《Summer Bliss: Book Two》 Prologue Shadows fled in fear when her phone''s light illuminated them. The heat that inflamed her lungs had yet to reach her calves. She pressed on, never deviating, not even for the howl that erupted behind her. His gun, it was raised when she left, where are the shots? "H-help!" Grabbing an exposed root she pulled, clawing her way up the soft embankment. She couldn''t see camp and the smell of fire littered the air. "Where''s the trail damn it? Trail, trail...." She chanted the words like a mantra while fighting through the thick foliage she found herself in. "Trinnnityy." The hairs on her arm stood on end as she recalled Marcus''s warning. If only they knew that the beast and the psycho were one! A branch cracked and she broke into a sprint, wincing as her arm smacked against a tree. Her heart parodied a rumbling river, drowning out owls who sung above. "Help any- oof!" She grunted, something colliding into her back. Large and heavy, it flipped her head over heel, sending her down a steep slope. Her phone flew, and immediately she went blind from the sudden change. Landing on her stomach a forced groan left her busted lips. A dull pain rose in her chest, agonizing her spine. Attempting to crawl, she cried out at the pops of her ribs. A wave of nauseous made her mouth water as footsteps crept languidly toward her. "T-Theo! Leave me alone!" A hand squeezed her arm, rolling her onto her back. She recoiled when his claws pressed her lips. "Shh, shh. I''m surprised that boulder didn''t go through you." His voice was faint and that left her unsettled. He dragged a finger over her nose, where he then switched to caressing her cheek. Tears stung her eyes at the wetness of his hands and the acrid smell of copper. "You''re so...beautiful. A woman like you must always be surrounded by sharks." He chuckled and she stared fire into his obscured face. Finding the strength she shoved his hand away, hollering as the motion increased the pain. No sooner than she did, did she feel him in her hair. Like a glorified dog collar, he yanked her upward, causing her arms to flail and she face planted in his genitals. "Let go of me!" Punching him repeatedly, panic bubbled in her gut as she tried to move her legs. They only twitched, a numbness creeping into her toes. "Trinity, triad....The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." With his vice grip, he began to walk. Splinters and rocks embedded in her knees as he dragged her along. Moments later, he swung and she went airborne, landing harshly in a circular grove. Moonlight lit up the center, casting a ethereal glow on a ghastly scene. "Your parents, they worship a God? They''d have too. To name a whore like you after Fates so beloved. How cliche of you humans." "J-Jaaay!" "Jay!" He mocked. Looking up a heavy handed fist connected with her cheek, sending her head to ricochet off the ground. White overtook took her vision and she went limp. "I heard you have a fondness for romance? How''d I set the mood? You; distressed...hopeful...waiting to be saved, swept off your feet, by the one person who''ll set the world ablaze to halt the flow of your tears." A dull ache throbbed in her heart as he guffawed from nearby. "Don''t be fucking daft Trin! You know well that I -" A scuttle in the tree ceased his verbal torment. A steady ring grew in her ears and made her stomach somersault. Blood began to congealed, leaving sounds muffled and distorted. "Show yourself, I''m very busy." His body heat left her side and an unearthly growl silenced the insects. A loud crack disrupted, and a limb fell outside the grove. "Games, you want to play?" Another tree limb came crashing down, closer to their position. The ground vibrated from the force and ash soon singed her sinuses.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. "Vile leech, how dare you come for what''s mine!" The atmosphere thickened, and a pressure rooted her firmly to the ground. Craning, she blinked rapidly to get the blood and tears from her vision. Theo brooded while looking up, his body bulging and stretching. His right hand touched the ground, the massive arm now six times its size. His body continued to elongate and she had to look away. "... You''re greedy. There''s no need to fight, can''t we bargain?" The voice didn''t match the thing making all that racket. She could make out a large mass slithering in the trees, winding it horrid body around trunks before thrusting its face into the moonlight. Seeing a woman''s head caused her to gasp. Any more defining features were obscured by her blurred vision. Trinity held her breathe, fear now encasing her whole. "No. My hunt. My kill worthless scavenger." His gruff and garbled tone made her shiver. She dug her fingertips into earth and pulled, sliding only a few inch. She no longer gave a damn if they spotted her. In the midst, her hair snagged a low hanging limb and she grunted trying to pull free. A chuckle assailed her ears, and anger snatched her heart. A blistering rage for what happened, what is happening, and for what...won''t happen. Bringing her hand to her stomach, she looked at both beasts, a scowl fixated on the monster who started her pain. I''ll kill you. If I die here, I''ll fucking kill you. Every one of you. "Oh-ho, I''ve never seen that look on you before Trin!" Theo sneered while fur encased his body. He lowered to a crouch and she squirmed as man fully became beast. Imaginary hands expanded in her mind, pulling at memories; probing for logic, anything to decipher the disgusting metamorphosis. Sliding her hands along the ground, she found a sizable rock, raising it shakily as he slunk towards her. "Theooo! Are you here? Theo what the hell? Give my damn clothes back!" Trinity gasped, whipping her head to the beast who body was now cloaked behind wings. Though its teeth were black, they reflected under the moonlight like onyx rings, contrasting against its pale skin. Theo immediately snarled, diverting his attention to the other. That''s - that''s Khalia''s voice! The beast let out a ripple of giggles. The lilt oddly contagious, as Trinity found herself giggling after. The realization bringing dread. It eased out from the trees, limping as it joined them in the grove. Dark matter spewed from behind it, leaving a steaming trail that resembled tar. It''s face, now closer, seemed to shimmer and morph. "That adorable thing you left in the woods, looks so peaceful when she''s sleeping. You left a nasty mark on her neck, it''ll likely get infected. Since you''re busy here...you won''t mind if I treat her." The aura changed again and Trinity found her lungs straining. Alarms sounded in her head and she turned her back to them, crawling five feet, before another wave of pressure nauseated her. Blue and burgundy sparks clashed lit up the sky around them. Another roar as Theo slammed both fist into the ground. Chunks of earth and plant matter pelted her body. A beat of silence passed between the beasts and then...he took a step back. Glancing at him, she cringed as his coal-colored eyes switched between her and the other beast. Giving her a snort, he