I recounted that I had not slept nor eaten since the previous day. Adrenaline was pumping through my blood and courage from my heart, but that alone proved to no longer hide my hunger and exhaustion. I was walking more than usual, and my feet hurt from the stone pathways. My soft and pliable leather boots were excellent for landing on different types of surfaces and keeping my balance. In contrast, the boots were not designed for treading for lengthy periods of time, especially on stones. The constant state of anxiety and discouragement from the negative responses from the people of the city also drained my disposition; I was slowing down.

  Just make it to the house and worry about sleep and food later.

  I heard loud clanging noises that pierced the air as I passed by a spacious awning nestled between the towering buildings. Smoke and sparks caught my attention. A large, muscular man lifted his metal tool and swung it upon a metal surface. Sparks flew as the loud clash chimed through the air. He repeated his swinging, maneuvering the metal item accordingly. I watched as he then moved the item into a fiery furnace, pulling a chain above that activated a mechanism I did not understand, only that the fire grew vibrant and smoke spewed intensely from the furnace.

  The man was covered in soot; his sleeveless tunic exposed his gray, muscular arms, which were covered in scars. He then removed the object from the furnace, placed it on the metal surface, and began pounding it with a tool once again. He stopped and looked up at me, causing my neck to tense as his glare was one that could pierce through skin if he were to stare any longer. Fortunately, he resumed his work, directing his piercing gaze while swinging his powerful arm with the force of a bear.

  “Hey, git!” someone yelled from behind me, and I jumped out of the way. A young man no older than Lillie approached next to me, pushing a wooden cart full of black rocks. He sneered as he entered the workspace, attempting to imitate the muscular man’s sharp glare, and I quickly resumed walking down the street, hoping to avoid the stabbing sensation pricking my neck.

  The black soot covering him seemed oddly uncomfortable, but maybe that was the blacksmith. I wonder what he is making? Or what he uses with the rocks? Or—

  Up ahead, I saw a wooden sign carved from the red wood of the cedar tree. There were jumbling lines under a curved stick with a string and anther stick but with a feather on one the end, a pointed object on the other. I recalled the woman’s information about The Crooked Bow, and I curiously approached the small building and peered inside the dusty window. Animal pelts lined the walls, as did crates of supplies, and I recognized some metal traps I had once seen in the forests while in my early years of training. A small group of people gathered around a shopkeeper who was showcasing what looked like a weapon of some sort. The group of men were chatting, smiling, and observing the object. Another man was holding up a knife, inspecting its blade that look oddly familiar to the one Lillie carried in her pocket.

  This must be a hunting shop. Maybe this is where Lillie got her knife. She often talked about shops and markets…the trading system is so…complex.

  I counted two houses from the shop, then approached it cautiously. There was a side door with an awning above. I knocked and then quietly waited. I heard a bustling sound of pots and pans, some shouting, and then a rustle of footsteps. The door opened and revealed an older woman who appeared rather disgruntled.

  “What do you want?” she scowled. “I don’t owe taxes for another week!”

  “I’m looking for Lillie,” I said. “I am a friend.” The woman’s face softened, but a slight change into deep concern flushed over her face.

  “Lillie is the daughter of my friend’s neighbor; she lives in the house above.” The older woman pointed up, then suddenly slammed the door, startling me for a moment. I looked over and saw a small spiraling staircase leading towards the upper house, and I walked carefully up the narrow steps. It was made of cob, formed strategically to spiral up to the second house. Again, I feared my weight was not suitable for the infrastructure of the city. But, alas, nothing broke underneath my footing. The surface of each step was small, and I had to walk on the balls of my feet, causing me to feel like a giant trekking up the stairs.

  I entered a small, wooden balcony that was covered by the house from above and a railing that overlooked the street below. Two wooden stools stood on either side of the door. A small wooden table had a clay pot that smelled strongly of herbs; a wooden tube with carved holes sat near the pot, stirring more curiosities within my mind of this complex world. I knocked on the door, then noticed there were only small windows upon the door. The wood was artistically carved, not of cedar but from a different type of tree I did not recognize. I noticed the variations in building materials, from the red cedar to the oak-like wood, the cob staircase, and the many different types of stones.

