"Just cast the spell already," Otrea pced her hands on her hips. After antagonizing Eurycelia, she finally convinced the councilwoman to cast a pact making spell on her. Now standing in the middle of a chalk circle, Otrea—as the pixie Weyr—waited for Eurycelia to officially bind her to herself.

  "As you wish," Eurycelia's replied softly, her voice cking any hint of emotion. Gazing lifelessly at Otrea she raised her hand and began to chant.

  Orange light radiated out of Eurycelia's palm, encircling Otrea. Unlike the magic I'd seen so far, the pact spell didn't end quickly. It was slow and methodical. The orange light wrapped itself around Otrea, tracing up her arms and legs. When the spell finally came to a close, Otrea's limbs were marked with faint serpentine tattoos.

  "There," Eurycelia breathlessly sighed. "Now that you bear the mark of Tir, we are as one. You are now my familiar, Weyr."

  "Fascinating," Otrea giggled as she inspected her limbs. "I can feel you. Your magic, your emotions, the beating of your heart. It's as if they're all mine, and yet I have no means of controlling them. Amazing!" Otrea flew into the air, pressing her hands against Eurycelia's cheek. "I'm overwhelmed with the compulsion to aid you. It's like a charm I can't dispel."

  "And... that's a good thing?" I asked, confused by how Otrea could say something so horrifying as if it was something positive.

  "It's intriguing," Otrea responded twirling in the air before roosting atop Eurycelia's head. "I've never felt anything like this before. It's completely novel. If Lady Eurycelia doesn't dispel the pact when we're done, it'll take actual effort for me to get free."

  It was a relief to know Otrea believed she could break free, even if I didn't believe Eurycelia would hold her hostage. The familiar pact compelling Otrea to aid Eurycelia made me uncomfortable. It sounded too much like magical servitude.

  "It is a ever present compulsion, but it is not absolute. She can still disobey." Eurycelia must have noticed my discomfort and sheepishly tried to expin.

  "Not that a normal pixie would," Otrea added as she took roost atop Eurycelia's head. "They're simple-minded creatures. Another reason this is the perfect disguise!"

  Otrea's fascination with being Eurycelia's familiar alleviated my anxieties a bit. I was still a bit unsettled by the thought of Otrea being compelled to aid Eurycelia, even if the councilwoman could be trusted.

  "Now then, we should hurry off to the castle," Otrea pyfully pulled on Eurycelia's horns. "Come on, Mistress, onto the stage!"

  Eurycelia stood and with made her way to the stone stage. As she passed Harriette, Eurycelia lowered her head apologetically.

  Once Eurycelia was in position, Otrea waved at me. "Take care Bernice! I'll see you in the capital soon!"

  "Bye," I awkwardly waved wondering what Otrea was up to. Why'd she order Eurycelia onto the stage?

  Spreading her wings, Otrea fluttered into the air. Spreading her arms wide she began to chant causing a bright purple aura to encircle the stage. Eurycelia and Otrea both began to distort. Colors blurred together around them, as a powerful wind whipped through the study. A deep earthen roar caused me to flinch. A second ter, Eurycelia and Otrea were gone.

  "What was that?!" I asked Harriette as I made my way over to the stage. Despite everything I'd seen and heard, there was no sign of disturbance. They were just gone.

  "Teleportation Gate," Harriette softly sighed as she came to stand beside me. "It requires exceptional skill and a prepared gate like the one before you to cast."

  "Can you use it?"

  "If only I could," Harriette's eyes had a tinge of longing as she gazed in the direction where Eurycelia and Otrea had vanished.

  Harriette's gaze became unfocused, lost in thought for a moment. "I wish she wouldn't go pces I cannot follow."

  The loneliness in Harriette's voice surprised me. I knew she cared deeply for Otrea, but it almost sounded as if her feelings went beyond respect and admiration. Despite my curiosity, I decided not to meddle. Harriette's feelings were likely too complex for someone like me to offer anything constructing. Even if we'd grown closer since my arrival, I was still an outsider.

  After a long silence, Harriette blinked slowly, her eyes snapping back into focus. "We will resume your lessons tomorrow. Take the rest of the day to rest."

  "I feel rested. If you're up for teaching me, I'm willing to learn."

  "No," Harriette shook her head. "You shouldn't push yourself, Bernice. Rushing things will only lead to injury."

  As Harriette turned to leave I couldn't help but notice how stiff she'd become. Frustration radiated off of her. I realized Harriette herself was the one who needed to rest, but she must've felt admitting it was wrong.

  "Harriette," I called out. She paused at the door, looking back at me with furrowed brows.

  "Yes?" Harriette replied softly.

  I hesitated, unsure if I should continue down this path. But something about Harriette's demeanor made me feel like I had to speak up.

  "Are you...okay?" I asked, trying to phrase my question delicately.

  Harriette's gaze fell to the floor. "I'm fine, Bernice."

  Her reply did little to convince me not to meddle further. Even if I was still ignorant to the depth of Harriette's retionship with Otrea, I decided to press further. I opened my mouth to speak, but Harriette was already gone. The door clicking shut behind her.

