."


    After my grandparents say they will be joining their new Gheyo, Leonard motions us to stand together before we port to the shopping district. "Now, Tania and Tobias stay with Alexia and Monika can stick with Noel and me." He splits the list in half and gives it to me. "This is the list that is needed for starting the build. You''ll have time later to pick out colors and such. Don''t forget to get snacks or drinks if you need them." He kisses me on the lips before walking off in the opposite direction.


    I look at the list and point to a store. "Let''s start here and then work our way down!" I say as I pull Tania and Tobias with me to the store.


    <hr>


    Tania looks at the list before pointing at a snack store. "Since we got done with the list, we should go try this store. I''ve heard great things about it from a previous co-worker." I nod and we start heading in that direction, but I abruptly stop when I see a woman running away from someone. Tania tenses before putting a hand on her sword and Tobias pulls out both scimitars before standing behind me. Tania stops the woman and tells her to hide behind me while the situation gets dealt with.


    I hold my hand out to the woman and after she grasps it, I pull her between Tobias and me. "It''ll be okay," I say as I see purple sparks coming off our hands. "Tania will take care of it," I murmur as she cuddles into my back.


    As the three people in pursuit of the woman behind me come into striking distance, Tania quickly unsheaths her sword and points it toward the three men. "I wouldn''t if I were you..." She says before the sword is encased in bright blue flames. She lunges at them to attack and they all run away. "That''s what I thought!" She sheaths the sword and the flames go out. She quickly spins around and checks me and the other woman over for any damage. I can only stare as more purple sparkles come out. I nod to Tobias for her to touch as well and there are even more sparkles.


    "I''m fine, I swear." She says before looking down at all of us sparkling. At that moment, she looks me into my eyes and does a soul cry to all three of us. Each of us sends her a soul cry back and she goes limp in Tobias'' arms. He tries to wake her up as the other people in our circle run up to us.


    "What happened?" Leonard pants as he is out of breath. "Who is this woman?" He asks Tania.


    "We don''t know, she went limp before we were able to ask." She says. She motions over to a set of patrolling Gheyos. "We''d like to submit a report of an assault." She motions to the woman. "I chased off the three men with her, they went that direction." She says while pointing deeper into the shopping district. "If you need memories, contact King Alcandor of the Water Court, and he will send the information forward." The Gheyos nod before running off to go try and catch the assailants. The woman eventually wakes up and agrees to be ported to the house.


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    <hr>


    After we land there, the woman walks up to me and says, "My name is Lyne Maher, and I am a Storm Pareya Lerca. I am also a Dark Fae." Her beautiful violet eyes turn blood red. "I would love to mark you on your shoulder blade."


    She does so on the bottom right of my shoulder blade. I bite her back. And then we eat dinner.


    After eating a delicious dessert made by Artek, Faidon pulls me off to the side. "I''d like to get at least the beginning of our Gheyo circles bonded to you, Alexia. I''d like to start with mine since I am the dominant Gheyo Ace." I nod my head as he pulls me toward the house. He brings me into the one bedroom that already has a naked Lucas and a half-naked Evelyn lounging on the bed.


    Lucas slinkily gets up and curls around my back. "Why don''t you pull our alpha into this party." He purrs into my ear before kissing down it. Evelyn starts slowly undressing the rest of the way as I yank with want to my Alpha and Beta.


    <hr>


    After we are all done and everyone is reclining on the bed, Leonard gets up and pulls Noel toward the door. "Why don''t we let the four of them bond a bit more, hmm?" Leonard says after Noel tries to dig in his heels. Noel sighs but blows me a kiss before he slumps out of the door. Lucas stretches before lying in front of the door in his were-leopard form.


    "Well princess," Evelyn says before cuddling my front. "What exactly did you have planned now?" I grin and bite her lip before pushing her onto her back.


    I quickly change into my Changling form and whisper into her ear, "Why don''t we make an Alexian sandwich?" I motion towards Faidon before sliding down Evelyn and kissing down as I go. I start to kiss her clitoris as Faidon starts to stretch me to take him. "Are you ready to take me, Evelyn?" I ask her. After she nods, I thrust into her, moaning as I do so. I French kiss her as I wait for Faidon to enter me. I turn around and ask, "Don''t you think I''m ready?" to Faidon. In turn, he slides another finger in and bites my thigh. I hiss at him until he goes and lines himself up. I gasp as he thrusts himself in and Evelyn bites my throat.


    "I didn''t forget about you, Evelyn," I say as I continue moving inside her. As we move together, Faidon starts digging his claws into my flanks. I hiss in pain and say, "Don''t dig so much, Faidon." He kisses my back in apology as he adjusts his hands. He begins to suck a hickey on the top of my shoulder thrusting much harder. I moan loudly and then kiss Evelyn. I bring down my hand to touch her as I get closer to being done. I am just barely able to get Evelyn off before I orgasm myself and Faidon orgasmed two thrusts later. I pull myself out of Evelyn and get Faidon to pull out as well before switching back to my female form.


    I bring out my wing scales so that we can exchange scales. Faidon pulls a normal wing scale while Evelyn pulls a scale with light blue iridescence on it. Lucas pulls an almost pure peach scale. Lucas gives me a milk tooth and I put it on the right side of Gaspar''s thin silver feather. I pull a pastel orange and green scale from Faidon and put it next to Noel''s scale. And since Evelyn doesn''t have any kept milk teeth, I pull a red scale with a large silver vein and put it next to Monika''s scale.


    Lucas gets up from the floor where he had been staring at us and gets moistened towels for everyone to clean themselves with. After everyone is clean, I sigh and snuggle into Faidon''s front. Then Evelyn snuggles into my front and asks, "Lucas, were you going to sleep on the floor or with us tonight?"


    He laughs as he says, "I planned on snuggling up to Faidon, but I guess I can spoon you instead." He gets on the bed and spoons Evelyn. Minutes later, we''re all sleeping deeply.


    <hr>


    After breakfast is eaten by everyone, Gerhard''s family circle arrives and starts working on the kitchen and dining room. After half an hour, their submissive, Hanna Richter, comes over to talk with us. "So, the Gheyo''s quarters will take at least six months, but we can get the main Gheyo bedroom and bathroom done in four weeks if we focus on it. Plus the top Ace told us that he wants to show Alexia what they''ve planned and that the Ace will show her himself when it is all done." She looks at me before continuing with, "He looked rather proud of the plans, but that''s all that I can say as Katerina told me to spoil it for you."


    "That''s okay Hanna. We can afford to let them keep their surprise." I say laughing. "Were you planning on staying with us under the tent or did you have work to do?" I ask as Isobella brings out coffee for all five of us.


    Vanessa laughs as she puts down her needles to drink the coffee. "Should Odeta really be drinking this?" She laughingly asks as Odeta protectively holds the cup.


    Hanna sits down and takes a cup of coffee, "Well, there''s nothing that important that needs to be done right now, so I''ll just enjoy this cup before heading to help Felix and Eike. It doesn''t look like they need much help." Everyone laughs when Felix jokingly glares at us.


    As we chat, Odeta asks for a Gheyo to take her to chat with her Aunty for tea time so Carmo and Elvira go with her. Before she leaves with them, I tell her to be safe.


    After an hour, Gerhard''s uncle Cillian comes with his crew to start on the Master bedroom. Before they start, Cillian comes over to introduce himself to everyone here. "Hey there Gerhard!" He says before clapping Gerhard on the shoulder. "Introduce everyone here to your old uncle, will you?"


    Gerhard sighs before introducing everyone. "This is my Submissive, Alexia." I wave to him. "That''s Isobella & Rebecca Vilches, along with Tania Galvao, and Vanessa Bruins." He points at everyone before hugging his uncle. "I didn''t realize that it would be your circle doing the Master suite. Let us go upstairs so I can show you everything." Gerhard leads the other circle to the house.


    <hr>


    About an hour later as we are having a snack, a random port happens and Tania stands up in front of me while also pulling out her longsword. Shanaya and Marian also stand up and Shanaya brandishes a long serrated dagger. Tania whistles to alert the rest of the Gheyos. Phillip, Loreta, and Ferran come diving down next to the port with their weapons out as well. A tall but pale white Halfling Merrow ports with Odeta in her grasp. Phillip angrily hisses at her but does not go to attack so as to not accidentally hit our carrier. She power walks straight to Shanaya, Marian, Tania, and me. She starts poking all of us while ranting about children not having children and that for the safety of her niece, she is willing to go to the Water Court and complain. Odeta is trying to get her to stop talking but is not able to do it. Marian pulls Odeta behind him and Shanaya to protect her from any crossfire.


    Two minutes later, Carmo and Elvira port in and are able to get most of the Gheyos to stand down and put their weapons away. As purple sparks fly off of us, I grab her hands in one hand before she notices the sparks. She blinks her eyes and then soul cries to the four of us. The four of us cry back before she introduces herself. "I''m sorry for getting so overworked. My name is Dumitra Cre?u, but you can call me Demeter. I am a Pareya Sephracle and a Water Halfling Merrow."


    I laugh before I respond, "I don''t know exactly what Odeta told you, but I didn''t plan on having any children in the circle, much less having her carry them until I am over 25 myself. Uh, I don''t know where anyone else wants their bite, but I prefer mine on the upper torso." She bites me on my upper left shoulder blade.


    After everything has settled down and we have had dinner, Marian pulls me aside to tell me he has something to tell me. I smile at him and agree to talk to him. I follow him to his room in the Merrow quarters. "Thank you for following me, Alexia..."

 Chapter Ten: A Relaxing Day

    <h2 align="center">Chapter Ten: A Relaxing Day</h2>


    <hr>


    I stretch and yawn as I get jostled by Alan in bed. "I know you''re tired from just bonding with us Alexia, but Iso will be sad if the three of us miss breakfast. I know it''s only 6:30, but I know Leonard wants to do something today." I roll over and try to ignore Alan, but he snuggles into my back. "Princess, we need to exchange scales and then go eat." He pokes my side and starts to tickle me.


    "No!" I yell while giggling. "Alexei, save me from him!" I giggle more as Alexei joins in the tickling. "Alright, alright," I say as I sit up and force them to stop tickling me. I bring out my wings and allow them to pick their scale. I pick a pure indigo scale from Alan and an almond and silver scale from Alexei. The two scales go next to Evelyn''s scale. I head to the shower, get dressed, and then head outside while the bedroom quickly gets cleaned. I skip to the dining table and sit down.


    Isobella kisses my cheek before giving me a plate with food on it. "Enjoy Alexia! Eat quickly as I think Marian is wanting to leave soon." I nod and quickly eat to make sure he doesn''t leave before I say goodbye.