swiveled on his paws and dashed into the woods. Resting her forehead against the cool dirt, she sighed. The numbness in her legs traveled higher, following a peculiar placidity as she laid there. "He killed your other half and will finish the rest....are you infuriated by those circumstances?" Something thick and sodden crept across the back of her neck. The intimate action forcing her to turn, and behold the entity. The wings, their raven hue, twinkled with black mucus. A disgusting exhibit of sinew and skin sloshed off in various areas, hitting the ground, and leaving bone and muscle exposed. Whatever battle it fought, it surely lost. The wings chittered, dropping the thick fluid onto her face. It leaked onto her tongue and she gagged. "It does...you had your entire life. Now you -." "G-get the fuck away from me!" Dry heaving from the wretchedness, she puked, dropping the rock in her hand. Tears rolled down her cheeks as the bile kept coming, mingling with the beast''s mucus that now soaked into her clothes. Rolling on her side, she panted. "...Can you see my injuries? A nasty jam I found myself in. Fortunately for you, I saved you from a cruel death." She heaved again, the odor and pain overwhelming her senses. "These dogs, they''re everywhere. Left off the chain to ravage the globe, harming innocents...innocents like yourself, innocents like I. How many must perish for the Fates to realize their mongrels are obsolete?" Trinity exhaled a shaky sigh as something cool slithered across her cheek, pulling her soiled hair from her face. "I can show you my world, my knowledge...provide you with gifts. Gifts that can aid you, ensure you will survive...that you''ll both survive. Will you...sign my contract? With my current state, your reward will be far greater than those before you. A mutual transaction for us both." Trinity could feel her heart, its beat slowing and irregular. The pain in her back intensified and her breaths became labored. She was dying and she didn''t need her degree to realize that. A roar echoed in the distance, along with faint screams. "...I....I will." "The youth of today is wise." Trinity gave no resistance as the beast rolled her on her back. The wings spread wide, then angled like spears. Regret budded in her eyes as they came quickly at her, piercing her shoulders, tearing through muscle, and anchoring her to the ground. Gurgled cries ended abruptly when black tentacles shot down her esophagus, rupturing her gums. Broken teeth lodged into her palate, unleashing a wave of blood as they squirmed deeper, leeching onto her organs with a ravenous hand. They sucked. They slurped. Every inch of her...devoured. "Everyone...welcome Trinity." This Aint the Midwest Khalia parted the black curtains, and her stomach lurched. Shelves lined with white, jelly-filled jars stretched before her, each one suspending grotesque insects in eerie stillness. The sight was bad enough, but when her gaze dropped to the two taxidermied gators crouched beneath the shelves, their beady glass eyes locked onto her, she screamed. It didn''t have time crescendo before she tripped over a broken chair. Which wouldn''t have been an issue if not for the gaping hole in the floor. Her arms flailed, instincts grasping for anything nearby to save her. A curse barely had time slip before a strong hand fisted the front of her tank top and yanked her back, slamming her into a solid chest. The force caused her to wheeze. "Behave." Diem''s voice was filled with amusement, golden eyes glinting as he steadied her. His grip was firm yet unbothered, as if he hadn''t just saved her from an untimely baptism. She scowled, prying his hand off as he guided her away. "Next time, just let me fall." "Tempting," He mused, inspecting the oddities that sent her shrieking, "But then who''d keep screaming at the decor?" She huffed. "It was warranted." He smirked, disappearing into a closet, leaving her to glare at his retreating form. Khalia raised her phone, its light cutting through the gloom. The place had been ransacked. Books were strewn across the floor, some floating in the water below, their pages curling from damp. She bent down, fingers brushing over the worn leather cover of a tome: Dissecting Incantations: From Novice to Expert. "What happened?" She mumbled more to herself. The stilted home was an enigma given its location. Outside, above the sluggish waters, a shack suffered, a ruined husk of dreams and rusted nails. But inside...inside they had their breaths taken by the bold color that painted the walls. Deep indigo, blood orange, emerald, it was clear to Khalia that Beatrice loves a statement. Art pieces moved, whether painting or statue, they danced to their own tunes. Sleek furniture looked alive floating inches off the ground. She nearly fainted when her hands touched the plush silk chaise, the urge to sleep and never beckoned to her. It was like walking into a different reality. Until they reached the dining room, where they stood currently. "She got the shit end of battle, that''s what happened." Diem reappeared from the pantry, and she rolled her eyes as he bite into an apple, like they weren''t standing in a mystery. He fished out his phone, tapping the screen and bring it to his ear. A breeze swept through the shack, carrying the weight of humidity and the droning hum of cicadas. "Hey, Witch, reach out to me when you get this message. We''ve made it to Beatrice''s, but there''s a problem." "Don''t be ominous and vague," she snatched his arm and stood on her tiptoe, "Mavi! Your cousin isn''t here, and her house is fucked! Real-life Oldboy hallway type fucked! Call back ASAP!" Dem yanked his arm free with a scowl. "Now she''ll be worried." "Exactly, quicker response." She yawned and a silence stretched between them. Their exhaustion was a third entity in the room, clinging like the sweat on their skin. Seventeen hours on the road, and the only reward was a shack that looked like it had lost a fight with time and bad decisions. She tucked the tome under her arm, and hopscotched over debris toward the grand foyer, squinting at her phone''s screen. 