Chapter 15

“Shepard,” Ebony had nudged my leg as the sun began to rise. “Shepard, we found the spell name!”

Another body of fur shifted against my side, Ivory still in wolf-form, half-asleep.

Ebony’s voice is muffled to my blurred consciousness. Spell? What spell? I was having the best dream of surprising Mom with her childhood bubble gum. It was her birthday recently, and I had scrapped together a little pinch of money. The nostalgic product took forever to find but I managed it. Gosh, how happy she looked…Don’t disturb me. I want to bask in this moment a second longer.

Mom, you said you were thankful I picked you to be my mom. Are we still going to the buffet for my upcoming birthday…?

“You can manage the dimensional separation! Just as the Nines left this world, you can craft a hidden plane where no one can trace us,” Ebony gave a smile, his eyes suspiciously watery. “The dream you desired, as I knew, you can make it possible, Shepard. You can do anything.” Voice strained, black fluffy ears are lowered in a picture of distress and pride.

Unawareness vanished like a quickly evaporated droplet. The only reason I don’t throw myself forward is Ruby’s presence. The pup is sleeping on my stomach, paws stretched out and gem glittering under the beginning rays of sunlight. It hadn’t been uncomfortable at the time, like a comfortable heating pillow.

“Ebony? Don’t cry.” My throat felt closed-up with sleep, but I forced my eyes to blink away the remaining fog.

“A few tears will not harm me, Big Sister.” Ebony quietly reasoned.

“Yet I panic,” I declared, eying him up and down. “Are you hurt? What’s the bad news?” For what other reason does Ebony have to weep?

“The only other magical creature capable of tuning to your magic has been wiped from this world,” Ebony shuddered out. “We must venture into the heart of Asken and find the remains. Steal the source for ourselves. As well as the actual spell book, Fakir only had half a copy.” The shame dripped from every word, his eyes were averted from mine.

“What power source?” I mimicked, using a free hand to smooth back strands of messy mint hair.

“Asken runs their kingdom on an ancient artifact made from the heart of a golden beast.” Fakir called from a short distance away, his hat missing.

Opal wore it instead, sitting with pride.

“The Asken people power the city with it.” Ebony admitted, still unwilling to make eye-contact. “Water plumbing, water power, Asken is advanced in several ways.” He released a soft breath. “The artifact served as a core point of their development for years. I believe Fakir implied it all started with the founder needing a light to stay bright during the late hours of the night…”

“Oh, a long-lasting battery,” I knocked my head back against a tree. “I suppose we’ll be playing the part of thieves after all.” I let the silence settle into the bone. “Are we truly thieves if I’m going to set their soul free afterward? It may feel regretful, but we’ll have to take the artifact for ourselves.” This was the big break, throwing the opportunity would lead to more chances of capture and hunting.

…At least that Hunter hasn’t shown themselves again.

“And what of the people?” Fakir inquired, tone soft and fragile. “Without their power source, everything will be thrown into chaos.”

Odd questions, were these two pleading with me? No. …Was Fakir the one pleading? What was Ebony’s motive of sorrow here?

I very carefully, do not turn to Ebony as I cocked my head in Fakir’s direction. “...Then they lose their primary advantage, it’ll shake them but really, shouldn’t they have a back-up by now?” I waved a claw casually through the air. “They’re meant to be advanced, right? And, it’s a kingdom of scholars! They will figure something out. Kingdoms are hit with disaster all the time, but an intellectual kingdom? They commonly have many Plan Bs.”

There is a chill in my heart. A pinch to my soul. A bend of the ears.

I am lying.

When I was younger, an elementary schooler, my home state was hit with a hurricane. Several neighborhoods lost power for weeks. No heat in the cold winter, no hot water, and no electricity to warm up meals. I remember rushing home in the snow to a house without power, joining my brothers in the blankets because we were all quivering from the cold air leaking into the house.

And Mom had arrived with heat warmers from an elementary teacher who noticed our predicament.

Life without electricity/power can be ruthless. In the present, in this new world, I can taste the chill of winter air.

I do not know what will become of the people in this kingdom, Asken.

Still, I do know when there is disaster and tragedy, often, people will stick together and fight to thrive. It doesn’t always have to be violent. It doesn’t always end in bloodshed. There is always good in the seemingly endless darkness.

Like my death. It had been final. Painful.

And yet…

I nudged Ebony with the back of my hand, then tapped Ivory awake with another. Both twins, unharmed and healthy. “I’m just trying to prevent my wards from fates worse than death. I wish these Dullings a successful recovery, truly, if the worst happens.” That at the very least, was the honest truth. “Do you resent me for that, Fakir?”