    After I am done eating, I run over to Marian and give him a kiss. "Hello, Princess." He gives me a bear hug. "As I said last night, I should only be gone for four days, but it could be longer if need be." I kiss him and nip his bottom lip. "Hey now, I''ll let you know if I need to extend it, okay?" He nuzzles my hair and I let out a light purr. After a few seconds, he pulls away and kisses me again. "Be good for our circle, yes? And if you have the need of a mage, just tell King Alcandor. He should be able to find you one to work with. And think about telling him about your second form." I hiss and bite his bottom lip harder. "It''s up to you." He boops my nose, and gives me a long look before porting away. I back up from the water that puddled up around his feet.


    As I stand there pouting, Leonard hugs me from behind. "It''ll be okay Alexia. I''ve planned a resting day for today. You''ve been way too busy for the past few days. Plus, we''ve invited some family members here until lunch. Why don''t you call up your grandparents and your uncle to come over? Invite their whole circle!" He kisses the back of my hair before leading me to a chair. "Don''t worry, Princess. Marian will come back unharmed or will forever be escorted by some of our Gheyos when he leaves on trips.


    I sigh and nod my head. "That''s true. If he gets hurt, I will force him to take a Gheyo to protect him. I won''t have any of my circle in a position of getting hurt without backup. Oh, please get the Gheyos to decide who will shadow me whenever I leave. I just want at least one of my protectors with me at all times plus two other Gheyos. We also need to get you, Noel, and Gerhard some Jokers to bond to. We might want to think about getting some Jokers that are good at hiding for the creche. Unless any of our Gheyos are good at hiding..." I settle down into him and purr.


    "Oh, you''re thinking about children that soon...?" He asks while sounding very wary. "I didn''t realize it would be this quick."


    I laugh as I tell him no. "I want our entire circle to be done before we even think about children. That''ll probably take at least through the hunt and if not a few years of courting. Plus, my grandparents would kill me if Odeta or I bear any children before we are 25...but the rest of the people in the Circle could have children if they want. I just want you to be all the children''s third, no matter who their parents are. Well, unless the parents are Gheyos; then Faidon can be their third." I kiss Leonard on the tip of his nose before I wander off to send messages to my family.


    I send the first message to my grandparents. "Hiya! We''re having a resting day with family invited until lunch! Feel free to bring your new Ace for me to meet!" I get a message back confirming they are coming in a few minutes. I sigh and send a second message to my uncle. "Hi, Uncle. We decided to have a resting day with family invited until lunch. I''d appreciate it if you and Aunt Killigan (and the rest of your circle) could come, but I''d understand if you were too busy to come."


    After about three minutes, I get a message back from my uncle. "Of course, we''ll come. Just give us about half an hour to gather up some Gheyos. We''ll be porting in." I smile and run back to Leonard. As I run, I get another message back from my Oret. "We''ll be there in 5 minutes. Gerrit is excited to meet you." I laugh and run faster.


    "Did they both say yes?" Leonard asks me. I vigorously nod my head. "That''s good. We''ve got mine, Noel''s, Alan''s, Shanaya''s, Odetas, Phillips, Loreta''s, Ferran''s, Fabian''s, Lucas'' & Armin''s parents coming. Gerhard''s parents declined because they need to make more plans before tomorrow when they start building. And Faidon''s Gheyo circle went to the markets to get some beachy stuff; beach towels, sunscreen, a volleyball set, etc." He pulls me into a chair and cuddles with me until people start to arrive.


    Soon thereafter, my Oret''s circle ports into the yard. I leap up and hug all of them. Then I introduce myself to Gerrit, their new Ace. "Hello, Gerrit! My name is Alexia and Derek is my Oret." I hug him and let him go.


    "Trust me, I''ve heard plenty about you in the past few days." Says Gerrit, a tanned man with deep green eyes and tawny hair. "I think Derek has been the one to tell me the most about his precious little bee." I blush and tuck my head into Leonard''s shoulder.


    Derek lightly swats at Gerrit. "Don''t scare her off before the party even starts!" He says before kissing his new Ace''s head where the hit landed. "If we''re the first ones here, why don''t we go down to the beach and sit in the sand?" He requests before everyone heads to the water''s edge. Before they can do that, Leonard''s parents port in, and everyone goes to say hello.


    Time passes quickly before Uncle Alcandor and his circle ports to the land. I go over and introduce myself to everyone. "Heya everyone! I know Uncle Alcandor and Aunt Killigan, but who else is here..." I talk to Uncle Alcandor''s circle until the next circle ports in.


    After Alan''s parents arrive, the Gheyos come back with all of the beach supplies. While I am talking with everyone, I see Tobias and Armin talk to Faidon, Leonard, and Gerhard. After a few minutes, both Tobias and Armin walk toward me with Leonard and Gerhard. Tobias drapes himself on my back and covertly whispers into my ears, "We should go bond before it gets too chaotic here." He kisses my cheek and then walks to the house with Armin, Leonard, and Gerhard. I look at the rest of the group and then follow the four to the house.


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    <hr>


    Once we are all done, Leonard heals everyone''s scratch and bite marks. "Tsk, princess, take it easy on the scratch marks! If I knew any better, I would call you a Gheyic Submissive! I know Gaspar is teaching you how to defend yourself and use a longsword, but you''ve gotten worse about biting people during sex." Leonard says before everyone laughs as we exchange scales; Tobias grabs a mostly white scale with hints of peach and Armin grabs a mostly peach scale with hints of iridescence. I grab Armin''s tooth and put it next to Tania''s white feather. I grab a light blue scale from Tobias and put it next to Alexei''s scale. "We should go and join the rest of the group before anyone gets suspicious." He says before winking at me. I kiss him and then leave the house.


    Just as I shut the door to the house, Shanaya comes over with a female Merrow Halfing. Before the Merrow Halfing can even introduce herself, I look into her beautiful light blue eyes and do a soul cry to her. She blinks her eyes and cries back at me; I hug and burrow into her. "My name is Nalina in this form and Nalin in my other form. Like my sister, I am also a healer." Nalina says. "Can I bite you on the shoulder?" She asks before touching where she wants to bite. I nod and accept her bite. Once she is done, I bite her on her neck. "We should probably go and introduce you to our parents. Mera and her twin sister are the dual submissives of the circle." She holds her hand to me before leading me to their parents.


    <hr>


    Directly after introducing me to their parents, we go and join the rest of our circle playing volleyball in the water. After about two hours of playing, Iso rings the food bell and everyone comes into the dining tent for a quick lunch of grilled burgers and hot dogs. As I eat my food, I chat with everyone near me.


    Leonard sits next to me and kisses my head. "I think after lunch you should probably have a quick nap." He says to me. I nod my head in agreement. "I''ll tell everyone to head home once we''ve all had our fill of the food." He kisses my head again and then wanders off to talk to the family circles.


    Once I am done eating, I say goodbye to everyone and then head to the beach. I lay down on a flat lounge chair, set a 45-minute timer, and quickly fall asleep.


    <hr>


    I slowly wake up as I hear my watch beeping at me. I turn it off and slowly stretch. After I hear my name being called, I look up and the group playing water volleyball gestures to me to join them. I get up and switch to my other form, kiss Tobias, and join his team playing on the right side of the net.


    Not even twenty minutes later, Fabian calls me over to talk with me. "I know you are playing volleyball, but I would really like to bond with you and Leonard." He says before caressing my cheek and kissing me on the lips. I nod and the both of us go to the house. He slowly undresses me while kissing my entire body. He chuckles before kissing my belly button. "You should probably call our Alpha before you forget."


    I tug at Leonard''s bond before flipping Fabian on his back and starting to undress him. After I''ve gotten all the clothing off of him, I get up and we start French kissing. It takes a few minutes, but Leonard finally joins the two of us. "Do you want a Fabian sandwich?" I ask Fabian, but he shakes his head. "What do you want then?"


    "I want you on your hands and knees for me behind you while you kindly suck off our Alpha." He says before slapping me on the ass. I gawk at him before switching forms and slowly getting to my hands and knees. Leonard comes in front of me and caresses my face while Fabian drapes himself on my back. I slowly jerk Leonard off while Fabian plays with my pearl. "Hm, I think you''re ready now, Princess." He says as he slowly enters me from behind. As I start sucking off Leonard, I feel the bonds between us snap into place and sigh to myself. ''This is paradise...'' I think to myself.


    <hr>


    As soon as Leonard is done taking Fabianne, we exchange scales. I take a pastel green scale with a small yellow ribbon and put it next to Marian''s scale. "Well, that was fun!" I say before kissing both of them on the lips. "It''s just I see some of our Merrow playing in the water, so I will go join them for a while." After I close the door to the house, I run towards the water where the Merrows are playing. "What are you guys playing?" I ask before splashing into the water.


    "We''re playing keep away," Anemone says as she giggles and runs away from both Caspian and Adrian. "Come join us, Alexia!" She grins before running to me. "Actually, with four people, we should play Squid Fight! Alexia can go on Caspian and I can go on Adrian." We do this for a half hour before switching partners. After I get onto Aenon''s shoulders and Caspian gets onto Adrian''s shoulders, Aenon gasps and I look down at my now masculine form. ''Oh shit!'' I think before Aenon quickly asks "Do you trust me, Alexia?" I nod and he ports the four of us away.


    Once in the Merrow building, Anemon asks me, "Are you a Changling?" I nod and he hugs me.


    "I don''t tell anyone because the last time some random person saw me, I got kidnapped," I say before switching back to my feminine form. "I''m not ashamed of my form..." I mumble as I wipe a tear away from my eyes, "I just have a fear of getting kidnapped again." Caspain and Adrian join the group hug. "I''ll tell Uncle Alcandor, I just want to wait until the circle is complete." I hug everyone back. After hugging for a few minutes, I chortle and sarcastically say, "Now that we''re all down here, might as well complete our bonds right? I''ll pull Leonard in so he can bond with you as well." The three of them nod so I pull on my bond and send a message to Leonard that we are in the Merrow house with the coordinates on where to port to.


    <hr>


    Quickly once the five of us are bonded, Anemone makes us dinner in the small kitchenette. "I normally cook in the full kitchen, but I doubt you want to be in the water," Anemone says as she cooks. "Don''t laugh Alexian!" She giggles while poking me.


    I cackle as I help Anemone in my male form. "It''s not my fault that Leonard doesn''t like being fully underwater!" I say while cooking the eggs. We all look at the door opening as Artak opens the door and walks into the kitchenette.


    "I heard laughter, is everything alright?" Artak asks while wiping the sleep from his eyes. "Woah!" He says as he looks at me. "I didn''t realize you were a Changling." He adds while gawking at me.