9:27 PM The B&B they booked stopped check-in at 10pm. "So, since you''re the expert in this sort a thing I''ll be-" "You could be one too. It starts with being useful. Look around for anything out of the ordinary." "Everything''s out of the ordinary. I''m tired, hungry, and smell like an elderly man''s diaper." "Awe, well, I''ll let the world know to take a break from revolving around you." "Aight. I''m done, fucker. I''ll be outside." She spun on her heels, annoyance pooling off her. Diem smirk told her he felt it. Scowling, she grabbed the book and tucked it under her arm. Just because he drove the entire way, he thinks he can be a smartass. Nobody told him to do that. "To be fair, I think that''s justifiable. This is your mission, and you haven''t done anything worthwhile." Khalia groaned as Parasita''s voice slithered through her mind. The beast yawned and a young Diem copied, lounging leisurely in her consciousness. "I booked the B&B!" "Which is nothing to brag about. Especially with a man. Your father should have taught you better." "Girl, bye." Grinding her teeth, she stomped down the sloped L-shaped ramp to land. Kaelridge Bayou stretched around them, the water dark and unwelcoming. Insects sang and birds called out to their friends as she tiptoed through the soggy land. Rest in peace to her Adidas. Annoyance made her brows furrow, as she thought back to their last gas station stop. His move to take the interstate instead of turning on the off ramp should have alerted her sooner. "Gian said the Midwest." "This is the Midwest." "No Sir, this is south. Arkansas is in the south..." "Some might say otherwise." "1861 says otherwise." She brooded the entire ride after. "There you are." Her shoulders sagged relief spotting the Toyota Tundra, its exterior caked in mud. She tossed the book in the back seat, then found a decently clean spot to lean against. Beatrice lived outside the city, another surprise for them. Thankfully Bathale was only ten minutes down the road. She frowned at the shack, waiting for the man to hurry. "Well, no reason to be bored. Come on, magic grass me." Parasita yipped, wagging her tail. Taking a paw, she slid young Diem from her side, waving him off. "Scram snitch." The pup glowered but obliged. Khalia snickered while pulling out her vape pen and taking a deep pull. The floral yet battery-burnt aftertaste made her cringe. Not as good as flower, but it''ll do. A noise by the shack made cover her mouth, the smoke tickling her throat. She exhaled, fanning the vapor just as Diem stepped out. She watched him crouch, then sniff the wet ramp like a bloodhound. The darkness could no longer play tricks on her and she snickered, quietly watching him, before grabbing the truck handle.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "What humors you, Princess." Her skin prickled at the voice. Parasita released a soft whine, rolling belly-up, pinning her ears back. A heavy scent wafted in the warm air, intoxicating and electric. A presence pressed against her consciousness, waiting. Hesitantly, she looked back, eyes widening when she met Diem''s gaze. Or should she say Dee''s. Still crouched, his head tilted slightly, the black void of his irises swallowing the gold. His presence was suffocating, thick with something primal, it wrapped around her, gripping tight. Raw energy that slithered into her body and settled-rather unfairly, low in her belly. She swallowed hard, forcing herself to hold his gaze. A knowing smile spread across his face. Even freshly shaven, the dark stubble was already returning, shadowing his jawline. "Are you ready?" he asked, voice deep as sin. The cadence tingled her ears and a geyser erupted between her thighs. He had a way of making everything sound so soothing. While she was sure he was doing it on purpose, she''d never ask. Her pride and bottom shelf dignity won''t allow it. Opening her mouth, she gave a nod. A damn nod. On cue, he smirked, and he strolled down the ramp to join her. Wordlessly they hopped in, Dee''s body relaxing as he shifted gears and pulled off. She folded her arms, trying to look normal as she pressed her legs together. "Was...Diem tired?" "Yes," Dee murmured, "And I haven''t been out since...your Fated''s death. Until I can, this will do." Khalia grimaced, fingers scratching the bandages on her cheeks. "Not my Fated." "Anymore. Still counts." She scowled. "You really know how to dry a woman up." "Would you rather I lie? Besides, there''s not an inch of you that''s dry. Do you want to know how I know?" He mused, sliding a hand onto her thigh, kneading at the damp skin. Her stomach flipped; the roughness of his palm sending waves through her, an embarrassing and maddening experience. She growled. "It''s the humidity. Drive faster, we''re going to miss check in." Bathale. When they located Beatrice''s, they were shocked to find her residence outside of the city. A tourist wet dream, Bathale was surrounded by cypress trees, woven into impenetrable spirals and loops, of massive and ancient. Only one road led in and out. The sight made her heart race. Dee veered onto unpaved road parallel to the city. In the distance a sprawling plantation house loomed close to the bayou. Its white paint gleamed eerily under the lantern-lit path leading up to the grand columns. Two rowboats bobbed at the dock and three other vehicles were parked in the designated lot. He pulled up next to one and cut the engine off. Much to her surprise, he didn''t look back at her, didn''t continue their game. Instead, he started grabbing their bags. Absolutely...unacceptable. "The fact that you think you can grope me, then ignore me after that vitriol is mind-boggling," she huffed, fumbling with her seatbelt. "You kiss a woman first before you grab her thighs, pervert! I don''t know all the Lycan rules, but good manners go a long way." Dee''s only response was a slow, deliberate turn of his head, his dark eyes glinting with something that made her breath hitch. "...Are you saying you want just a kiss?" Amusement soaked his voice. "I think you want more than that." He shifted to face her fully, his mannerisms different from Diems usual self. Even now, with the slight tilt of his head and the way his gaze pinned her. "Oh, and you know what I want? Gee, the sight was lost on me." Fanning her face, she opened the car door, sighing into the earthy air, mentally chided herself for the breathless reply. Why is his aura suffocating? "Besides being human?" Movement behind her caused her to seek him out. She tracked him like a hawk as he glided to her side. Before she could jump out herself, his hands gripped her thighs and slid her forward. Heat flared through her as he settled between her legs. The mesh shorts, stretched taunt, did nothing to shield her from the unmistakable pressure of his bricked-up dick. A devilish smile took his face. "Do you see what you do to me? You''re behaving like a brat. Stop." His voice was thick with teasing. She couldn''t see her own blush, but she felt it-felt it in the quickened beat of her pulse and the tremble of her exhale. Slowly, deliberately, he rolled his hips side to side, evoking a strangled gasp. Dee chuckled before leaning in, his breath brushing against her ear. Peppermint. Sin and temptation wrapped in mint, and she was drowning in it. "Diem isn''t too pleased with me at this moment. I can''t blame him. Are you sure you want a kiss? Nothing else?" Her breath hitched. Eyes fluttered close as he planted a lazy, teasing kiss below her earlobe, trailing them down to her collarbone. Hands left her thighs, sliding to the small of her back, where fingertips ghosted over her skin. The sensation made her arch. "I have a feeling we''ll be busy solving this mystery," His voice dripped with sweetness, "So, how about..." Another kiss, this time with grazing fangs. She flinched at the pressure, pulse stuttering. "We skip to the best part..." Khalia was practically goo; shorts damp with proof of him knowing exactly what she wanted. The urge to pant like a hound rose higher with each stroke across her clit. "B-best part being?" He pulled back just enough for her to see his