  How interesting. Everything is made from different materials. There are so many details…so many—

  “Who’s there?” a muffled voice called from behind the wooden door.

  “Greetings, my name is Sable,” I called back. I bent over, leaning closer to the door. “I am a friend of Lillie.”

  “What do you want?” the feminine voice asked.

  “I’ve come to see Lillie,” I said.

  A revelation suddenly popped into my head—I had no idea what Lillie’s parents knew about me. Perhaps I needed to continue to lie about my purpose? Although I knew my reason was to see her and meet with her to affirm her wellbeing, I thought about the fish from my earlier encounter. The door slowly opened up, revealing a woman cautiously looking up at me. Her face resembled that of an older Lillie, but perhaps more disgruntled.

  This must be her mother, Marie.

  “Friend of Lillie?” she said while opening the door wider.

  “Yes, I am Sable. We are friends and I have some things to discuss with her,” I said, hoping to build better trust of my purpose of visiting. The woman was old, had deep-set wrinkles on her forehead, and had faded gray hair. Her brows were thin, and her green eyes were hooded, almost engulfed by the dark circles underneath. She smiled with one feigning friendliness and rolled-up her sleeves, showcasing her aged skin even more.

  “Welcome, Sable, please come in,” she said and quickly stood aside to allow me within the house. “I’m Marie, Lillie’s mother.” I walked in, looking around cautiously. The ceiling was low, but not enough to bend my figure, only when walking through the doorway.

  “You must have traveled a long way,” she said. “Are you hungry?” My stomach growled instantly, and the aching shot a sharp pain through my abdomen. My eyes felt heavy, and my feet were weary from extensive walking. I felt safe for a moment—at least safe enough to reenergize my body. I remembered Lillie specifying that there were no rivers in the forest, and the complexities of retrieving food too formidable for me to even attempt by myself.

  “I am hungry,” I said. “But I don’t want to bother you.”

  “No bother at all. I was just preparing food for dinner, but you can have some leftover breakfast if you so desire.” My stomach continued to make growling noises, as if the invitation was directed to my belly. The smell of familiar aromas filled my nostrils. I recognized the scent of bread and potatoes. I could feel closer to Lillie already.

  Marie beckoned me to follow her into the kitchen. We walked through a narrow hallway, passing by two doors, and entered a large, dim room that was rather stifling, but at least smelled wonderful. There was a small wooden table with three chairs in the corner, and, within the domed, clay fireplace, a pot steamed over the flames with delicious smells. Under the flames was a metal door, in which Marie leaned down to open, and pulled out a brown loaf of bread, and I recalled Lillie speaking about how often she had to clean the oven. There were giant pots on stones lining the walls, and dried plants hanging from a wooden beam across the ceiling. I noticed large legs of animals hanging as well, and recognized the crates filled with dirt-covered potatoes that I once helped Lillie clean during one of our cooking adventures.

  I watched as Marie scooped with a wooden spoon in a pot, then poured the contents of mush into a wooden bowl, then moved it over to the wooden table. She gestured for me to sit, and I sat down and ate the soft mush. I began to feel even more ravenous, and Marie continued to bring bits of dried fruits, then nuts, and, soon, a slice of the freshly baked bread, which I shamelessly gobbled up every crumb placed before me.

  “You are hungry!” she said with a cackle. “I will need to cut more meat up for dinner—if you desire to stay, of course.”

  “Oh, please do not overwhelm yourself for my sake,” I said as I lifted my head up, and placed the empty bowl down on the table. “I have just forgotten to eat anything today—or sleep.” I didn’t know the time of the day, for I normally would calculate by the position of the sun. However, in the forest, there was no sun—only a looming darkness from above.

  “Gracious, you must be exhausted,” she said while stirring the pot over the open fire. “Would you like to rest?”