Fakir gave a hoarse laugh. “After what my pursuer tried to do to you? If the world calls you but a Beast, then I, a Dulling with magic, can only deem himself lucky he didn’t grow scales.” He tossed a glance to Opal, who kept still as a vigilant statue. “I may be upset, but I cannot fault you. Sometimes, all you can do is look out for yourself and your loved ones when backed into a corner.”

Ebony, no longer wet-faced, offered me a hand. “It is as Fakir said, Shepard, we do what we must to keep ourselves safe. May your difficulties…Be eased.”

Difficulties.

Do you really think this heist will end in the deaths of many, The thought tickled my mind, brief, uncertain. Or force my hand to do the very thing I declined? A horrifying prospect, really.

The future is always uncertain, never quite set in stone.

I take Ebony’s hand, gently sliding Ruby to the ground as I stand. The pup curled into a ball and did not stir. “And what about you, Fakir? What will you do?”

Fakir turned to eye the sun beginning to peek into the early shine of morning.

“I can tell you’re uncomfortable when I step too close, Shepard. Last night, you slept far away because you felt threatened by my presence.” Fakir absentmindedly said. “I won’t impose myself on you or your group. Furthermore, I don’t wish to live in a land with just Gem Wolves and Ebony–No offense.”

Ebony scoffed while Ivory, who was now fully awake, seemed amused judging by the light twitch of a white ear.

“No, it’s your choice,” I will not comment on strangled nerves unable to refute his observations. “I only wonder how you’re going to fend off the Hunter and future annoyances.” I am unaware if the situation had been the first attempt of abduction. Ebony held him back, so I lack knowledge if Fakir would’ve been able to do anything.

Fakir straightened himself. “After all that,” He gestured to the wolves, to me. “I refuse to roll over and go back. I will figure something out, or die trying.” His resolve sounded like knives, but all I can hear is spite and resentment.

My eye twitched. It did not go unnoticed.

“Don’t be foolish now,” Ebony warned, low and hearty. “Shepard is telling you to be careful. Don’t worry her with your incessant recklessness.” A pinch of irritation burned in his words, carrying the same wavelength I held.

“Then I will state my own competence, here and now.” Fakir dusted himself off, grasping the hat as Opal lowered their head to return the accessory. “I am specialized in support, defense magic. When I initially left home, I knew little. After spending years in Asken, I expanded my knowledge. I reasoned, if I had magic, why wouldn’t I learn the most I could in utilizing it?” Fakir tucked the hat over his eyes. “I wish you the best of luck, Shepard. This world can be full of merciless Dullings, unkind to those they are envious of.”

Fakir’s voice trembled with exhaustion. He must’ve been awake longer than I have.

“They call you a Beast because they cannot grasp the same level of freedom as you.” Fakir curtly informed. “No, I don’t fault you. In fact, I hope you succeed.” Fakir gave a heavy exhale. “Succeed and survive…Here,”

A blur of white is tossed.

Ivory snatches the bag out of the air before it could sail into my claws. He drops it to his paws, and little marbles trickle out.

“It’ll help you during your quest.” Fakir warily eyed Ivory before he turned. “Thank you for the talk, Ebony. It was enlightening,” Fakir calmly commented, to which Ebony grinned right back.

“You as well, Fakir. A shame we only had a brief meeting like this. Don’t die.” Ebony bowed, sardonic.

“Same to you. Take care of Shepard.” Fakir offered a much more respectful bow.

I watched this, puzzled. As did Ivory, if his raised ears told anything about ‘wolfy confusion’.

A glance at Opal and it seems even they were enticed by a new revelation.

“I do not need the reminder but thank you kindly!” Ebony beamed.

“Then, I will head out. It would be terrible if more Hunters grasped your trail. …Not that it would happen so soon. Your…Assistant, Ebony was thorough.” Fakir gave a wave and began to walk. “If we do not see one another again, then may your happiness follow you all along with glory! Thank you for the peaceful night, everyone!”

Ebony hummed in approval, offering a light wave from his spot.

I also waved a claw, staring harder as Fakir gave Ebony one last glance before departing faster.

…Uh-Huh, yeah, not going to pay much more attention to that. How nice. Princes are becoming an odd threat to my peace of mind.

“If I see him again, Ivory,” I whispered, and Ivory’s white ear flicked. “You have my permission to bite. Not too hard, but enough to be a warning.”

Ivory glanced at Ebony, who still watched the scholar-prince-runaway walk off into the sunrise, and gave an understanding nod.

Great.