face. The way his canines peeked out and ears pointed ever so slightly. His eyes sparkled jewels in the low light as he smiled, slow and wolfish. "You." "SWALLOWED. You''re getting SWALLOWED! HUNCHED! You beautiful jaundice goblin!" Khalia barely registered Parasita''s outburst. Her hands moved with purpose, wrapping around his neck and yanking him in. Their teeth clicked together in a messy clash, but his lips, soft and warm, with the right amount of rough-were absolute bliss. Maybe it was the foreplay. Maybe it was the flame she''d carried for him since that first night in his cabin. Whichever the cause, Khalia knew one thing with total certainty: She was going to fuck the beast outta this man. Cupping her chin Dee tilted her head upward, delving his tongue deeper. A whimper escaped and Khalia''s mind short-circuited. He cupped her ass and lifted her out the truck, never breaking for air. She wrapped her legs around his waist, burying her face in his neck, and biting down enough to elicit a throaty moan. He kicked the truck door shut and started toward the lit path. "Think we''ll make it? What about our bags?" Each word slipped out between kisses and nips. He slipped a hand in his pants to adjust the tent, causing his dick to poke out the waistband. "No. No we won''t. I''ll buy us new ones." "Dee, let''s check in firs-" WHACK! Khalia barely had time to catch her breath before something sharp struck her temple. Pain exploded above her right ear. The warm trickle of blood followed a dull thunk as the rock landed by Dee''s feet. "What the fuck!" she hissed, wriggling free and leaping from his grasp. They turned, shoulders tense, as they faced a group of four standing just outside the lanterns glow. A woman at the front lowered her arm, her posture dripping with self-satisfaction. Khalia''s pulse pounded. She wiped the blood from her eye, already sizing the girl up-satin skin, barefoot, faded denim shorts, a pink halter top, and a glare sharp enough to cut glass. "Touch''em again, and I''ll aim higher!" the woman snapped. Her accent sounding of grated cheese. Khalia blinked, then glared. "Excuse me you scallywag ass bitch!" The girl jutted a hip, flipping her waist-length ponytail over one shoulder. "He''s mine. My Fated. What part of that aint clickin in that massive dome ya got?" The words sent a chill down Khalia''s spine. She turned to Dee, expecting immediate denial, but found him eerily still. Black eyes became golden, lips pressed in a tight line, and a muscle in has jaw tickled. Diem was here. "You''re mistaken." "Like hell I am!" The woman folded her arms. Silence stretched between them, thick as the bayou air. Khalia studied Diem''s face, waiting for a reaction...anything other than this unnerving stillness. He exhaled, sharp and controlled, like a gunman steadying his aim. His hands flexed at his sides. "Say you are," he muttered, his voice low but edged with something dangerous. The woman''s chin lifted. "You know who I am." Khalia''s stomach twisted, the knot tightening with each passing second. Diem''s head tilted and he sneered, eyes narrowing like a predator locking onto prey. His lips curled-not in fear, not in regret, but something darker. A humorless laugh rumbled from his chest. "That so?" The woman''s smirk faltered for the briefest moment. Khalia glanced between them, pulse drumming. His reaction, no shock, no hesitation...just something coiled beneath his skin, ready to snap. He took a step forward. The woman stiffened, but he didn''t stop. Another step. Another. Until he was close enough for the woman to see the glint in his eyes-pure, molten fury. "This some kind of joke?" His voice was quieter, but no less lethal. "If it is, you picked the wrong night and likely wont see another." The woman swallowed, stepping back. "It''s not a joke." His smile was all canines. "Then it''s a lie." A cold weight settled in Khalia''s chest as her counterpart whined. This wasn''t just anger-this was something deep, personal. "Y-you know it''s true." Diem''s eyes blackened. "Oh," His tone dripped with perverse mockery "Do all your lies end with you as a corpse, or am I just lucky tonight?" Khalia barely noticed the pain in her skull anymore. The way Diem was looking at this woman...she''s seen before in someone else. Not recognition. Not confusion. Just the promise of violence. Fangs, Lies, and Cypress Skies "Us lay with a reptile? Insulting.¡± Diems eye twitched at the volume of Dee''s voice. His bones ached, fur prickling beneath his skin, some forcing its way through, sprouting grotesque patches. Behind the lying tramp, one of the other rushed forward. Diems¡¯ spine cracked stretching unnaturally, until the deafening sound of a shotgun blast cut his roar short. The cluster of beads travelled between him and the group, grounding them both to a halt. His gaze snapped to an elderly woman, a white sleeping gown that bunched over her feet. The shotgun shook in her frail arms. Ruby red eyes looked at them with irritation and her bat-like ears twitched. This bayou is full of demons. ¡°I done warned you, Eloise! Quit swindlin¡¯ my guest! I let it slide last month cause y¡¯all were strugglin¡¯. Keep it up! Kaelridge and the others will catch wind!¡± ¡°Oh, c¡¯mon nao, Miss Judith. You know we would never take it that far.¡± Eloise rocked back and forth on the balls of her feet, a smug look lighting up her face as she stared at Khalia with amusement. ¡°I don¡¯t give a damn if y¡¯all take it an inch! Don¡¯t do it on ma property, ya hear?¡± She cocked the shotgun again. They stepped back uneasily, but Diem remained locked on one of the males. His scent was Kirma, and skin matched that of Eloise''s, sporting worn jeans, bucket hat, mud-stained undershirt, and no shoes. His shit-stained gaze lingered on Khalia. The bastard gave a shallow bow, the tattered hat tumbling off his head, exposing his pointed fur-covered ears and coily hair. ¡°Our apologies Miss Judith. Times been hard since that law passed. The name¡¯s Brenton. We don¡¯t see many other outside Kirmas.¡± Brenton stepped closer and extended his hand towards Khalia. Glaring, he smacked it away, relief spiking through him when she didn¡¯t object. He stepped in front, ¡°So, you scam couples and hope they¡¯re stupid enough to pay?¡± Brenton chuckled, which sent venom to Diem¡¯s tongue, but he held in his insult. ¡°You¡¯d be amazed at how many don''t know the feeling of a Fated. Desperate folks are quick to empty their pockets to never see us again. You two a couple?¡± Brenton leaned by him, his eyes assessing Khalia once more. He wasn¡¯t sure why felt the need shield her from the other Kirma. Reaching behind him, he found her hand and pulled her to his side, ignoring the stiffening in her body. ¡°Yes, newlyweds, and if you don''t mind, we''re late checking in.¡± Judith hopped in place, a grin on her face. ¡°Oh! That makes y¡¯all my last guest! Come on nao! Get your bags, I¡¯ll show you to your room. You lot better get going! I mean it Brenton, Eloise.¡± She shook her shotgun in their direction before heading up the lit path. ¡°Yes, Miss Judith.