  Lillie. I must see Lillie.

  “Please, I am looking for Lillie,” I said desperately, and I tapped my finger against the table.

  “Lillie is at work.” The woman smiled reassuringly as she brought another bowl of mush and patted my shoulder. “You can see her tonight at dinner. What trading did you bring for Lillie?”

  Trading? Oh, right. Yes, she must assume I’m here to trade with Lillie…

  I did not want to tell Marie the truth. She was being kind, but perhaps because she only thought I was a merchant or some type of traveling trader I once heard Lillie speak about. I was, in fact, a foreigner—to the others, a nuisance or a fearful creature they mistook me fore. It was clear, by now, that Lillie was well known and often made trades, or connected with others—another thing to be hesitant about since it appeared that Marie was not supportive of her daughter’s abilities. However, it was all I had, and, perhaps to keep my position and earn the trust of this woman.

  I thought about the fish again but realized I had not brought any. I needed something for that moment. I looked at my cloak, then at my satchel which I carried attached to my waist belt.

  “A satchel,” I lied. I untied the leather straps from my waist and placed the bag on the table. It was simple—the pouch made from wool and the straps of leather—given to me as a resource to gather my food. Marie walked over and picked up the satchel, observing it. She frowned, furrowing her brows. Then, in a flash, she switched her expression.

  “It smells like fish,” she said, her uncanny smile hiding her disgust. “We have plenty of bags. I’m afraid we have no use for this.” She placed it on the table, then returned to stirring the pot over the fire. My heart began to beat fast, and panic surged through my body as I sensed a change of tone in Marie’s voice. What if she turns me away before Lillie comes home?

  Well, I could just wait outside until she arrives. Yet, what if her mother disapproves of me and unleashes wrath upon Lillie?

  No. I needed to make a strong stance for myself with this woman if I was to prevent harm to Lillie—just like that woman said. I cannot cause my love any harm. I must do right by her.

  “Yes, it’s a satchel to carry fish,” I continued. Marie’s pointed ears perked up and she slowly twisted her neck, looking over her shoulder at me.

  “Are you a fishmonger?” she asked.

  “Yes,” I stated, and Marie tapped the rim of the metal pot and walked over to my side again, holding the spoon over her hand as bits of broth dripped.

  “Well, why didn’t you say so?” she said, her smile beaming wide as her demeanor returned to one of friendliness. “Then, I would be happy to host you as you wait for Lillie to return. I’m sure the two of you have lots to arrange.”

  “Yes, we do,” I replied, steadying my voice as my racing heart began to ease. Although I did not like lying to her, it gave me time and a place to rest while I waited for Lillie to return from work. Marie’s interest in me was based only on what I had to offer her daughter. Perhaps this was my chance to establish myself with Lillie’s parents, including her father, whenever he would come. Hopefully, I could avoid disruption in Lillie’s life, and gain her trust even more now that I was willing to enter this part of her life after she struggled to explain things to me she thought I was incapable of knowing.

  “Is it still possible to rest while I wait?” I asked Marie while she continued to move about the kitchen. The warm environment caused me to feel exhaustion overtake my senses, and I felt as if I would fall asleep sitting at the table.

  “Of course,” she said, then wiped her hands on her covering that was similar to the helpful woman in the city. “After you are finished eating, I will show you to a bed.” I consumed the second bowl of mush, and Marie brought me another. She even offered a fourth, but I refused, feeling as if I would collapse as my stomach felt full, but my body ached for sleep.

  Lillie’s mother showed me to a different room. It was small, like the rest of the house, but filled with beautiful things and earthy scents that I instantly recognized. Dried flowers hung from the ceiling beams, and large paintings were pinned to the walls. Wooden beads, ribbons, and other sorts of strings sat idle on top of a wooden cabinet. Lillie’s new deep green wool coat hung from a hook on the wall, and I noticed that the stain from last month had been cleaned off. I recognized Lillie’s basket sitting on the floor and the blanket lying on the foot of the bed. The smell of plants and dried grass reminded me of her earthy scent, bringing a sense of affinity. But, most importantly, I could smell the floral aroma I loved so much.