    "Not many do," I say while stirring the eggs. "Why don''t you join us for dinner Artak?" He nods and sits with Leonard at the table. Anemone and I plate up the food before bringing it all to the table. "Here is dinner," I announce before sitting down and chowing in. "Did you want to bond with Leonard and me after dinner?" I ask Artak in a whisper while eating dinner.


    He nods and once dinner is done, the three of us quickly bond together. I take a pastel green and lilac scale and put it next to Fabinne''s scale; he grabs a mostly peach scale. I kiss Leonard and then tell the two of them, "I''m staying with them tonight. I doubt you will want to Leonard, as we''ll be in the flooded rooms. You can join us or not Artak, but I don''t think there will be much room for you on the bed."


    "I don''t like sleeping in flooded rooms anyway," Artak says before caressing my face and joining Leonard who is leaving for the sleeping tent.


    Once the four of us get into the flooded sleeping quarters, we exchange scales. Anemone takes a mostly peach scale while both Adrian and Caspian take a mostly white scale with hints of peach. I take a mostly black scale with a bit of blue from Caspian and put it next to Artak''s scale. I take a pale blue with lilac splotches from Adrian and put it next to Caspian''s scale. Lastly, I take a dark blue scale with white iridescence from Anemone and put it next to Tobias'' scale. Once we are done exchanging scales, we quickly flood the room and go to sleep for the night.

 Chapter Eleven: Death Awaits Us All

    <h2 align="center">Chapter Eleven: Death Awaits Us All</h2>


    <hr>


    Two months until the Hunt


    On a mission, I wake up early in the morning. I nudge Anemone awake before kissing her on the mouth. "I''ve got to go have a conversation with Lady Death with my Oret. Let Caspian and Adrian know, okay?" I say before leaving to the surface. Once there, I send a message to Lady Death. "My lady, I along with my Oret, Derek Perevell are here in Nevarah after a soul scream. Do you want us to come and meet you somewhere?" I nod as I send the message and send one to my Oret, "Oret, I just sent a message to Lady Death, do you want to meet me here to eat a quick breakfast before she wants us to meet her?" I shake my head as my Oret''s agreement comes back in a message to me. I go to the sleeping tent and try to wake only Leonard along with Gaspar. After they are awake, I go to the kitchen and make four quick omelets before my Oret ports in.


    After we are all done eating, a message comes back to me from Lady Death. "Yes, child. If one of your new circle members knows where the Hellhound Estate is, come here and you will be let in to see me. Feel free to come once you and yours are ready."


    I snort and tell my Oret, "Well, she wants to see us today and as soon as possible. Guess we''ll be going there sooner than later. Do either you or Gaspar know where the Hellhound Estate is?" I ask Leonard.


    Leonard nods and chuckles, "I probably shouldn''t know where the Hellhound Estate is, but one of my parents is Shadow and has taken me to the Shadow Haunts; we didn''t go into the Estate, mind you, but I know where it physically is. Okay, if everyone is ready, I''ll port us in." After everyone gets close to him, he counts down and ports us to the Estates.


    <hr>


    Once we are ready, I walk up to the two Hellhounds guarding the gate and say, "Please open the gates, we have a meeting with Lady Death."


    The pale Hellhound scoffs and derisively says, "I haven''t heard that one before. Get lost before I call Lord Aiden."


    I glare and my eyes flash from their natural colors to moving dark shadows. I bellow with my shadow deepened voice, "How DARE you stop someone asking for Lady Death! Open this gate unless you want me to get her to port next to me in your disobedience of her!"


    The Hellhound yelps and quickly yells, "Open the Gates!! Open the Estate Doors for them! Then go send a servant for Lady Death."


    I scoff as my eyes flash back to their normal hues. "Thank you for letting us in," I say sarcastically. As we walk into the Estate grounds, I roll my eyes at my Oret. "Have you had that problem before, Oret?" I ask him.


    "Only once." He laughs, "After that, they let me in very quickly." We both chuckle until we are escorted into the Estate''s house. We stop when we are inside when a dark-colored Hellhound raises their hand. "Hello Ana, we are supposed to meet with Lady Death."


    The Hellhound smiles and replies back, "I know Derek. She wants you in a different room this time. Let me escort you there." Oret and I quietly talk about the upcoming meeting while walking down the hallway. We stop in front of a door after Ana raises her hand again. "This is the set of rooms Lady Death has asked for your meeting. She will allow for one more to join you, but the other must stay outside of the rooms."


    I smile at Leonard before asking, "Are you willing to guard the door for us? I know it''s not quite your job, but I want Gaspar with me." He frowns, but eventually nods in agreement. "Good!" I chirp before opening the door for us. Gaspar first walks into the room and then gestures for Oret and me to join him.


    The room is large with only two doors. One door is the entrance and the other is currently closed. There are two sofas with a coffee table along with a waist-high table with decoration; there is a full tea set on the coffee table along with a tea sandwich stand. Before we have a chance to sit down on the couch, the other door opens and Lady Death walks in. "It is lovely to see you two. Especially you, Alexia. Rozina would''ve been so proud." She clears her throat before continuing. "Anyways, Alexia, you requested that I give the two of you jobs? Well, I have three for you. First, I want Derek to teach the Death magic he knows to the orphans here. Not in the sense of a mentor/mentee bond, but as a teacher. Second, I need Derek to grab some things of mine that were lost; the two of you know exactly what I mean." At this point, she gives us a hard look, almost begging me to say something before continuing. "And third, I''ve got some...orphans that I want you to perhaps take into your circle, Alexia. Teach them our ways and then send them off to their circle when it is found. I''ll give the three of you a few minutes to say goodbye before Derek does this errand. I need to grab one of the two that I want you to start sponsoring. I''ll just port back into the room once done." She gestures at the door for us to go through to the other room and we do so.


    <hr>


    Once the door is closed, I immediately hug my Oret. "Is this a hard mission to do?" I ask as my eyes start turning shadowy and I automatically rub the scar on his right wrist.


    "No, meine Bienchen, it is actually quite an easy, but long mission. It''s to pick up the item that Lady Death has asked about before. I may not be back until the Hunt is over." He gives me a look and I nod back; tears start to stream from my eyes. I continue hugging my Oret until he slowly pushes me away from him. "The quicker I leave, the faster I will be back." He says while wiping tears away. "If you have any problems, send a message to Troy. He''ll take care of anything that your circle can''t handle." He holds my chin in between his fingers. "Be a good little bee while I''m gone! And Gaspar, keep her close while I''m gone. Meine Beinchen is quite a troublemaker and problem magnet." He taps my chin and ports away as Gaspar bear hugs me.


    For about five minutes after my Oret left I cry into Gaspar''s shoulder and then I get a message from Lady Death. "I have left him in the room. Please let me know if you accept him or not in the next five minutes. I need to go get the next person." I sigh and wipe my tears while trying to gather my composure. Before I am able to get it, I hear glass shatter along with a curse. Then the sound of a door getting thrown open before a random soul cry and answer occurs.


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    Gaspar pulls out his ice machete and throws our door open. "Fuck!" I say as I see Leonard marking a rust-colored man on his upper neck. "What even happened?" I ask before coming over to Leonard; as I step over to him, I crunch into some broken teacups. Once I touch Leonard, the rust-colored man turns to me and hisses at me.


    "Hold on!" Leonard says to the other man. "This is my Submissive and my Paryea. I will <em>not </em>have you hissing at them!" Leonard turns to me and kisses me on the head. "I ran into the room when I heard something break, figuring it was someone trying to attack you. He attacked back, but after we touched, he soul cried to me. I had to respond. What is even your name?" He asks the man.


    The man clears his throat before saying in a scratchy voice, "My name is Ansgar. I believe I am the one that Lady Death wanted your circle to sponsor. And I am deeply sorry." He says to me before bowing and kissing my hand. "My parentage leads me to be a bit of a problem. Which is why Lady Death was planning on having me a sponsoree in your circle."


    "Have both of you marked each other?" I ask before figuring out a message to send Lady Death. Once I get two nods, I send a message to Lady Death. "Lady Death, Ansgar sent a soul cry to my Alpha, Leonard. And of course, he will stay with our circle because of it. We are ready to receive the second potential person in the other room if you can." I sigh and look at Ansgar before asking, "I know it isn''t usually done with Jokers and their bonded, but are you willing to also bond with me and my three protectors? Or at least to me? This is your choice."


    Ansgar looks at Leonard and then at me. "Where do you want to mark me?" He asks me. "If it''s on my neck, no; that''s just for Leonard''s mark. But if you want it someplace hidden, I have no problem." I nod and mark him on his right pec. He marks me back on the middle of my spine. "I''ll bond with you, but not your protectors." He says after kissing the mark.


    I cuddle between Leonard and Ansgar with Gaspar guarding the door while waiting for the last person to arrive in the other room. After a few minutes, we hear a knock from Lady Death. "Let me know if you accept her or not. I need to go get Aiden and reintroduce him to you, Alexia. He''ll be happy to see you again." She said before muttering something inaudible to me. Ansgar snorts before Leonard and I look at him hopefully.


    "She said ''I think'' under her breath. I couldn''t tell if she was being sarcastic or not." Ansgar says before I get up and walk to the door before opening it. I wait for Leonard, Ansgar, and Gaspar to catch up to me before we walk in and I''m struck by the sight of her. She was fidgeting with her light brown hair while staring through one of the windows. My audible gasp has her turning around before she runs up to me, touches me, and soul cries to the four of us.


    I respond back instantly while Leonard, Ansgar, and Gaspar gawp at her for a few seconds before they also reply back. Gaspar takes me aside before looking at me. "My parents never expected me to be in a circle this large." He says before sighing and looking back at our newest circle member. I tut at him and walk over to her.


    "What''s your name, lovely?" I ask before motioning to mark her. I do so on her neck before pulling her down to sit next to me on the sofa.


    She blushes and shyly looks at me from beneath her sky-blue eyes. "My name is Traudel Finn. I was found orphaned on one of the Hellhound settlements on another Dragel planet but was taken in by the Tenebris military circle after they stopped a catastrophe there. I didn''t really fit in with the other Hellhounds in Lord Aiden''s Estate, so he agreed to have me sent to another circle until I found my own circle." Traudel says before kissing my fingertips. "Can I mark you on your shoulder?" She asks before deeply blushing as I take off my shirt and show her my back. I hiss as she bites me, but cuddle with her afterward for a minute or two. I stare at the other four with daggers until they also mark her and vice versa.


    <hr>


    Shortly after everyone is marked and slightly settled, I send Lady Death the message she had requested. "Lady Death, unsurprisingly my lines luck continues and Traudel soul screamed to us. You can come back with Lord Aiden at any time as we have marked one another. Also, we need a clean up on Aisle 5; some of the tea set got dumped onto the floor..." I can hear Lady Death lowly chuckling at me from my spot on the couch from wherever she is in the Estates and everyone else shivers in fear.