¡± Eloise pouted, giving Diem a slow once-over as he gathered the bags from the truck. ¡°Let me know when you tire of the mutt! Lycans are my specialty.¡± He curled his lip at Eloise and the others retreating backside. Brenton smirked. ¡°Don¡¯t mind her, she takes her role too seriously. Any Kirma and their¡­partners, are always welcome. I¡¯ll be seeing you Miss¡­.?¡± Diem watched Khalia¡¯s mouth open, and a surge of panic rose at the thought of her giving out her name. ¡°Miss....I¡¯ll beat your fucking ass if I see y¡¯all again. I promise you. Especially SS Swamp Skank over there. Have a good night, ol Ratigan lookin-ass.¡± Brenton eyes wided a fraction before he barked out a laugh. She snaked her hand around Diem¡¯s wrist. He didn¡¯t mind being dragged up the lit path to the grand house. The only thing he minded was the smug chuckle that followed them into the night. *~*~* ¡°Newlyweds?¡± Khalia scoffed as he dabbed softly at her cut with an alcohol pad. His hand cupped her chin firmly as he played doctor. The steady sound of wildlife filtered in through their screened balcony door. ¡°Rather brother and sister? Surprise them with a bit of incest? Besides, someone wasn¡¯t too vocal out there.¡± She swatted his hand away. That stings, and I got attacked; you got gawked at. Why would I mince words with people like that? Also, brother sister? Really?¡± He chuckled, watching the full body stretch she did with her yawn. His gaze lingered a little too long on the curve of her waist as she turned toward the king-sized bed, flopping face-first into the pillows. Judith had thanked them for disclosing their kind previously for booking. ¡°It always helps with the room setup. A happy guest is what we strive for.¡± Their room was the last down a quiet hallway, set apart from the rest of the house. It suited him fine. Less company, fewer interruptions. Khalia¡¯s action sent a breeze of citrus and jasmine through the room. If only she knew she smelled as sweet as she looked. Soon, he frowned. Citrus? That¡¯s new. Lemons and¡­tangerines? ¡°New body wash?¡± ¡°Yea, Caleesi bought it for me. She was tired of me smelling like you.¡± Peeking over her shoulder, she gave him a sleepy grin. For a moment, Diem forgot what they were here for. His mind suddenly clouded by the glowing individual in the purple t-shirt dress. It hung off her shoulders, concealing the brown short underneath, leaving her legs on display. ¡°Don¡¯t we need rings to make this more convincing?¡± Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! She scrolled through her phone, squinting at the brightness. He walked closer, until his knees collided with the mattress. ¡°I can find other convincing ways.¡± She tensed when he lowered himself on top of her, nuzzling the shell of her ear. ¡°Should we pick up where we left off?¡± She opened her mouth¡­then yawned again, cursing softly. He laughed, rolling off her. ¡°We¡¯ll find the right time.¡± ¡°Now is the right time. I wont pass out. Unless that¡¯s what you¡¯re into. This would be a perfect time to experiment with that one.¡± Diem grimaced while quirking a brow and going through 5 stages of grief. ¡°I prefer my women awake, freak.¡± He snatched the pillow she was cuddling before chucking it at her, smirking her sleepy curses. Heading to the balcony he inhaled the warm damp air as it stuck to his skin. ¡°Where are you going?¡± "Quick run. Get a feel for the territory, see if there¡¯s an Alpha we should be aware of, or who runs this Dominion. That won¡¯t be the last time we run into that group of Kirmas. Best to know who is in charge before we get tangled into shit. We¡¯ll head into Bathale around noon. Mavi said Beatrice works at--and she¡¯s asleep." Scoffing, he ran his hand down his face before heading back to the bed. His shirt hit the floor first, then his jeans. Khalia¡¯s breath was steady, rising and falling slowly. The bonnet she wore clung on for dear life as her hair busted through. The square bandages on her cheeks were fresh, and he could only make out the tail ends of her scars. From her parted lips, light snores escaped. He let his fingers skim her arm and sighed at the rising goosebumps that bloomed. ¡°You¡¯re being goddamn unsettling. You should have released me when we got to the room." Dee mutters, a bite to his tone. ¡°And subject her to what? Your methods of consoling?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never met a woman who didn¡¯t enjoy my methods.¡± ¡°Demon women, Dee. Not human.¡± ¡°She¡¯s a Kirma. Not human. She survived fucking the last Alpha. I¡¯m sure-¡± His jaw tightened. ¡°He wasn¡¯t her Alpha. He wasn¡¯t fit to be an Alpha. Don¡¯t compare us to him.¡± The room was too quiet, the memories too loud. He exhaled sharply, shaking the thoughts away. His gaze finding her hands; where her phone nestled between them. The screen was dimmed, but he caught the name and looked at the long paragraph, yet to be delivered. ¡°Running from our past, it hasn¡¯t turned out well. She¡¯s the living proof of that.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve accepted the past for what it was and will remain. I¡¯ve suffered and I made him suffer. Vengeance completed. Accept it and move on. Life will return to normal.¡± ¡°You¡¯re arrogant to think vengeance is enough to satisfy.¡± ¡°You¡¯re the arrogant one.¡± Wriggling the phone out her hands, Diem set it on the nightstand. BZZZZZZ BZZZ BZZZZZ The screen came aglow as the rectangle danced. Picking it up, blue eyes stared back, and the bright smile from the blonde woman felt warm, even for a contact photo. His throat tightened and his gaze flicked to Khalia¡¯s sleeping form. His thumb hovered over the green icon before he dragged it across the screen. ¡°¡­Khalia?¡± *~*~* Trinity dragged her red tongue up the lollipop she was holding. The wall she leaned against vibrated with the bass thumping inside the club. She cradled her phone to her ear, narrowing her eyes at the soft ripple of breaths on the other end. She took another lick. ¡°Is that a man I hear?¡± She mused, tilting her head as she pushed off her resting place. ¡°Funny. After the pages you were texting me, I figured you must be struggling¡­like me¡­devastated by the loss of us¡­the loss of Jay.¡± Her heart spiked at hearing the change in breathing pitch. She could hear it, faint, but ever present¡­ ¡°But no, you¡¯re still the same¡­same old Lia. Was Alexa right then, in the park? That your nothing but a cum-¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± Got ya. The voice was deep, filled with quiet warning, the words clipped and controlled. Her gaze narrowed as she watched two men stumble onto the balcony, their leathery wings almost striking her as they tousled. ¡°Who might this be?¡± ¡°You seem like a know-it-all cunt. Figure it out.¡± Silence passed between them and she, before dark amusement slithered into her tone. ¡°Challenge accepted. Let¡¯s start with the obvious, is this Theo? I promise if it is, Lia isn¡¯t going too-¡± The line went dead. Trinity rolled her eyes while the bat demons behind her unfurled their wings. The gust of air from their departure swept across her face, ruffling loose strands of hair as they vanished into the night. ¡°Blood-pops! Two for one!