  The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

  “I’m afraid I do not have a guest bedroom, but this is Lillie’s room,” the woman stated while smiling. “I’m sure she doesn’t mind if you use it while you rest.”

  “Thank you,” I said. “For the food and also for letting me wait for Lillie. Please wake me upon her arrival. We have much to discuss.”

  “Of course. Lillie’s friends are very important to her, and I wouldn’t want you to feel unwelcome. I look forward to hearing what the two of you arrange. I have many ideas on how to prepare fish.” She beamed with an uncanny smile, slowly disappearing behind the closing door. The metal mechanism clicked, and I was alone.

  I looked around Lillie’s room, allowing the familiar scents to fill my nostrils, making me feel less alone in this foreign city. I removed my boots, my belt and satchel, and my woolen cloak, and I laid the items on the floor. I stood under some hanging plants and drifted my hand into the stems, pressing against the small buds and brought some to my nose.

  Ah—these little purple flowers are what she often smells like.

  I picked a few more and placed the buds in my pocket, then I bent down and picked up the blanket I knew all too well. I brought it close to my nose and breathed in the familiar smells. The soft fibers felt comforting against my face. I laid the blanket on top of the bed, crawled on top, allowing my wings to hang over on the side. I clutched the blanket and pulled it close to my nose, and the scents caused me to feel safe and closer to seeing Lillie again. I didn’t know what to expect, nor could I imagine anything beyond the surprise Lillie would have upon seeing me in her house.

  Yet, she had claimed I was the lone Teragane who could never understand her complex life.

  So, hopefully, this would all prove how far I was willing to go for her.

  I slept for a while, and awoke to the floral scents against the blanket, but, also, the strong smells of the cooking stew from the fireplace. Familiar spices and unknown flavors wafted the room with their desirable scents, intermixing with Lillie’s aroma. I sat up and stretched my shoulders. As my wings extended, a startling noise resounded, and I quickly caught a painting from the wall before it crashed onto the floor from my wings hitting it out of place.

  While I folded my wings, I put the wooden frame onto the hook on the wall, straightening it as if it never fell in the first place. The bed was small—too small for my size. However, it was pleasant. Unlike my stone and animal pelt bed, it was soft, squishy, and smelled like Lillie. I cautiously moved around the room, looking for possible signs of her, hoping that she had returned.

  Her basket sat idle in the corner, clothes scattered across the floor, glass items filled with plants, and odd trinkets made of wood sitting neatly on some furniture. There was an open basket with knitting supplies I had remembered her bringing often to the meadow, and a crimson material caught my eye. Then, my eyes noticed her brown scarf laying across the floor. I realized, nothing seemed different or changed than when I had first arrived.

  I wonder if Lillie is even home yet. She will be so surprised to see me! I can’t believe I slept in her house—on her bed.

  A shiver ran down my spine, and a fuzzy feeling grew in my stomach as I eyed the bed still draped with the meadow blanket. An image of Lillie laying on top caused me to tremble for a moment. Would she be angry that I slept on her bed? Embarrassed? Excited?

  Why do I feel so weird?

  I put my boots on, and draped my cloak over my shoulders, allowing the split material to lay correctly between my wings and over my shoulders. After strapping my belt and satchel to my waist, I adjusted the loose ends of the cloak accordingly, yet the humid air felt stifling with so many layers. I exited Lillie’s room, following the delicious aromas coming from the kitchen. I easily navigated my way back to the cooking area, where Marie was stirring a pot set above the open fire and humming to herself.

  “It smells delicious,” I said, startling Marie for a moment, but she eased her alarm when she gazed upon me with her uncanny smile. Although it was obvious the women were related, Lillie’s smile was more genuine, and her eyes intentional, even if a bit mysterious at times. Her mother? Also mysterious, but, not in a pleasant way.