    After five minutes of waiting, Ana pops into the room, cleans it of its messes while clearing giving us the side eye, and sets up the tea set with drinks and snacks. "The Lord Aiden and the Lady Death shall be in shortly. They are just waiting on another Hellhound to join you." She bows and then quickly exits the room.


    I talk to both Ansgar and Traudel about their lives in the Estate, before there is a loud knock at the door. After waiting for a second, a small Hellhound opens the door and announces loudly, "The Lord Aiden and the Lady Death!" before closing the door after the two walk into the room and then sit on the same couch as Lord Aiden.


    "Lady Rivi¨¨re de l''Ombre!" Lord Aiden croons at me, "It is so lovely to meet you after all these years. You have grown up and gotten a circle of your own." I blush and wave a hand at him. "I told the Death Court that we have a mandatory meeting today to introduce you to them. Hopefully, none are stupid enough to get thoughts of trying to take you for themselves..."


    I giggle as I say, "Lord Aiden, it seems you haven''t changed since I met you all those years ago. Who is this little scamp? As I recall, you didn''t have any young Hellhounds the last time I saw you." The little Hellhound slides down into the seat, embarrassedly.


    Lord Aiden cackles as he reaches for a cup of tea. "This is one of my newest Hellhounds, Melacor. Will your circle grow that much more, Alexia?" He asks me with a knowing smirk.


    "You''d know more than me, Aiden. Say Aiden, the Tenebris circle, is there any way for me to meet them? I want to thank them for finding Ansgar and Truadel." I say before grabbing a cookie and eating it in one bite.


    Lady Death holds up her hand. "You will meet them soon enough Alexia." She says mysteriously before gazing at me knowingly. ''Oh fuck, what does she have planned for me?'' I think to myself before nodding.


    "As you say, Lady Death." I glare at her knowing that something is up. I brush my hands off before getting up and motioning for my circle mates to join me. "It''s been real fun, Lady Death, but didn''t Aiden say he wanted to have a Death''s Court meeting?"


    Lady Death pouts before nodding. "You are indeed correct. We should go do that to introduce you to the peons in that Court."


    <hr>


    After we are escorted out of the Estate once the meeting is done and back at the house, I scream and stomp my feet. "Fuck! She''s plotting something! I know it!"

 Chapter Twelve: Out to the World

    <h2 align="center">Chapter Twelve: Out To the World</h2>


    <hr>


    One month until the Hunt


    I sleepily stretch and yawn to myself before I start itching my back where my wings are. Afterward, I drape myself on Ansgar''s back. But before I can make myself comfortable, Ansgar growls and flips me onto my back. "Nice try." He snarls at me before realizing who I am; he sighs and kisses my forehead. "I told you I wasn''t a people person last night. Leonard left earlier, something about his parent''s circle." Ansgar sighs before letting me cuddle next to him. "I should go introduce myself to your head Ace before word gets around. Up you get!" He says as he pulls me out of bed and into the small bathroom. I sigh as he cleans the two of us before ushering me out of the bedroom to dress quickly and usher me to the kitchen to join Iso. I kiss him on the fingertips before letting him go talk to Faidon. He blushes and then slinks off.


    "Good morning!" Chirps Iso before hugging me. I grumpily kiss her before she laughs and sits me on the table. "Did you not want to wake up yet?" She giggles as she looks me over.


    I shake my head, but pull her to sit next to me at the table. I grab the set of rings from the pocket they''ve been in for the past few days. "This is my third gift to you, my pareya. It''s a set of matching grey and green diamond yin and yang rings." I give her one ring and put the other on my right pinkie finger. She smiles and puts it on hers before getting up from the table. "Wha-?" She puts a finger on my mouth and goes into the storage room.


    When she comes back, she has two bracelets with a small conch on them. "I know it isn''t much, but when Rebeca and I found these while swimming one day, she told me to keep them for a courting gift. When I met you, I had my mother put a Labradorite stone in one and a Star Sapphire stone in the other. The Labradorite is for you given how I think it matches your eyes quite perfectly." At this, I blush vividly purple and look at the ground. She raises my chin with her other hand before speaking to me. "The Star Sapphire is for me because it reminds me of the coral reef that I found these in. It also reminds me of how you look so beautiful under the starlight as Alexian." She clasps it on my left hand while putting hers on as well. She pats my hand before yelling at everyone for breakfast.


    After everyone is done eating, I head over to Shanaya and Nalin. "Can we go to the temp clinic real fast? My wings are uncharacteristically itchy. They started bothering me the other day." Shanaya frowns and looks at Nalin. The two of them usher me into the small tent clinic. "By the way, just send what you want for a building to Gerhard''s parents. Someone''ll fund whatever you want to do. Make sure it has the capability of healing a very large circle. It should probably have a room or two with the same capacity that''s always flooded." Nalin frowns before switching back to her normal form.


    "Are you expecting us to have a large circle?" Nalina asks me before making me bring my wings out and inspecting them.


    I giggle as she hits a ticklish spot before panting out my answer. "Yes!" I giggle a bit more. "My bearer would''ve eventually pulled a very large Water & Fire-oriented circle to him. It''s a thing in his line that most get." I say before my wings twitch out of Nalina''s hands. "I''m an odd duck out as most in his line are nameless with pulls to both Fire and Water, where I have no pull exactly. Though, that''s probably because of having a nameless bearer with Water, Fire, and Shadow pulls along with a nameless sire with Water, Air, and Earth pulls. Both of them had Merrows as a parent, you know."


    "Hmm, I''m not seeing anything wrong per se with them. Can you spot anything, Shanaya?" She asks before going to wash her hands.


    Shanaya casts a Merrow-specific spell on me before having me switch to my other form with a weird sound in her voice. I sigh and turn myself into Alexian. "Weird," Shanaya says before doing another Merrow-specific spell. "I''m not getting the results I should be from you, Alexian. I''ll have to send a message to King Alcandor to get some more experienced Merrow healers to look at you." She gasps before looking at Nalina. "I''ll send a message to Patrick Kalzik! I know he''s not specifically related to us, but Surajini being his Submissive, he might be willing to come to see you?" I nod in agreement. She steps to the side and sends a quick message to Patrick Kalzik. "Patrick Kalzik, this is Shanaya Kalzik of the new Perevell-Zharim circle. Are you able to port to my location and take a look at my new Submissive? I know this isn''t quite in your realm of specialty, but she''s giving weird responses to the normal Merrow casts." Five minutes later, he comes to the door of the clinic.


    "Greetings, Shanaya and Nalina. I haven''t seen the two of you since you were tadpoles. And greetings to you, Alexia Perevell-Zharim. I hear you aren''t feeling quite normal?" A handsome blue-eyed dragel says before gesturing towards me.


    I nod in greeting before starting to speak. "For the past few days, I''ve had itchy wings. It''s never happened before." I say before showing him my wings.


    "Hmm, well. Let me take a peek at them before I tell you my thoughts." He does a few casts before frowning and taking a look at my whole body. "There doesn''t seem to be anything wrong at all. You seem to be in perfect health, so your wings shouldn''t be causing you anxiety..." He stops himself before thinking for a moment. "I know some dragel submissives can feel changes in their future with their wings feeling itchy or twisty with anxiety. I wish I could''ve been more helpful," he says before looking at Shanaya. "But if she doesn''t feel better in a month or two, keep your Gheyos and Pareyas glued to her. She might be having anxiety due to her recent kidnapping." He says his goodbyes before porting back out.


    I sigh before switching forms. Before I can speak to the two of them, all three of us get messages from King Alcandor of the Water Courts. "As told last month, today is the day of the last Water Court meeting before the hunt. Come in an hour and stand with your circles once in the chamber." I wince as I get another message from my uncle. "I want to have a quick meeting with you before Court starts. Have one of your Merrow teleport you to the chambers." I sigh and ask Shanaya to port me to the chambers as Nalina reminds my Beta and my three shadows of the court meeting. I only wanted my Merrow to go though, as it could be dangerous for the non-Merrow to be there.


    <hr>


    Once Shanaya ports me to the side chamber, she kisses my mouth and tells me that she will gather our Merrow in one place next to the throne. I nod at her and wait for my uncle to get into the small chamber. After a knock on the door, Uncle Alcandor along with Krymsen hurriedly walk in. He nods to me and then gestures for me to join him on one of the couches. Krymsen stands next to the only door into the flooded chamber. "What are your plans for joining me on this hunt, Alexia? Since you are a member of my Court, you need to show up in some capacity. Although, you look rather unnormal for most Merrow." He grabs a teacup and starts eagerly drinking it while waiting for my response.


    I sigh and decide to finally get rid of the charade. I stand up and turn myself into Alexian. A teacup crashes to the floor and breaks into many shards. "What the fuck!" Krymsen shouts before blushing purple and trying to pretend he said nothing.


    "Krymsen!" Uncle Alcandor snaps before sniggering. "You''re spending too much time with Alec and Harry aren''t you?" Uncle Alcandor turns to me and looks me over. "Alexia... sweetheart..." he says before holding my cheek in his hand. "Why didn''t you tell me you had two forms?"


    I turn back into Alexia before sitting back down on the couch. "I think you know why, King Alcandor," I say sarcastically. After Uncle Alcandor''s wounded look, I close my eyes and count to ten. "I was afraid you would lock me up and not let me go hunt, uncle. I apologize for what I said. And don''t get me wrong, I am not ashamed of my second form in any way! I just knew that my circle was beyond the Waters of Nevarah." I say before grabbing a teacup and filling it. "You see, my bearer''s and sire''s families are both prone to twinning. I was actually a twin before I became what is known as a chimera twin. My brother was my fraternal twin, but when I absorbed him, I turned into a changling instead of absorbing him ''normally''. My little si-" I stop mid-word while remembering where I was. I pretend to cough and start again. "My friend''s siblings would''ve also been twins if they had been born."


    Uncle Alcandor sits back on the sofa and sadly slumps next to me. "Alexia, I swear that I wouldn''t have kept you from going to the surface." He flushes purple at my acidic look before amending his previous statement. "At least, I would''ve eventually let you go above the surface..." As my glare lessens, I hug him and then cuddle into his side. "You are my sister''s baby girl. I would''ve, and have done, anything and everything for her! And I will do the same for you. This I promise you, Alexia." He kisses the side of my head and we cuddle for ten minutes. "By the way sweet one, did your mother have a name for your brother by any chance?"


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    I look up at my uncle and give him a small smile. "Yes. His name would''ve been Alexander and Alex for short. From what Mamman had told me, Mom remembered the name Alek or something similar, so she decided to name me Alexia and him Alexander. She meant for my nickname to be Alei, but with only one of us, they stuck to just Alexia or Alexian."