¡± A server¡¯s shout rang from the club¡¯s balcony entrance, drawing buzzed patrons outside. Trinity barely spared them a glance, her focus settling on the server. He himself was ghostly pale, his skin, stretched, over sharp cheekbones, making him appear more corpse than man. Obsidian eyes landed on her as she raised two fingers. Wordlessly, he handed her two suckers. She plucked them from his grasp and casually dug through her purse. ¡°I¡¯m new here,¡± she said, voice light but laced with poison. ¡°Who¡¯s in charge, and where does she stay?¡± The server flinched, his bony fingers twitching as it drew back. ¡°I-I can¡¯t-¡± Trinity stopped rifling through her bag and looked up. She didn¡¯t speak. She didn¡¯t need to. Her gaze locked onto his, and his breath shuddered. The dollar bill dangled lazily between her blackened claws, but the weight pressing against the server wasn¡¯t from the money. A chorus of whispers coiled through her mind, a familiar chittering stirring in the recesses of her thoughts. Qwen flickered there, just for a moment. He swallowed hard, and she watched Adams¡¯ apple bob. ¡°F-forgive me, Lady¡­¡± ¡°Trinity,¡± she corrected smoothly. ¡°Lady Trinity,¡± he mumbled hastily. His lips trembled before he bowed his head. ¡°J-just let me run this back. I¡¯ll return shortly.¡± She nodded, her irises swirling with fluid, unnatural hues. Without breaking eye contact, she unwrapped both suckers, slipped them between her lips, and turned away. She approached the balcony railing, gazing over the eerie beauty spread before her. What once would have made her faint now tugged at something, almost nostalgic. Colossal trees ancient and gnarled, cradled homes and shops within their trunks and branches. Wooden bridges connected them, weaving lamp lit paths that crisscrossed one another. Murky bayou waters churned far below. In the distance, atop a stretch of solid ground, a lone statue loomed. The bear¡¯s face on it worn, yet still ferocious from this angle. Then, for a single breath, the world around her glitched. A flash¡ªbuildings made of glass and steel, the loud hum of electricity, and the sharp odor of car exhaust. Civilization. Then it was gone, swallowed by the bayou and trees. ¡°I¡¯m ready, Lady Trinity.¡± The server returned, standing with his arms stretched before him. His expression, carefully hidden. She tilted her head, studying him for a beat before offering smile. ¡°Thank you.¡± She placed her hand in his and he scooped her up bridal. His back split open with a sickening crack, thick membranes slithered out, unfurling as wet leathery wings. His face split down the middle, his skin peeling back unnaturally, exposing something bare and inhuman beneath. Then, with a powerful thrust of his wings, they were airborne, ascending into the suffocating dark, toward the large home lurking within the highest branches above. A Stray Among Wolves The headache Khalia woke up with made her wish she had a hangover. At least that would make sense. Instead, a deep itch crawled along her thighs, and she exhaled in relief as her fingers found the source. A light buzzing tickled her ears; too close, too persistent. She swatted blindly at the nuisance. "What the hell?" Sunlight speared her barely open eyes, blinding her and forcing out tears. When she could finally squint through the sting, her gaze landed on the open balcony doors. Her brows furrowed. Dozens of mosquitoes flitted through the room in lazy, aimless patterns. "Bitch!" The last bit of sleep-fog vanished from her brain. Snatching up the nearest towel, she waged war on the bloodsuckers, swiping and cursing a lycan who was nowhere to be seen. Fifteen frustrating minutes later, she cleared the room. The damage, however, was done, her arms and legs dotted with fresh bites. A cold shower wasn''t soothe them. Diem had yet to return, and calling him produced nothing but silence. Her own phone being just as unhelpful¡ªno messages, no missed calls. The message to Trinity sat, still drafted, and she hesitated before hitting send. Sighing, she stepped out of the room, absentmindedly fiddling with her charm bracelet as she walked. The paintings lining the walls caught her eye, their vivid colors and eerie depictions of the bayou distracting her. A loud growl echoed through the corridor and she huffed as she placed a hand on her stomach. The crisp scent of bacon curled through the air, mingling with the rich sweetness of syrup and the butter. "Have we gone to heaven?" Parasita moaned, patting her belly as well. Khalia only chuckled before making her way down the spiral staircase. The clatter of dishes and low hum of conversation filled the dining area. A family of five passed her, the lingering scent of pork and eggs clinging to them as they walked through the grand entrance. Then she saw the buffet. A feast stretched across the center of the dining room, a mountain of breakfast delights and decadent treats. It didn''t take long for Khalia''s plate to become a towering masterpiece of excess. By the time she settled at an outdoor table on the porch, her plate was already a third gone. More guests filtered in and out of the bed-and-breakfast, their chatter blending with the occasional screech of a chair against wood. Laughter, high pitched and unrestrained, broke through the morning air. Khalia''s attention snapped toward the sluggish waterside, where Judith doubled over, clutching her sides, a broad grin stretching her face. Despite the dark cloth covering her eyes, she moved with ease, gliding through the maze of statues. The environment showed no mercy to their exteriors,still, layered with algae, they looked breathtaking. Next to her Diem walked, a smile tugging at his lips as he rested a hand on her back, guiding her toward the front door. Khalia fixed him with a pointed glare, tearing into her boudin. Her eyes rolled at her forgotten childhood favorite. Legs twitched with the effort of not scratching them raw. When Diem and Judith reached the stairs, his smile faltered. A shadow of seriousness crossed his face. Judith seemed to sense the shift in energy, turning to face Khalia directly. "Good morning, dear! I hope you slept well. How''s the food?" "Home and heaven wrapped in one, did you cook all this?" Khalia forced lightness into her tone. "Aw, thank ya, sugar! As much as I''d like to take all the credit, I had some help. I ran into your husband out in the yard, took him on a quick tour." Khalia stiffened, her grip tightening on her fork, before she relaxed. Oh right, we''re playing house. "Awe! That''s nice of you, Judith. I hope he was good company." She spoke mockingly, trusting that Judith couldn''t see her curl her lip at Diem, who only grinned in response. "Fine company," Judith agreed with a smile. "Mm-hmm, fine young man you got there! Y''all enjoy your stay now, ya hear? If ya need anything, my room''s up in the attic. I''m off to catch a nap! Lord knows I need it at my age. Oh! And don''t forget," she wagged a finger at Diem, "It''s Boone''s Blood Magic. Damn shame he''s enforcing this nonsense. Makes me think we aint