  Now that I was alone, I decided to return to my room. Nothing good would come from chasing Harriette down. As I reached for the door, it flew open. I stumbled backward wondering if Harriette had finally stormed back to vent her frustrations.

  Instead of Harriette, Lyre stepped into the room. "Bernice!" Lyre slipped in uncomfortably close and took me by the hand. "You're free now right?"

  "Y-Yes," I nodded, stuttering in surprise.

  "I thought so," Lyre's cheeks flushed as her gaze trailed Otrea's study. "Will you spend some time with me?"

  "What about Kyra and Adelita?"

  "Lady Adelita has asked that I give her some space, so I figured this would be the best time possible for us to get to know one another."

  "Uh, I don't know," I stammered, trying to process the situation. How had Lyre showed up so quickly? "Harriette wanted me to rest."

  Lyre released my hand and took a step back. "I'll serve you some tea. I promise our time together will be restful."

  "Okay." With a nod I allowed Lyre to lead me to a small dining room. It wasn't far from Kyra's bedroom. From the look of it, Lyre was likely the only person who ever used it.

  "Please sit," Lyre pulled down a tea pot and filled it with water from a nearby jug. She then pced the pot over a small oil burner before taking a seat opposite me.

  "You don't use magic?" Everything Lyre had done was something I knew spells could easily perform. It didn't make sense for someone, especially not one of Otrea's accomplices, to carry out everything manually.

  "Warbeast are typically quite poor at magic," Lyre gaze dropped. "I'm worse than average. In Ciriczar I'd be called a pujurile—a clear soul."

  "Clear soul?" I raised an eyebrow, uncertain how being a pujurile reted to being poor with magic.

  Lyre looked up and fshed a somber smile. "There's a special kind of sight. It allows people to see woven mana like a colorful light seeping out of the body of a sorcerer. According to those who have it, everyone's magic has a color. Regardless of the kind of spell you're using, your color never changes. Being clear... means cking light. I can't use magic."

  I nodded, unsure of what to say. Being surrounded by amazing sorcerers like Otrea and Harriette must have made Lyre's condition even harder to endure. I certainly would've been a little depressed if someone told me I'd never be able to perform the supernatural feats I'd already witnessed.

  A sharp whistle from the tea pot sent Lyre into motion. With practiced hands she made a pot of tea, and gingerly pced a cup down in front of me.

  "Thank you."

  "You're welcome," Lyre's smile became a bit more genuine. "Lady Kyra told me that you and her are officially dating now."

  My eyes widened in surprise, and I set my tea down without taking a sip. "Do you... not approve of me?"

  "Of course not," Lyre threw both of her hands up defensively. "I would never get in the way of my dy's happiness. It's just... I'm sure you're already aware, when Lady Otrea hired me she asked that I try to become someone Lady Kyra could love. Clearly I failed. I'm not sure I could have ever succeeded."

  "Why do you say that?" I asked. Lyre struck a perfect bance between being both cute and womanly. As far as I could tell, her ck of magic was the only demerit she had.

  "Because I'm just as inexperienced as you are," Lyre replied with a self-derisive ugh. "But I tried to force my way into her heart. I mimicked the lovers I'd seen growing up, and I made a mess of everything. I'm lucky Lady Kyra has allowed me to stick around as her maid."

  I took a deep breath. "Why tell me all of this?"

  "I want you to keep me," Lyre locked eyes with me, pleading with her gaze. "When you take Lady Kyra and Lady Adelita away, I want you to let me come with you. I want to serve your family."

  "Why?"

  "Because, Lady Otrea doesn't need me. I was hired to care for her daughters... if they're gone, she'll send me home. I don't want to go back there. So, please at least tell me you'll consider it?"

  Otrea didn't strike me as the kind of woman who'd abandon someone just because she didn't have a use for them. According to Harriette, Otrea had tried to send her home, only to give up when she refused. If Lyre wanted to stay, I was certain Otrea would allow her to. Getting Lyre to believe that would likely be impossible. She'd have to hear it from Otrea directly.

  "Kyra and I just started dating," I nervously ran my thumb around the lip of my cup. "I'm not vain enough to believe our future together is guaranteed. But, if she does decide to stay with me for the rest of my life, I'd be gd to have you."

  "Thank you," Lyre rexed. "Should I start referring to you a Lady Bernice?"

  "Of course not. More than anything, I'd like for us to be friends. I'd love to hear you sing someday, and the tea you make is fantastic. Plus, you're the only other warbeast I know. As a former human, having a friend willing to give me some guidance would be a big relief."

  "A simple no would've sufficed," Lyre giggled, her cheeks taking on a pinkish hue. "It's easy to see why Lady Kyra likes you."

  "Sorry," The warmth of embarrassment settled over me. I brought my cup to my lips in hopes some tea would settle my nerves, but it was empty.

  "Would you like me to refill your gss?" Lyre's eyes glimmered with delight as she reached for her pot of tea.