    After Krymsen coughs and looks at the clock, Uncle Alcandor swears under his breath. I laugh before remembering something from before. "Uncle? Can my circle buy the plots on either side of mine, please? I think we''ll need more space."


    He groans before thinking again. "At least with more bonded, they''ll be able to keep you out of less trouble. Fine. I''ll send the information to Kieran to get it set up. You''ll be allowed to buy the 4 plots surrounding your manor, as no one has ever wanted them before Marian." He stands up and pulls me to his side. "We need to get into the chamber before the meeting is called. But stay afterward, I want to introduce you to your closest cousins and perhaps plot things to keep your identity hidden during at least this hunt."


    Uncle Alcandor and I walk into the throne room and he has me stand on the right side of the throne. "Stay here with your Merrow, Alexia. We''ll go to a different chamber once done." He kisses Aunt Killigan before pulling them to the right side of the throne to join the rest of their circle and another male Merrow that I don''t know. The throne room opens before many Merrow walk in. Everyone bows towards the throne and the Royal Water circle. My band of Merrow walk to me and whispers bloom between people in the crowd. "Welcome to this meeting of every Merrow. I''m sure everyone is eager to begin talking about what is to be done during the hunt along with exactly who is allowed to surface to hunt themselves. But before that, I must introduce someone new to my personal court." He stands up and walks over to me before pulling me over to the throne. "I must introduce my niece, Princess Alexia. Treat her as you would my child as she is the child of my sister, Princess Alanni." At this, several prominent figures gasp and I take notice of what they are wearing and what they look like. "She will be potentially hunting this season and will not be bothered. Any Merrow guarding our ranks must keep an eye on her if she is in sight of any Merrow. She has already had one kidnapping attempt this year and I shall not have any more attempts taken on her." The crowd looks slightly scared at his last message and seemed concerned. "AS for the hunt, the following Merrow have been given leave to freely hunt above the water: Gheyos: Cove Cleary, Loch Kracov, Pike Hyote. Pareya: Brooke Neas. Mage: Loire Boehme. That is the list of those allowed to hunt on the surface. As for who is following me with the presentation...."


    <hr>


    Uncle Alcandor finally stops talking before saying one last thing. "Alvon, you and your siblings are requested to join me and my circle for a quick meeting today." The male Merrow glares at my uncle until he nods and ushers his siblings to join him near the throne. "And that is all there is for this Court meeting. I''ll see everyone coming with us to the Element presentation next month at the Royal introductions. Dismissed."


    With that, Uncle Alcandor ushers us into a larger chamber while talking to the unknown Merrow that had been next to Aunt Killigan. "Sit, next to Alexia, Alec. I''ve been wanting to introduce the two of you together since I learned she was back, but she has been in the Merrow Court very little."


    A pair of dark blue eyes stare into mine. "Poeira¡¯s scales, you really do look like our grandmother in some regards." His hand gently grasps my chin before looking at my side profile. "In other ways, you look nothing like a Merrow should." I sneer at him and turn into Alexian.


    Avalon gasps before guffawing loudly and less than gently grabbing both of our chins. "The two of you look remarkably similar, now that you''re in that form cousin." He stares at our faces for a minute before letting our chins go and staring at his King. He narrows his eyes before he hisses out, "You did this on purpose, didn''t you!? What...do you want to claim her other form as one of our sons, don''t you?" After nothing is said, Alvon shifts aggressively forwards and yells loudly at Uncle Alcandor. "You''re just the same aren''t you, my King? The same King that would do anything for his stupid dead sister, isn''t that right?"


    At that, King Alcandor snaps and forcefully sends magic to the Merrow. "That''s enough Alvon! You do NOT get to bring Alanni into this!" He draws out a sword and I was sure he was about to pierce Avlon with it before I rapidly changed to my regular form and whimpered in fear while cuddling into Alec. He drops the sword in his hand onto the floor and swims to me before attempting to cup my face, but I lean away from him in fear. "Hush, sweet girl." He says to me, with Alec staring daggers at him. "You''re fine. I''m not upset at you for anything." I nod, but not before leaning back into Alec before I feel one of my bonded responding to my fear.


    Tobias rips open the door before bolting over to me. He hisses at Alec who shies away before gently picking me up and looking me over. "Are you okay, love? You pulled for me just a second ago." I blink away the tears gathering at the corners of my eyes. I snuggle into him and glomp him onto the sofa next to Alec.


    Aunt Killigan slowly gets off the couch before storming over to both men. "In ALL of my life, I have never seen a better case for murdering my stupid husband and his stupider cousin." She snaps before hissing at both of them. "Are you two PROUD of yourselves? Making her CRY!" The two men slowly try to back away from the fiery Queen, but neither are able to escape before four of the very angry Queen''s fingers pinch both men''s fluted ears. "You both should be ashamed of yourselves. Apologize to Alexia right this instant!" The Queen stares at them until they mutter their deepest apologies. "And you!" At this Queen Killigan spins around and gently walks over to Tobias. "You have my thanks, dear. Had you not come, I would''ve sent Krym to find one of her bonded to try and get her to relax." Their fingers gently cup my head and give me a gentle kiss on the forehead. "Now Alec, why don''t you show Alexia and Tobias the adorable Goonter while I scream at these two offenses to the Crown?" The three of us get shooed out of the room before Queen Killigan starts loudly shouting at the Merrow still trapped inside the room.


    <hr>


    As I look at the door, I start laughing so hard I cry. "I didn''t realize that Aunt Killigan was so fiercely protective. They almost remind me of my mother... Anyway, who is Goonter?" I ask Alec.


    After that, Alec starts walking us to Goonter''s normal living space. "This is him, the fish brain that he is," Alec says while scrubbing off scales on Goonter''s side. Alec pauses while grabbing a tiny scale before offering one to me. "These normally aren''t offered to anyone, but you can always make a bracelet or ring with this small scale."


    I grab it from his hands and give it to Tobias for safekeeping. "Sure, but you''ll have to explain what you mean by normally." I snicker as Alec blushes fully purple. "Gave it to your love then, eh Alec?" I ask before he boops me on the nose.


    "As a matter of fact, I did give one to Harry, so that he is more protected down here in the water." He says before shaking his finger at me. "And don''t you ask me to meet Harry either! I don''t want the two of you trouble bubbles ever meeting." I start to use puppy dog eyes on him before he lightly taps me on the nose. "No! And that''s final!"


    I pout as Alec gives me a better tour of the Royal Halls. After about fifteen minutes, a message pops in front of me from Aunt Killigan. "Alexia, dear heart, come back to the rooms that you just came from. These two are done fighting in front of you." I can imagine the glare on their face looking at the two Merrow and cackle all the way back to the room.


    <hr>


    After knocking on the door, the three of us go inside. Aunt Killigan motions for us to sit on the same couch as before so the three of us sit down. They start speaking as soon as we''re settled. "As I said before." Here they pause and stare at both Uncle Alcandor and Alvon. "The past is in the past. We can only change the future from here. Alexian needs to have a visible parentage that is not from Alcandor''s and my circle. I''m hoping that either Aldion or Alakai is willing to portray as his third for this hunt only."


    Aldion and Alakai both look at each other before Aldion speaks up. "I don''t know if Alakai''s Submissive would be willing to do this, but I''m sure mine would be. Just this hunt, correct?" At Aunt Killigans nod, he nods his head. "Yes, I''d be willing to do it until the next hunt only."


    Uncle Alcandor claps his hands before telling Aldion, "We''ll have him tagged as a pareya with you as his third." The two of them shake hands before Uncle Alcandor quickly shoos us away. "Get Alexia home, Tobias. Tell us when she''s been registered and then I can bring Alexian back to get him separately registered."


    We quickly teleport home before I notice that two new men have joined Noel and Gerhard. "Gone shopping huh?" I sardonically ask Noel before I quickly introduce himself to his new Joker. The new High Elf Joker, Konrad Deveraine quickly introduces himself before I ask him if he''s willing to bond with me. He looks at Noel before sighing and agreeing. I mark him on his side while he marks me on both the front and back of my right hip bone.


    I giggle as I walk to Gerhard and ask for an introduction. His new Dark Fae Halfling, Lesley Griffiths bows as he introduces himself. I also ask if he''d be willing to also bond with me and quickly agrees. I mark his upper right shoulder while he marks me on the front of my left hip bone. I quickly pull the two of them to the house to bond us together. I walk faster as Iso yells at us about it being close to dinner so we need to be quick. It''ll be quick all right.

 Chapter Thirteen: The Smell of an Enemy

    <h2 align="center">Chapter Thirteen: The Smell of an Enemy</h2>


    <hr>


    I groan as I get nudged on my side. "Alexia! Wake up right now!" says a very familiar voice to me. "King Alcandor was VERY specific with me about what time you need to be at the Merrow Waters for the Royal presentation." I try to roll over, but Tobias forcefully takes me out of the bed and shoves me into the arms of Dumitra. "Please bathe her so she doesn''t drown herself in the shower. I wouldn''t put it past her." Tobias huffs walking to the door of the new master bedroom. "She''s got ten minutes to shower before we need to leave." As predicted, Dumitra practically shoves me into the shower''s warm water. I grumble under my breath as she quickly washes me.


    "There, there," Dumitra says while rinsing out my hair. "Just a few more minutes and we can get you coffee." At that word, I perk up while looking hopefully at Dumitra. "Iso has graciously allowed you to have it since you must be at the water''s edge right past sunrise." I nod my head as I slowly fall back asleep in the comfortable water. But I startle awake as a normally delicate hand strongly smacks my ass. "No Alexia! I will not allow you to fall back asleep on my watch! Jeez, you can be just as bad as Artak in the mornings. Out you get!" Dumitra roughly moves me out of the shower and dries me off before shooing me to the new master bedroom closet. I grab the most basic jumpsuit before quickly dressing and heading downstairs to the kitchen.


    I speed walk to Isobella before holding out my hands to my previous coffee. "Gimme, love!" She hands me the coffee before shaking her head and kissing my cheek. I sit down at the dining room table and quickly drink my coffee. After a few minutes, I start to become more alert. "Good morning, everyone." I chirp before smiling at Iso dropping off a small plate of food.


    Tobias rushes into the dining room before motioning me to hurry up. "You''ve got three minutes, Alexia. Then we''ve got to go. King Alcandor will have my head if you are late to this." I nod and quickly scarf my food. I give everyone a good morning kiss and then leave with Tobias.


    "Where are we supposed to go again, Tobias?" I ask he drags me to where we normally port from.


    He stops for a second before giving me a look. "I told you this last night, but there''s a small lake inside the amphitheater for the Merrow to be able to listen and see what is happening on the stage. King Alcandor will port his entire Court there as Alec is already there waiting. Now come, we can''t be late for this." He takes my hand and ports me to a shadowy corner near the entrance of the Merrow Court. "Quickly change behind me and then join the King just inside the doors." He waits until I turn into Alexian and then quickly shoos me away.