all that different from the non-magic folk. Y''all have a good vacation, nao!" Khalia licked the syrup off her plate as memories surfaced. Lazy afternoons as a teenager, wandering Whistling mall with no real destination. There was one shop, wedged between a bookstore and arcade, her two favorite destinations. It smelled of incense, thick and heavy, the kind that clung to your clothes for hours. The walls were packed with shelves of questionable trinkets: carved bones, jars of dried herbs, crystals that pulsed under dim lights. The woman at the counter had a sharp-toothed smile and an accent Khalia could never place. She''d spend a considerable amount of time there, running her fingers over the strange relics, trying to ignore the way the air felt off, like something was observing. Back then, she thought it was all nonsense. Now? Now she was sure those voodoo dolls she purchased in high school may have actually worked. Judith extended her hands toward Khalia and she frowned at the motion, before realizing she wanted her plate. Apologizing, she passed it over, watching the short woman go inside. "So... she can see?" Parasita murmured in her mind and she snapped her gaze back to Diem. "Thanks for leaving the balcony doors open." She scratched her arm for emphasis, "Love being the main course for a family reunion of pest." Diem''s brow furrowed. Instead of answering, he turned and started down the steps. She blinked before quickly following. "I didn''t leave the doors open," he said without looking back. "I closed them before I left last night." His tone was edged with something sharp yet wary. "Think it was the other Kirmas?" When they reached the truck, Khalia realized he wasn''t just brushing her off. He was searching for something. His movements were precise, purposeful as he dug through the center console. "It''s possible. Did you smell any other scents?" A prickle of unease crawled up her spine. She didn''t bother investigating, throwing all her attention at bugs. As it stood, they had no solid leads. And yet, here they were...trapezing through bumfuck nowhere, with magic and mystery. "You know, you could always give up on this quest," Parasita purred. "I wouldn''t mind. I mean, we have been bonding." Khalia scoffed. "The only reason we''re bonding." She held up her wrist. The emerald on her bracelet caught the morning light, flickering with something unnatural. Behind the inscription, lightning cracked inside it, bright and jagged. "You''re the leader, this is your body, you lost your shit first. Now I''m trapped..." Parasita trailed off, her tangent growing. Wandering toward the sluggish river''s edge, she glanced over her shoulder. Satisfied that Diem was too busy searching the truck to pay her any mind, she slipped her vape pen from her pocket. She brought it to her lips, inhaling deep, the oil warming her throat as she exhaled a slow plume of smoke. Parasita''s words lingered in her mind. A tiny pang of guilt fluttered in her chest. The invasive soul was with her till the end, its malice toward her long since faded. But she had failed them both. And the cost... Her eyes flicked to the bracelet, then back to Diem. One, now a mindless feral unless bound by a spell. The other... Her thoughts drifted to the little pup, the young version of Dee. A fractured piece of Diem''s soul, bound by magic¡ªan anchor that neither of them fully understood. He never spoke to her, but Parasita could communicate with him fine. She often wondered about the effects of such a thing, ever since he told her in the hospital. He brushed it off like it was nothing. But how long before nothing becomes something? Something awful. Something he might come to regret. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. She sighed again and took another slow drag, letting the peaceful buzz ripple down her spine. The warmth sent a small shiver through her, and suddenly, she was back to last night¡ªthe feather light touches, the teasing butterfly kisses. "I wonder who his mate could be?" Parasita mused idly, and together, they turned to stare at the man now glaring at her, but still motioning for her to come. He had slung a black backpack over his shoulders, adjusting the strap before tugging a baseball cap down over his head. He looked like a casual day hiker¡ªprobably the story he fed Judith to explain their presence. As he flicked his fingers impatiently, her lips curled into a small smile. She pictured his fingers flicking against something else entirely, and her back arched at the imagined pleasure. In her mind''s eye, she pulled his hair, bringing him closer as his tongue lazily circled her clit. Her smile deepened, nipples hardening at her own daydream. She chuckled softly to herself, shaking the thought away as she approached him. Diem stared at her for a beat, before turning abruptly, heading down the road on foot. She arched a brow. Oh? "Come on, we''re walking." "I see that. Why?" "Because it''s a short distance and you ate like it was your last meal. Stuck in a tiny space with you? I''d be crop-dusted to death." She gasped, sucking her teeth. "You don''t just immediately shit after eating¡ªsame goes for passing gas!" She strode beside him, frowning when he picked up the pace, putting more distance between them. Her legs burned from the light jog she had to do just to keep up with his walking. "It''s a high risk," he added dryly. Khalia scoffed. "You tongued me after a seventeen-hour drive. That wasn''t a high risk?" Diem came to a dead stop. Then...he dry-heaved. She shoved him, "Grow the fuck up." *~*~* "Short walk my ass." Khalia''s heart raced, lurching like a derby horse at the starting line. 4th. People bustled along the lone paved street Inside the gate. At a certain distance, they shimmered¡ªbending like a mirage then dissolving before her eyes. 3rd. Her hands were slick with sweat. Her high amplified sound, each noise jolting her ears, too sharp, too present. 2nd. "Welcome to Bathale! Visitor or¡ª" "Previous resident." "Which neighborhood?" "Rusk." "Excellent. Enjoy your stay!" 1st. Warm air swathed her nose as the person entered the gate. She almost tripped over Diem''s feet. He gave her a gentle but firm push forward, then settled behind her. The gate attendant sat behind a dull, tinted glass partition. The room that enclosed him was tiny. Nothing but a shelf, stack of papers, and his laptop. When they finally looked up from their keyboard, her breath caught. Caterpillar brows. A crooked nose. Seven feet tall. Haven''t we..? "Welcome to Bathale! Visitor or previous resident?" Khalia swallowed. "Ah, um, visitors?" The attendant''s long fingers slid through the divider, collecting their permits. A glint flickered in his obsidian eyes as he examined them. "Ahh, you''ve come a long way, Kirma," he murmured. "Reason for visit?" "I''m here to visit Boone''s Blood. They have the best of the best." His fingers tapped against the counter. "Both of you?" "Y-yes." The man''s attention shifted to Diem, his nostrils flaring, as if scenting him through the glass. Another spark of recognition passed through his eyes. "Its been awhile." he murmured. "The