  “Oh, you’re awake,” she said, her tone causing me to tense. “I hope you slept well. You were asleep all afternoon.”

  “Yeah, I am not used to walking so much,” I said as I sat myself down at the table and I rustled my messy hair timidly. The chair obviously made for the smaller people of the forest squeaked and I felt nervous that it could break, and my wings felt odd being separated by something against my back.

  “Well, as a Teragane, I can’t imagine you ever needing to.”

  “True, but it can be quite useful, especially in dense forests and cities.”

  “Of course. Do you often travel to Cedrus City to sell fish? Do you work for anyone in particular? Lords, families?”

  Oh yeah. I’m a fishmonger…

  “No,” I said truthfully.

  “Oh? Then, you are establishing yourself first as an individual?” she asked.

  “Something like that.”

  “You’re smart. Working for a master will only bring you hardship, unless, of course, you can move up in the classes. But I can hardly imagine someone like you able to do that.” She eyed me with that unpleasant expression, and my eyes darted away. “And, you picked the right girl to establish your individual trade. Lillie is an excellent resource. She knows many people and can establish a good trading arrangement. Of course, she also demands a high price for such vendee purposes.” Marie chuckled, obviously pleased with herself.

  “And she deserves a reward for her extensive pursuit,” I said, playing the part.

  “Yes, she does. Not many traders have that same attitude. You can get trampled by greedy buyers if you’re too generous. Being without a backer can also be troublesome.”

  “Of course.”

  “Huh, I’ve never met a Teragane merchant before. Life on the mountain isn’t good enough anymore?”

  “I uh—” I realized that I had no idea how much information Lillie’s mother knew about me. I needed to keep Lillie safe but also protect my own kind. “I wouldn’t say that. Lillie and I are old friends. We’ve traded in the past, and I—uh—decided to come see her here.”

  “Ah, I see,” Marie said. “Well, that is very kind of you. Except, I don’t recall Lillie ever bringing home fish before…”

  Oh, great…

  I felt beads of sweat piling on my forehead, and the layers of wool material covering my body felt irritating in the heated cooking room. I had never lied before in my life—I never needed to—and I suddenly felt trapped in my efforts. My throat became dry, and my cheeks felt flushed. The stiff air from the lack of ventilation in the room caused me to choke, inducing a coughing fit.

  “Oh, here, have some water,” Marie said, pouring water from a pitcher into a glass cup. I gulped it down, soothing my dry throat, but my fingers nervously tapped the surface of the table.

  “Thank you,” I said, my voice sounding raspy. She nodded, yet eyed me suspiciously as she awaited my reply. I quickly thought of other things Lillie often brought home. I thought about her stories and her trading different plants and wild food with neighbors.

  Berries, potatoes, plants, seeds, flowers—

  “Trading fish is a new idea,” I said. “We traded plants and berries in the past—uh, I showed her places to find these things outside of the city.” I drank the rest of the water, hoping to hide my flushed face, and I noticed Marie pursing her lips.

  “I see,” she replied. “Well, I’m glad you can make some new arrangements. We could use some different meat sources.”

  “That’s why I’m here,” I lied.

  “I may as well open up a hostel these days. And a trading shop. Everyone is always looking for Lillie and what new plants or creatures she finds in the forest.”

  “Yes, she has a true skill in finding plants and creating something from them.”

  “Of course she does; she learned from me. I taught her everything she knows.”

  “And you have done well.” Marie looked at me and beamed with pride. It appeared she had finally accepted my story, and she happily stirred the pot of food. I let out a long exhale, wiping my forehead while her back was turned.

  Whew…I’m never lying again.

  A sound came from the other side of the house. A door slammed, echoing through the hallway.

  “Excuse me,” she said as her smile disappeared. She then exited the kitchen. My heart started pounding again. The intensity of talking with Marie overwhelmed me, but now I was filled with a new kind of excitement.

  Lillie must be home from work.