    I slowly swim into the entrance of the Water Court. I say hello to any Merrow that I''ve come across before. I swim next to my uncle, who notices that I am there and hugs me. "Good morning, Alexian. You are just in time. Your father will not be joining us today, so just stand next to Queen Killigan as we port there." I nod and stand next to Aunt Killigan.


    "Good morning, Queen Killigan." I happily chirp up at them. They narrow their eyes and stare down at me, totally unamused. They boop me on my nose before giving me a small hug. Uncle Alcandor motions us all to join him before he ports us to the water portion of the amphitheater, but he shoves me to the front of the enclosure so I have a good view of the stage.


    <hr>


    The ground suddenly bursts into flames before a dark-haired woman steps onto the stage with her court. "Welcome everyone to this hunt! I, Crown Princess Ebony, along with the Fire Court are hosting this hunt. I would like you to welcome the next Court!" She sits down on the flame-themed throne.


    Shadows begin to grow everywhere on the stage, almost like a fog. From it, come the Shadow Court. A dainty woman speaks for the court. "The Shadows welcome everyone to this hunt. As the Lady Cunningham, I would like to announce that my son Faustus Cunningham is considering splitting off from his current Tenebris unit and making his own unit this hunt. He is willing to join a bonded Gheyic Military circle. The Tenebris clan will also be courting for a healer or two. I would like to welcome the next Court!" The group nods and then stands behind the Fire and Earth thrones.


    Rapidly, the floor of the stage begins to boulder up, like an earthquake has torn it apart. From the distance, four men and two teenagers proudly stroll out in front of the rest of the Earth Court. "The Earth Court welcomes everyone to this hunt! My circle has two children willing to hunt this go around." He points to the two teenagers behind him. "That is all for the Earth Court. I would like to welcome the next Court!" He shouts before the six of them wander up to the tree-themed throne. One man sits down while the other sits on his lap.


    The stage gets airy as many Dragels float down from the sky with their wings. "As Crown Princess Dawne, I and the Air Court welcome you to this hunt! May your hunting be blessed! I would like to welcome the next Court!" She sits down on the cloud-themed chair.


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    Quickly, lightning starts striking the ground as a lone dragel ports onto the stage with purple sparks flying off in many directions. "Welcome to the hunt. Send welcomes to the next Court." The curly-haired woman quickly stands behind the Air and Water thrones.


    I quickly suck in a breath before we all get ported on stage with water splashing everywhere. Alec rides Goonter on stage while I stand close to Uncle Alcandor. "Welcome to the hunt! My court sends well wishes to everyone here and for your hunt to be successful. I have five Merrow that have agreed to freely court amongst the landwalker''s circles. Court them if you dare. As the last Court to be introduced, I close this hunt''s Royal Introductions!" Everyone with the Water Court goes over to the wave-themed throne and waits for directions from the King to release them of their duty.


    As people leave, my uncle touches my forearm. After I look in his direction, he smiles at me before speaking. "You''re free to go Alexian. Make sure to meet up with your uncle Alec later, as he will have a role for you to do once he has put Goonter back in the Merrow''s waters." I nod at him, but before I can walk away, he nudges me to one of my other cousins. "I''ll have one of your other uncles port you to a suitable area to meet Alec in." I nod and grasp onto Alakai''s hand before he ports me away.


    Alakai guards me as I turn back into my usual form. "Be careful, Alexia. I don''t trust the shadows here." He says as he looks at the shadowed alley. "You best get to one of your bonded, and quickly." I nod at him before kissing him on the cheek. I giggle at the blush that creeps across his face before he nods and ports away.


    I quickly pull on the bonds of the five that I am supposed to meet up with. Tania quickly ports to my side before motioning me to grab onto her. She ports me to the sides of the rest of the party. I quickly go over and say hello to Vanessa, Odeta, Traudel, Gaspar, and Faidon; giving each a squeezing hug and a kiss on the lips.


    After I am done, Gaspar tells us that Alec showed him where to meet him after the Royal Introductions. I sigh before grabbing onto Gaspar. He brings us to the side of Alec who is sorting out Goonter''s scales. "Ah, good. I was worried that you had forgotten about me. And no! I will NOT introduce you to Harry." Alec says before putting the scales in a pouch.


    I give Alec the world''s saddest look before I force my eyes to water. "Please, Alec? I would love to meet your Submissive so much! He could teach me so many things about being a good Submissive!" My mouth starts to quiver as I notice him starting to give in.


    "Fine! But it''ll be on your Gheyo''s heads if anything happens to him while you are with him." Alec grumbles as he sends a quick message to Harry. "I know where he is, thankfully he''s with our Companion and some Gheyos." He ports us away once we all grab onto him.


    <hr>


    Once we have ported, Alec introduces us to part of his circle. "This is Harry, my Submissive. Bran, our Advisor. Idan, our Gheyo Queen. Devrim, our Gheyo Prince. And Brishen, Harry''s Pheolix." He goes over and rubs something on Harry''s wrist before booping him on the nose and porting back to the Merrow waters.


    "It sure is nice to meet you, Alexia," Harry says while pulling Bran closer to his side. "Try not to touch Bran, as he''s got touch-sensitive magic."


    I nod before introducing his circle to mine. "This is my Companion, Vanessa. My two carriers, Odeta and Traudel. My Gheyic Pareya, Gaspar. My Gheyo Ace, Faidon. And my Water Pheolix Joker, Tania." Brishen noticeably stares at Tania before narrowing his eyes. I make a questioning churr before Harry gives a look to Brishen. "Anyway... Harry, how would you and yours like to come to the Submissive floor and hang out there for a bit with the Gheyos, Companions & Carriers?"


    After Harry is done giving a look to Brishen, he nods in agreement. "Bahn, another Submissive I''ll have to introduce you to, took me there my first hunt, so I guess it is only fair that I take you on yours." He leads everyone to a large building and brings us all upstairs to the Submissive floor. We are given weird looks for having so many Gheyos, but no one says a word to either of us. Devrim grunts to Brishen before doing a hand single gesture and stalking away.


    Once we are there, we hang out for thirty or so minutes before Devrim comes back alert with his fur up. "Brishen, I smell Were-Hyenas whose scent reminds me of a group of known kidnappers." Brishen stares at Devrim before pulling at Hadrian''s and Minh''s bonds to come and join them for a quick hunt.


    I go ahead and pull at Adrian''s, Caspian''s, and Anemone''s bonds to get them to come and join us. As they make a splash on the floor, Brishen snarks at Harry about more Merrow, but thankfully Hadrian and Minh quickly join us. After hearing Brishen whine about the Merrow, Hadrian gives him a hard look before telling him to watch over Harry before all but Brishen goes and hunt for the scent.


    Harry decides that the best way to get away would be to go shopping in the massive crowds. Vanessa perks up before blurting out, "Ooh! Rebecca mentioned something she wants from the Shadow Haunts for her birthday! But if we''re in the shadows, you should probably pull in Armin or Evelyn to join us as they were Shadow Patrol there."


    I sigh before I pull on the bonds of two more of my Gheyos. After Armin and Evelyn join us in there were forms, we head off to the Shadow Haunts for the elusive birthday present.


    After spending some time in the Shadow Haunts, I spot a jewelry/tattoo/piercing shop that looked promising. After turning a corner with Vanessa, Odeta, and Truadel following me, the four of us skip happily to the store. I hear Brishen howling in the background, but before I can turn around and see what has happened, a group of men slink out of the Shadows. "Alexia!" I hear Adrian cry before the men quickly subdue us and force us away from our Gheyos. But at the last minute, I see a flash of silver hair grapple a man before I realize Adrian was joining us for the port. My last thought before we get ported away, I can only think of Papa and the last time I was kidnapped like this.

 Chapter Fourteen: Changing of the Guard

    <h2 align="center">Chapter Fourteen: Changing of the Guard</h2>


    <hr>


    Trigger warning: there is talk of molesting and/or raping people in this chapter, but nothing happens as our circle slice is saved before anything happens to them


    <hr>


    The minute that I hit the floor, I try to escape; I am able to take a quick look around the dark, unlit room. I look for a way to leave, but before I am able to find any doors, a hand reaches over and knocks me out. As I pass out, I hear sounds of pain from my bonded.


    I slowly wake up as my eyes hazily look around. As my eyes slowly adjust, I take in the dark and unlit room before my eyes instantaneously dilate as I realize where I am. I pull at all of my bonded, but no one comes to the rescue. My wings start itching and almost vibrating in the seconds after I am alert. I immediately start looking around for my bonded and slightly relax when I realize all four of my bonded are there.


    Before I can fully relax, I hear noises come around the corner and play dead while having my eyes open just enough to see who is coming. In a matter of minutes, five men come around the corner laughing and chuckling at each other. "Won''t it just piss off Lord Aiden to know that his prized submissive has been stolen from right under his nose?" Says a lanky man with long stringy hair.


    "Ha! As if Lord Aiden cares about anyone other than that new consort of his. Even then, he treats her like garbage most of the time." Says a short man with no hair. The other three don''t say a word, but as one of them goes over to Odeta''s body, the second man suddenly yells at him. "Hey! That one is mine. The male is yours." The man groans but walks over to Adrian before groping his unconscious body.


    The second man snickers before going over to Odeta and doing the same to her. My wings feel like they are about to vibrate out of my body at any second. One of the men walks over to Traudel while the last walks to me. As the man touches my body, I can no longer hold back my wings. They fly out of my body and the pain is unlike I''ve ever felt. The sides of my wings feel like they''re being torn apart while the backs of my wings feel like they are both being ground down by machinery and pulled out with pliers. I scream loudly as the pain becomes too much and I pass out as I see white.


    <hr>


    When I come to again, the only color I see is red. Everything is like it''s colored in blood. I look around for the man that was about to molest me, but I can only see a dead body next to me along with a dead body next to Traudel. But the other three men are still holding my bonded while gawping at me. I quickly change into the form of Alexian before pulling out my longsword and quickly cutting the men down next to Vanessa, Odeta, and Adrian.


    I get up from next to my unconscious bond mates, but not even unhappy warbles wake them up. After the second try, I give up and hunt through the entire building. I mow through several more bags of meat, but I barely notice them as they quickly fall to the floor. Once I can no longer find any more living things in all of the rooms, I sprint back to the room with my most vulnerable mates. Again, I give a croon to them and nothing happens. I angrily screech to the ceiling before trying to once again pull at the ones that were supposed to protect me. I drop my sword in anger and scream loudly with the pain of abandonment from my circle.