neighborhood Boone''s Blood resides has a distinct set of laws for... Kirmas. It be good to abide by them in this tumultuous climate." Khalia tilted her head. "Seems to be a running theme in these supernatural parts." His grin made her stomach twist. Without another word, he scanned their cards into the system, then slid them back. "Enjoy your visit." he said, motioning them forward. The wrought-iron gate creaked as it shut behind them. HONK! Car horns blasted through the street. The world around them shuddered. The paved road liquefied into stretched field as the Cypress trees snapped and vanished. A highway flickered into existence, along with a bright red barn. The rank, sour scent of pigs filled the air and she fanned her face. HOOONK! Diem yanked her to his side just as a SUV drove in the spot she stood. A scream left her while she looked on at the occupants, their facing mirroring her own shock. Then, like that, the car vanished, reality snapped back into place. A drone of chatter rose near the gate. "Waiting this long to renew the contract is ridiculous!" Khalia and Diem exchanged a glance. Fog curled around them, thickening with every step. The cypress trees disappeared into the mist, swallowed whole by the thick grey. Then...warmth. The red-and-orange glow of the rising sun cut through the fog, peeling it away like bandages. The world shifted and they stood at the center of something vast. The sandstone road beneath their feet had become a bridge of white marble and machinery. People swept past them, moving left and right, traversing over four massive bridges that led to more bridges. They criss-crossed, arched, leading to massive mounds of earth, floating islands that held buildings, or nature. They stretched far into the sky, disappearing up into thick clouds. Her breath caught and she glanced behind her, expecting to see the gate. She gasped. The attendant was gone. In his place stood a statue, its granite surface pristine, untouched by time. A werewolf, seemingly frozen in stone, its diamond eyes glinting with an unnatural light. It looked ready to attack. It looked...alive. A shiver ran through her, the statues presence pulling at her, demanding attention. The inscription at the statue''s base stood out. "The Vale family welcomes thee. Respect our laws, and your stay will be pleasant. Disobey, and death will be swift. Depicted here: Nyx Vale, Late Alpha." Next to it, a separate bronze plaque gleamed under the soft, artificial light. "Law Change: Kirmas allowed¡ªaccepted within bounds. Three-day stay only." Parasita huffed, a deep growl vibrating through Khalia''s chest. "Three days. How generous." she muttered under her breath. "Here. Directions." Diem''s voice snapped her from her thoughts. He had already moved ahead toward one of the bridges, stopping beside a sleek glass cube. As she approached, the glass retracted smoothly into the podium beneath it, revealing a slow-spinning holographic map. Four colorful quadrants layered like a rotating cylinder. The second level¡ªred¡ªglowed the brightest. Khalia raised a hand, pressing against the section. The projection expanded instantly. "You are here: Vale Visitor Center." She swiped downward, selecting the smaller green quadrant above the red. As the green expanded, the red shrank, revealing a sprawling bayou landscape. Instead of roads, water routes wove between the land, intersecting with narrow cobblestone sidewalks. A notification blinked across the display. "Royal Kaelridge Estate: Kaelridge Estate is led by Xavian Kaelridge, Dominion Ruler of Bathale and Leader of the Bayou Quarters. Currently: Visitation Not Permitted." Diem exhaled sharply before switching back to the red quadrant. He zoomed in, dragging the map along until their location became crystal clear. A tingle crawled down Khalia''s spine, looking up, she saw no cameras. "The shop names aren''t listed." She joined back with him, scanning over the mini city. "Its that one." His brow quirked, "How do you know?" "It''s the only one that''s truly hideous." Tapping the hologram, she pointed to a small, nondescript structure. No bigger than an office cubicle, it sat beside a towering double-helix-shaped building. Khalia followed the projection, tracing the path they needed to take. Two bridges, two very steep bridges. Her stomach twisted as she glanced at the swirling clouds around, the platform already swaying from the flow of bodies. A thrumming pulse settled behind her temples the moment she took her first step forward. She avoided roller coasters for these reasons. "I was just getting used to werewolves and packs. Now there''s Silicon Valley werewolves... and royal gators." She mumbled, catching Diem''s smug grin. "Don''t forget Judith." *~*~* Every step she took, she felt it...that subtle shift in the air, the sideways glances, the weight of people seeing her. Not just looking. Seeing. It was the kind of scrutiny she knew well. Back then, it was different, less blatant in her town, but there. The way strangers clutched their purses tighter when she passed. The way some teachers condescended, or bosses over-explained as if she spoke in tongues. Always expected to be louder, rash, and angrier than she was. So she learned. How to smile just enough, how to hold herself in a way that made her less of a threat. But this here...this was different. They weren''t looking at her like she was dangerous. They were looking at her like she didn''t belong. An oddity walking with them. Kirma. The word clung to her skin; an insult spat at her feet. One woman''s nose wrinkled as she passed, a man muttered something under his breath, his eyes shifting when she caught him gawking. A mother scooped her daughter up after Khalia caught the child''s gaze, the colorful beads in her hair knocking together. Her growl dripped with pure venom, making Khalia halt in her step. She bit the inside of her cheek, her jaw tightening but continuing at a slower pace. She never asked to be this, never wanted it. But here, it didn''t matter what she desired. The moment they saw her, they had already decided. Parasita''s growl rumbled through her, low and simmering. "They look at you like you ain''t gotta home," she muttered. "Like you don''t even belong to yourself." Khalia''s fingers curled, nails cutting into her palms. Ahead of her, Diem slowed. For a second, she almost protested. But then, his hand found hers. Not tugging. Not dragging. Just...holding. Steady. Firm. Unshaken. And like that, the air changed. The stares didn''t disappear, but they shifted. No longer just her, but now them. Diem moved through the world like it owed him space. No rush, no need to prove anything. He was always in control. Even when he wasn''t trying, the world bent to him, not the other way around. And her? Her being his Luna was a mistake. A fluke. A glitch in the universe. Parasita''s voice slithered back into her thoughts. "Do you think he''ll still care once you''re human?" The question struck deeper that she wanted to admit. The answer heavy on her tongue, unspoken but undeniable. Instead, she only tightened her grip on Diem''s hand, and walked on.