  I stood up, patted down my clothes, and brushed down my wing feathers. There was a hanging steel pot where I noticed my reflection. I walked over and saw my face clearly for the first time. My hair was a black, tangled mess. I tried combing with my fingers, patting down the sides, but it was useless. My hair looked like a bird’s nest after the eggs had hatched and learned to fly, leaving behind a disaster of upturned sticks. Then, I noticed my eye color for the first time.

  Red—crimson red, like the deep color of berries in the woods or that material I saw in Lillie’s room. My eyebrows were thick but jagged, black as night, like my hair. I opened my mouth and noticed my sharp canine teeth. My jawline was angular and smooth, and my nose was narrow and straight. I saw myself for the first time and was not impressed, particularly how messy my hair looked—and my eyes. I stepped back, noticing how formidable I looked with my black wings, dark clothes, and my red, piercing eyes.

  Whoa. I had no idea I looked this ragged. No wonder people keep looking at me weird…

  I heard noises coming closer, and I quickly turned to face the entrance. My physical appearance, for the moment, did not matter. My thoughts returned to seeing Lillie again, but I did not see her. Only a man entered with Marie.

  “Sable, this is my husband, Bene,” Marie said while her expression had changed to one of distress.

  “Hello, Sable,” the older man said.

  “Greetings, Bene,” I replied with a slight bow. Marie immediately served dinner, beckoning for me to sit back down. The three of us sat around the table and ate quietly. My stomach had grown hungry again, but the feeling of nervousness still swirled through my mind. Yet, here I was, once again thinking how I could establish my place in Lillie’s world while sitting with her parents.

  Bene was a little taller than Marie, but much older. His face had deep-set wrinkles, and his skin was gray as stone. In the firelight, Marie’s undertones were somewhat visible, but Bene had no hint of the vibrant undertones of the cool hues. His hands were rough and scarred, similar to Lillie’s, but much worse. His hair was gray with dark undertones of brown and black. Similar to other men I saw before, it was braided, and pinned up, revealing his pointed ears. His full beard was thick and neatly trimmed along his square jawline, and it was dark brown with small patches of white. I easily recognized his loose brown shirt and leather trousers, remembering all the times Lillie used to mend clothes in the meadow.

  Marie smiled sweetly at me, but I noticed a sense of discomfort, perhaps a dose of concern. Bene looked exhausted, disgruntled, and unbothered by my presence. We ate in silence; only the sounds of wooden spoons and slurping were heard.

  “This meal is delicious,” I said, breaking the silence. Marie smiled at me and nodded her head. Bene’s eyes did not move as he stoically stared at the table.

  Why hadn’t Lillie returned from work? Why were we eating without her?

  I did not exactly understand the customs or rituals of these people, but I remembered many stories that Lillie talked about eating meals together as a family. Sitting in silence, eating their food, and not knowing anything about Lillie’s whereabouts was slicing away at my heart. The intensity of the reticence pressed me to find the answer I so desperately sought.

  “So, why is Lillie not here for dinner?” I asked. “Does she usually arrive home well after the sun has set?” The older man paused his eating completely. He dropped his hand on the table with a loud thud. Suddenly, he stood up, pushing the table slightly, and glared at me.

  “Marie, I need to talk to you in private,” he announced, and she looked alarmed, her eyes widening, and they walked into the other room, closing a door behind them. I heard the muffled sound of intense conversation, eventually leading to yelling.

  What could be wrong? Is it me? Are they hiding Lillie from me? But why feed me and shelter me? Why is Lillie’s father acting so strange? Is he hiding something from me?

  A whirlwind of questions and undesirable thoughts overwhelmed my mind as I tapped the table and bounced my foot. Did Lillie not want me around? Did something happen? Do they know about me and my suggestion for Lillie to leave this life behind?

  My heart dropped as I halted my nervous tapping.

  Over the years, Lillie spent less and less time with me due to her obligations. Was this the final act of cutting me out of her life?

  No—she would have said goodbye, wouldn’t she?