    Suddenly, a crack rings through the air before a door explodes inward from the outside and several more people cautiously make their way inside. My vision turns bright red and I dart to the closest man, trying to both bite and claw at him. Before I can do any damage, I hear sounds coming from a large red-haired man before stomping at the feet near me to get away. I try to reach for his red hair, but before I can, a dainty woman almost gets me in a headlock. I bite at her arms and am able to flee after she yells in the air. The next person I try to go after is a small light-purple-skinned man who darts out of the way of my grasp before he leaves the room. The red-haired man shouts in language that I cannot currently comprehend; I try to go after him again, but a new orange-eyed man grins and tries to tackle me. He is able to capture me, but when the same light-purple-skinned man walks by again, I am able to wriggle free and almost succeed in biting the light-hued man. The red-haired man talks louder, but before I am able to latch onto the small man, I am completely head locked from behind and unable to move at all. Any attempts to scratch and claw at the man are completely rebuffed. I scream in fury before he slowly starts to sway the two of us back and forth. I angrily growl before it slowly peters out. One by one, new hands slowly start caressing me, I try to snap and dig at them, but all attempts to escape are futile.


    Over time, the color red drains from my vision and I am able to comprehend language. I slowly hear someone crying far in the distance while another person is slowly crooning a song. I relax even further as the swaying slowly soothes my inner soul. "''Lexia!" I hear words as if they were warped through a tunnel. I turn to stare at the person trying to talk with me. The light-purple-skinned man stands in front of me and cups my hands. "It''s fine, ''lexia. You''re safe." As he speaks, I relax and go limp in his arms. As I go limp, I change back into Alexia. The red-haired man abruptly lets me go and I fall into the light-purple-skinned man''s arms before I lose consciousness and everything fades to black.


    <hr>


    Out of the space of darkness, a hand caresses my cheek but is quickly retracted as my fangs snap out toward it. A hand roughly grabs my face before shaking me fully awake. "That was NOT nice, Alexia! You may have had a scare, but that is no way to respond!" I blush as Lord Aiden scolds me. "You should be glad that you didn''t actually bite me!"


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    I fully sit up on the couch and try to look pathetic. "I''m sorry, Lord Aiden. I wouldn''t have snapped if I had realized it was you. Favorite or not, Lady Death would''ve torn me a new one." He sighs as he sees tears stream down my face and sits next to me on the couch.


    "What all do you remember, Alexia?" He asks me before motioning all the other people in the room to sit down, including Vanessa, Odeta, Traudel, and Adrian.


    I grimace before attempting to think back. "I remember getting ported away from the rest of the group." I jump up from the couch. "Harry! His Gheyo talked about the scents hunting us! Is he fine?"


    Adrian sits next to me and speaks as Lord Aiden stands up. "He''s fine. All of his Gheyos came and took him home to make sure he wasn''t under any threat." I marginally relax as I don''t want my new friend to be injured.


    Lord Aiden makes his way to the door. "Now that you are awake, Princess Alexia, I need to call everyone to discuss what exactly happened here. Your circle is already on its way along with your grandparents. But I need to send messages to all the Courts. Everyone should be here within ten minutes. Wait here with your bonded until everyone is here." As the door is closed, I freeze in place.


    "Don''t freeze out our bonds, Alexia!" Adrian snaps before getting up and sitting next to Odeta who starts crying again.


    A familiar light-purple-skinned man sits next to me on the couch after Adrian walked away. "Aren''t you just a bubble of trouble?" He sighs before making me look at him. I gasp as I basically look into a mirror; this man looks almost exactly like my male form. I put a finger on his fluted ear that would match mine perfectly. "Lord Aiden could''ve been a bit less rough waking you up." He looks back at the rest of the unknown people in the room. "My circle is the Tenebris Military Clan. We are called when people are kidnapped or when there is a catastrophe on a planet for search and rescue. Lord Aiden had us go searching for you after he heard whispers of it happening today. We normally would have eased you into this slowly, especially with you having been in a berserker Gheyo rage when you did your cry."


    "I''m not a Gheyo," I say as I pull out my wings and stand in front of the mirror. I shake my head as my wings are no longer my own. Instead of being normal pale white and peach-scaled wings with hints of iridescence, they are completely different. Now, they are pale white and peach-scaled armored wings with multiple plates and hooked spines. And the edges! They look sharp enough to shave my legs with. I moan lowly as I stare at my new wings and hear my single Gheyo growling lowly. I pull my wings in and look toward the group before realizing that they are a military circle, just as mine is.


    Then, the realization kicks in of what just happened. I start to feel nausea in my lower stomach. I murmur, "Bathroom. Going to go find a bathroom," before running out of the room and going to the closest bathroom that I know of in Aiden''s Estates. I sit on the toilet while gripping my pants and rocking back and forth.


    <hr>


    After I have hyperventilated on the toilet for ten minutes, a shimmering blue message bubble appears next to me. I sigh deeply before making it play. "Princess Alexia: Last Princess of the Earthen Merrow, my youngest son Asher has seen the water rise just now in your future. To make sure that the last of your line does not die out, I am sending him to bond with you. If you choose to do so, he shall be in Lord Aiden''s Estate in exactly one minute to join you in the bathroom. With him, comes his two bonded Jokers. Love, your Sede''s mother, and your future mother-in-law: Queen Amalia of the Water Fae Court. P.S. - you should call me more, I have deeply missed you since we met last."


    "Fuck." I say before the bathroom door is quietly opened. "You can join me in the stall, Sidhe. I''m fine now."


    "If you insist, Princess." A deep voice rolls over me. "You remember Elijah and Augustine, correct?"


    I sigh again, "You know that I remember them, Ashie..." I slowly open up the bathroom stall. "You only message me all the time about them and what they''ve done to be oh so mean to you." A tear drips down my face as I stare at his face before I run and hug him. I hiss after purple sparks fly off of us. I soul cry at the three of them and they all cry back.


    "Only you Alexia. My brother warned me that you would be trouble, and don''t I know it." Asher says before gesturing for me to remove my shirt. I do so and Asher marks me on the top of my belly button before Elijah and Augustine mark the sides of my belly button.


    The door suddenly opens and a lanky Dragel with ash-blond hair walks in before noticing the four of us marking each other. "Oh, dear! Um, excuse me. I''ll find another bathroom." He quickly walks out before Asher grabs my wrist and gives me a very serious look.


    Asher says, "The tides are low for him, princess. You better catch up to him and make them rise forever." He lets go of my wrist before motioning me to go after the other man.


    I groan before running out the door. I run my way to the mysterious man before touching him on his wrist. As I do, purple sparks fly off the two of us like a fireworks display. "Oh." The man says before closing his eyes. He brings me closer to him in a hug before he soul cries to me. I cry back at him. I mark him high on his neck before he marks me on the bottom of my belly button.


    "Well glad the low tide is over..." Asher says while the three of them walk out of the bathroom. "Prince Michalis." Asher nods to the man holding me. "We should probably head to the room where everyone is waiting. Everyone is there already."


    I nod and gesture for them to join me. A few minutes later, we get into the room that Lord Aiden has for large gatherings. A hellhound is angrily talking to him about some intruders in the Estate. "Three unknown men just up and walked into the Estate, Lord Aiden! You can''t just walk into the Estate without an escort! The sheer audacity of these men! I''ll go wrestle up some troops and we can find these men." I snort and Lord Aiden looks at me before rolling his eyes.


    "I''ve found the intruders. Now shut the door and guard it until you''re called for." Lord Aiden says while pointing at the door. Once it is closed, Aiden spins to me and grins maniacally at me. "Now, you''ve got some ''splainin'' to do Lucy."

 Chapter Fifteen: The Scars That Never Leave Us

    <h2 style="text-align: center">Chapter Fifteen: The Scars That Never Leave Us</h2>


    <hr>


    I instantly blush all the way down to my legs. "I watched that show ONE time Aiden! Stop bugging me about it!" All the other Hellhounds look at each other in shock at how informal I am with him.


    "Anyway. My name is Princess Alexia: Last Princess of the Earth Merrow as well as Princess Alexia: Princess of the Merrow Court. I believe I know everyone but four people in here."


    A man with chocolate brown hair stands up. "I am the Earth Crown Prince Raspen, and that is the Fire Crown Princess Ebony. And next to me is my bond mate, Devrim Ekene for the Storm Court. I believe you two met yesterday?" He sits back down after my nod and waits for everything to commence.


    "Well anyone, this is my grandparent''s circle, the Barbeau-Perevell Circle. Well, minus my Oret, Derek Perevell." My newest bond mate, Prince Michalis, sucks in his breath at Mammam''s last name. To be expected honestly with her being the last known safehouse on Earth. "Most people know Lord Aiden, Lady Death, and King Alcandor of the Water Courts." I pause before continuing. "And my circle, the Perevell-Zahrim circle."


    Komas sits up and announces the name of his circle. "And mine is the Tenebris Military Clan A." He gives a happy noise when several people react to the name, one of them is interestingly Lady Death.


    Leonard stands up before anything else is said. "I know you didn''t know this, love, but Noel, Gerhard, and I turned into the Gheyic forms of ourselves when you were kidnapped earlier. I don''t know if it was the feedback from you turning into a Gheyic Submissive or the anger we had that you were kidnapped." He nods at Lord Aiden before sitting back next to Noel.


    Gaspar darts up next and I can imagine his question before he asks it. "What was the look that Lady Death gave you and Derek when you last met here? And don''t try to downplay it like earlier."


    Lady Death gracefully stands up before looking at Gaspar. "I simply was reminding Derek Perevell of the favor he owed me for extending the life of one Adam ''Schwarz''. The favor would be to grab three items that have been missing for the last century." She stares at Gaspar, almost wanting him to say something, but they both just sit down while staring each other down.


    I take a deep breath and sit on an unoccupied couch, far away from everyone else in the room. "I''ve been lying to everyone here about what happened to me when I was four." I sigh before looking out the window. "My family and I were never in a car accident. Instead, my bearer and I were kidnapped while my sire and third were slaughtered at the scene." I look back at my circle as they hiss and some of my Gheyos start getting wound up. I tense up knowing what comes next. "None of my family circle ended up making it. I only survived because of my Oret." At this, most of my bonded start deeply growling and a single tear runs down my face before I continue. "I''d like to start off by explaining the lines I come from."


    After the Gheyos settle down a bit, I slightly relax and begin again. "My third was, of course, Princess Alanni of King Alcandor''s parent''s circle. My Oret still has not figured out how or why she was kidnapped. But her bearer was Ast¨¦rie D''meer, her sire was ¨¦cume Rivers and her third was the previous Merrow Queen, Queen Manthestia. Her life with my grandparents was normal up until third begged my bearer and sire to join them after the two of them had a soul cry the night before." I shift here before breathing and letting out some tears. "My bearer, on the other hand, was Brian Maurois, the last Clan Chief of the Rivi¨¨re de l''Ombre clan." All of the Hellhounds suck in a breath at the name before looking at Lady Death and Crown Princess Ebony gives me a piercing look. "His sire was of the Mauoris clan while his third was from a now-extinct Merrow clan. My sisters and I would''ve been the last three born with that name." I say wetly before breathing out and continuing. "However, due to the fight my bearer was in, my sisters didn''t make it. And all three souls were taken personally by Lady Death herself." At this, I start sobbing before turning away and rubbing a small river rock in my hand. Lady Death comes over and grips my right shoulder with a hand.


    "My sire was special though, as he was the last member of the Oceanus clan that had stayed on Earth to try to protect its waters. His name was "Prince Matt: Prince of the Merrow." I say before King Alcandor quickly darts to my side before roughly grasping my chin and forcing me to meet his eyes. Lady Death hisses at him, but he stupidly continues.


    "Kesmer''s bloody reefs. I hadn''t put that together until just now!" He says moving my face this way and that. "Your right eye matches almost perfectly about our records of the first Merrow King after leaving Earth. Grey eyes that shimmer with a purple hue are the best-known feature of that line! And your cheekbones..." He says before he tilts my chin to be in my normal stance. "I can''t believe none of us have put that together. And it explains more about how you were able to form a complete Merrow changling form. Almost everything Water went to your male form instead of your female form. It also explains how you got the iridescence on your wings. Our family rarely had it as we hadn''t had many chances to intermingle with Merrow from the Oceanus. But you say Alanni had a bit of iridescence?" He says almost to himself before sitting next to Queen Killigan. Alec shifts before glaring at the floor.


    "Yes well, I was always taught to not give any reason to show my more Merrow qualities so as to not get kidnapped again," I say before I look down at the floor.


    The other Submissive gets up and slinks over to me. "Her male form also has the Oceanus line-specific fluted ears. The same ears that King Alcandor, Prince Alec, and I have as descendants of that line; though I do not believe that King Alcandor''s line still carries the iridescence any longer." My eyes furrow as I look at him, wondering about how closely related we could be. "Don''t wrinkle your face like that, Alexia. I''m quite far removed at 15 generations since the last time I had Oceanus blood in me. If you doubt me, King Alcandor and Prince Alec (along with presumably your mother) haven''t had Oceanus blood in their lines for over 35 generations and their fluted ears stuck around." I nod and sink back into the couch before he sits back next to Kosmas.


    I look at Lady Death before continuing. "As I said before, my sire was the last Oceanus Prince from Earth. His bearer was the last Prince before his death. His sire was from the Alvi clan and his third was from the Brennan clan. All three clans are now extinct except for me." I clear my throat and look out the window for a few seconds.


    I start talking again. "The last member of my parent''s circle was the late Crown Prince of the Water Fae, Adam ''Schwarz''." Lady Death tenses and grips my other shoulder, bringing me into an almost hug. At this, Gaspar makes a hissing noise before trying to stare into my eyes, but I turn away before I can see his response. "My parents had been about to bind with him as he was my sister''s sire. He had asked for his family''s permission of course. He, of course, was who made so much money for me before he died of his wounds. Even Lady Death was not able to fully heal him..." I murmur before staring at the floor again.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Kosmas sits forward in the chair before asking me a question that I have been dreading. "Was Lord Aiden involved with any of this?" Lady Death nuzzles the back of my head before getting up and sitting back down with Lord Aiden.


    "Lord Aiden was, yes." I say before relaxing into the chair. "My Oret contacted Lord Aiden about two hours after everything happened as Lady Death wanted Aiden to mop up anything that could be dangerous to me in the future. Three or so months after everything happened, Lord Aiden took care of the entire guild that had been hunting my grandma Molly for her entire life. And the fourth month, my sede died. The fifth month after everything happened, my Oret was bonded to the entire circle as instructed by Lady Death. After that, we changed our name from the Yates family to the Perevell family and moved to the Atlantic coast."


    I shift on the chair to be lying sideways. "Oret taught me about Lady Death and Lady Death taught me about my bearer''s family line. Her line was given Death''s Magic years after she met Lady Death. The rumored story goes as this: the Rivi¨¨re family was the main grower of Lady Death''s Estate on Earth; when she had one on Earth that is. Rozina, the youngest daughter of the family, had cultivated a rosebush that bloomed completely black roses. One day while Lady Death was talking to the patriarch of the family, Rozina ran up to her and excitedly gave her a rose while giggling all the while. At first, Lady Death was angry that she had been interrupted by this child before she smelled the rose and realized that its scent was of something that she had missed the most, the scent of her own long-dead mother. Lady Death was so pleased with this flower that she granted the girl two wishes. The first is to be able to have a very large and soul-bonded circle of her own one day. Lady Death was totally fine with this. The second though startled Lady Death. The second was to be able to have the magic of Lady Death as Rozina had loved her so ever since she saw the Lady as a young child. ''Young child,'' she growled at the girl, ''you are the most pertinent child I have ever met. But, I am flattered by your request. Both shall be granted and from now on, your line (and only your line) shall have my favor. But, your last name shall have to change; all children from your circle shall have the following last name: Rivi¨¨re de l''Ombre. That way, everyone will know of my favor.''"


    I chuckle and rub the river stone. "Or at least that''s how the story goes. I was never brave enough to ask Lady Death if that''s actually what happened, and Oret told me to not be stupid enough to ask her." I mischievously glance at Lady Death who throws her hands up in the air.


    "And that''s it. That''s my story and soul laid bare." I say before sitting back up. "Now, I''d like to go home and we can deal with anything else on another date." Everyone agrees and my circle goes home along with the Tenebris clan.


    <hr>


    I quickly introduce Prince Michalis, Prince Asher, Elijah, and Augustine to the circle as my four new bonded. As Prince Michalis talks to other circle members, I talk to Leonard. I brace myself for what is to come. "Leonard, I think it is obvious that with our change, we should go train to be Gheyos in the Pits."


    At once, everyone stops talking and Leonard looks to me like I am insane. "I don''t know what you''re talking about, Alexia. We''ll do fine as Gheyos."


    Noel coughs before looking at Leonard. "Speak only for yourself Alpha. I know I want some proper training for a Gheyo as I am now a Gheyo. Our Submissive deserves to have a trio that is able to protect her."


    Gerhard stands up next to Noel before he looks at the Tenebris clan. "How about this Leonard, if you''re able to defeat Kosmas and Hristo, you don''t need extra training at the Pit." He stares at his Alpha until Leonard sneers and nods at him.


    After a few minutes of waiting near the beach, I brace myself for what is to come. As I get closer to all of the people outside I notice two things. Both circles are sitting apart from each other with Leonard, Noel, and Gerhard sitting apart from each other. I start to move my way to join them, but Lazo grabs my arm and shakes his head. "No, you don''t want to go and get yourself drawn into trouble. Let them beat their frustrations out today, and then you can go console them tomorrow." He pulls me toward a circle drawn on the ground and grounds me with a hug.


    My newly inherited Gheyic Alpha goes against Lazo''s proven Gheyic Alpha Kosmas. Faidon shouts for them to start and they do so. Kosmas squares off with Leonard before quickly disarming Leonard. Leonard shouts and tries to tackle Kosmas, but is put in a headlock before Leonard angrily taps out.


    The circle is quickly redrawn before Leonard goes against Gheyic Beta Hristo. Leonard is able to stay in the ring for three more minutes, but Hristo quickly disarms him as well.


    Leonard stalks off to the water to be by himself. Before anyone can join him, Kosmas stops them. ¡°I am not your Alpha, but everyone else needs to stay here for this meeting. Someone will tell Noel this later, but I will set something up with your two Aces for Alexia, Gerhard, Leonard, and Noel to go to the Pits for a few months and train how to become a Gheyo. The Gheyo rank needs education and you WILL receive it; don¡¯t think your Aces won¡¯t force you to go.¡±


    I look up at Lazo as my lip starts quivering in fear and my eyes widen in horror of having to leave my circle so soon. ¡°Shhh, little bubble,¡± Lazo whispers to me before hugging me tighter. Then he speaks loudly enough to be heard by everyone. "The four that have changed need to get training for your rank. It will not be as bad as you think. The training will only show you how to use weapons and how to use common battlefield tactics." Lazo looks down at me before sighing and looking away. "It is for the best for your circle to get this done and get this done now." He pulls me up and yells that everyone can do whatever.


    Immediately after everyone starts having their own private questions, I quietly ask Lazo a question that has been burning in my mind. "How did you know that would happen?" I look up at Lazo and intently stare at him.


    He sighs before looking down at me. "It was painfully obvious to my clan. Everyone here does military training every day in the morning." He moves his mouth right next to my ear and whispers the next two sentences. "Your Alpha certainly had no chance Kosmas or Risto. He wouldn''t have had a chance against Gerhard either." He moves away from my ear before continuing. "Lady Driswell does not allow for any slackers in the Storm element. All are expected to be physically ready for war, no matter the rank." He looks at Kosmas for a second before looking back at me. "Kosmas will urge your Aces to train your entire group with weapons and battle tactics while you are gone." He gives me a hug before putting me at arm''s reach. "I may put in papers to mentor you a bit. I know that you''ve already got an Oret, but would you mind an unofficial one once you are out of the pits?" I look at him and nod in agreement. "Good!" He preens at me before joining the rest of his circle. "I can be here with my Alpha and Beta in the morning if you want to have breakfast with us to ask any questions." He nods at my circle before his circle ports away for the night.


    But before I can really say anything else, Faidon grabs me and tells everyone that I''m going to the Gheyo quarters as the prize for the fight. "We need to resolidify the bonds a bit more tonight as the battle lust has gone down." He says before we all vanish into the house and go to the Gheyo levels.


    <hr>


    Instantly after we close the bedroom door, Faidon snaps out something to Armin. "Armin set silencing wards that allow sound in but not out. Also, expand the bed so everyone can easily sleep on it." Armin nods before quickly making sure it was done. Faidon pulls me into his arms for a quick cuddle. "We normally sleep completely naked. Are you okay with that?" I coyly smile and pull the clothing off my body, waiting for what I can only imagine is coming. "We''ll see if we seal any bonds in the morning, but I will have to go to our compound early in the morning and look into moving it near this plot of land along with talking with my fathers," Faidon says before going to take a quick shower.


    I start to move to join him, but Phillip has different plans. He pulls me into the plush bed after it was expanded by Armin. Soon after, the rest of my Gheyos piled around me with Lucas directly behind me on his stomach. Someone turns off the lights and we start falling asleep. I chirr into Phillip''s chest before nuzzling it and crashing into sleep.