  What is going on? Where is Lillie? If only I could just talk to her. Yes, if I could just talk with her and understand from her what she wants, then I would do as she pleases. If she wants me to leave and never see her again, then so be it. But what if she is in trouble? What if she is being hidden against her will? What if…?

  “Young man,” Bene said with a firm voice as he entered the kitchen again. I stood up, pushing the chair behind with my wings, and my figure towered over him, causing him to puff up his chest like an animal trying to intimidate a formidable opponent.

  “We are grateful for the offer of arranging trade with Lillie, but we decided that Lillie needs to focus on her current work,” he said. “You should not bother her at her home ever again. So, go back to where you came from. Cedrus City is no place for your kind.”

  “Bene, please,” I said. “I am only concerned for her well-being. You see, we planned to meet yesterday, but she did not arrive, and that is not like her. I just want to know if she is well.” Bene’s gray eyes glared and a slight twitch appeared under one eye.

  “I do not want you to ever meet with my daughter again. You are nothing but a distraction from her work. She is too old to be fluttering about with—well, people like you.”

  My eyes widened as my hands curled into fists at my side.

  “Respectfully, I do not agree,” I said calmly. “Lillie has always prioritized her life well. I see no reason for you to claim such an opinion.”

  “Shameful of you to speak so intimately of my daughter. How do you even know her? Did you attempt to pick her up as a meal? Teraganes don’t belong here. You’re nothing but savages of the mountains, feasting on the farm animals like demons in the night.”

  “I—I am not a savage. Please. I need to know where Lillie is and if she is well.”

  “I owe you nothing. My wife has already given you too much. Leave, now, before I call the enforcements to drag you out of the city.”

  His threats were obvious, his stubbornness and anger similar to Lillie’s, but nothing of the sort of capable of reasoning with. I lowered my eyes, and slightly bowed.

  “Your wife has been hospitable, and I would like to thank her for her kindness.”

  “She is a fool to show a savage any sort of kindness. Get out and never return.”

  I walked past the angry man, his eyes still glaring as I quickly passed by him. He followed me from a distance as I looked for Marie. I heard her exit the room across from Lillie’s. She was wiping tears from her eyes, and she hobbled to the door. She looked at me with a grin, but a sense of fear emanated from her reddened eyes.

  “Marie, thank you for your kindness and delicious food. Please tell me, where is Lillie?” I begged the woman. I could hear the man walking faster toward me as Marie’s face sank into a shallow terror, and she lowered her gaze completely as I stepped closer to her.

  “My daughter is making a great career for herself, and I’m afraid she has no time for trading with outsiders anymore,” she said. “I’m glad you feel rested and filled, but we can unfortunately no longer host you.” She bowed and opened the door for me, and a breeze pressed against my sweaty face. Her hands trembled, and she folded them behind her back, but she kept her head bowed, refusing to look at me.

  “Leave, now, I will not ask another time,” I heard Bene’s voice come from behind me. I had a strong urge to attack him. I wanted so badly to turn and grab him, push him into the wall, and demand to know where his daughter was. My hands balled into a fist, and my muscles tightened.

  I could easily overtake him and threaten him. He is weakened by age. I could use my strength, size, and terrifying stature to interrogate him.

  I could do it.

  I turned around and looked straight into Bene’s eyes.

  I was so angry. I was ready to act; I was ready to pounce on him, grab him by the neck, and force him to answer me. I felt the raw strength, inspired by the power of the bears, gather in my arms and flex my fingers—the savagery rising within.

  When I looked at him, I felt the intensity of both of our glaring eyes. Yet, for a moment, his eyes mirrored Lillie’s. They were soft and caring—conflicted. As I stood face-to-face with Lillie’s father, I saw the hurt in his eyes. I saw pain, and an unmistakable aura of terror. That man, angered in his face, a threat to my own pursuance of Lillie, was no more than just a terrified man who saw me as a threat—like a savage.

  Was I?

  I lowered my hands and relaxed my muscles, yet my wings still twitched.

  No.

  “Good evening,” I said respectfully and exited the house, and the door slammed loudly behind me.