  "Ah, yes please."

  We continued to chat amongst ourselves for a bit until Lyre decided it was time for her to return to Adelita.

  "Next time I'll try to sing for you," Lyre bowed, her tail quivering in delight. "I hope the rest of your evening is pleasant, Bernice."

  "I look forward to having tea with you again." My chest filled with warmth as I watched Lyre walk away. Only after she'd turned the corner and vanished from sight did I return to my own room.

  As I drifted off to sleep, my mind began to wander to all the possibilities that y ahead. The thought of Kyra and me together made my heart race. But she shared a body with Adelita. If I didn't win her over, I wasn't sure how far Kyra and I could go.

  A faint droning sound pulled me from my dreams. Opening my eyes I noticed a peculiar stone on my dresser, giving off a faint golden glow.

  "Stay in bed please," a gentle breeze-like voice stopped me before I could stand. Looking up I noticed a girl standing in the corner of my room. She looked to be hardly the same height as me and kept her blond hair pulled into a pair of waist-length ponytails.

  "Who are you?" I asked, my heart racing. I wondered how fast Harriette would arrive if I screamed.

  "Zrysa, primordial goddess of life and w," Zrysa grinned, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

  I sat up in bed, my mind reeling from the sudden appearance of this teenage-looking goddess. "Then... you're the one who sent me here?!"

  "Bzzt," Zrysa held up a finger. "Wrong answer, Bernice."

  "Did you come for my soul?" I tilted my head in confusion, pressing myself up against the wall.

  "Nope," Zrysa's grin grew wider as she spoke. "Death is Ardie's domain. You've already met them haven't you?"

  An image of the young woman who poisoned me in the cafe came to mind. "She was the goddess of death?"

  "Ardie's gender changes with their whims, but yes, they are the primordial governing both death and the afterlife. Before you ask, no they did not kill you. I would've never allowed such a thing. You're my precious daughter after all."

  For a moment time stood still. Zrysa was my mother? The years of longing and begging Laura to adopt me came flooding back. All those nights crying into my pillows, wishing I had parents like everyone else— was this just some cruel joke?

  “As much as I wish we could hug and enjoy our time together,” Zrysa smile turned awkward, it was then that I noticed I'd been staring at her with my mouth hanging open. “If you get close to me, you’ll die.”

  I stuttered, struggling to form a coherent sentence. The revetion was too much for my mind to process.

  “I think I know what you’re going to ask,” The tip of Zrysa’s finger lit up with a golden glow, and a gss of water materialized in my hands. “We don’t have a lot of time, but I’ll tell you what I can.”

  “I'm sure it was distressing to be abandoned here," Zrysa continued. "I am well aware of Otrea Ladnier's character. I knew that she wouldn't harm you, and hoped she'd protect you, as she has. That is why I had Ardie send you here. But you were never alone, Bernice. My partner, your other mother, also had several fae watching over you.”

  “Other mother?”

  “You’ll meet her someday. But that desecration stone wouldn’t have been able to withstand the tent aether of two primordials.”

  “Did you… give birth to me?” The question tumbled out of my mouth, and I waited with bated breath for her response.

  Zrysa smiled, her eyes crinkling with warmth as she gazed at me. “I did not. But I have been your mother since you were very young. I’m sorry I couldn’t come to see you on Earth. Due to certain circumstances things here were quite tenuous while you were there.”

  “Why was I… why raise me in another world?” My voice cracked as a maelstrom of emotions swirled within me; joy at finally meeting my mother, anger that she'd left me behind, and sadness that we were still separated.

  “Your mother, the woman who gave birth to you, was originally from this world. She achieved something no other mortal has ever accomplished and opened a gate between worlds. Her accomplishment came with a great cost. It mortally wounded her and would ultimately kill her.

  "Unfortunately, she survived long enough to fall in love and become pregnant. If my partner and I hadn't taken action, you would've died with her."

  “Why save me?”

  “Because you were in a position to be saved,” Zrysa's words dripped with a sense of frustration. "And our only chance at having a child of our own. Because of the power wielded by Zaserdizar, the primordial who governs fate, none of our pantheon can have children of our own. But we do not govern Earth."

  “What about Laura?! Where does she fit into all of this? She said my mother was her sister, but if my birth mother came from this world, that’s not possible.”

  “Laura…” Zrysa hesitated as if choosing her words carefully. “Is reted to my partner, in ways I've been asked not to share. But you need not fret about her. Laura is safe, and she knows where you are."

  I clenched my fist, holding it over my heart as it pounded heavily in my chest. Laura was okay? She knew that Zrysa was my mother? Was that why she couldn't adopt me?

  “If we didn’t bring you home, life on Earth would’ve eventually killed you,” After silently waiting for any further questions from me, Zrysa continued her expnation. "But you soul hasn't harmonized. On Earth we had to suppress your divinity, to protect you from the gods which govern it. But that weakened you more than we expected. Now we cannot even be near you. Not until you've fully harmonized, and I don't know how long that'll take.

  "You’ve already learned magic cast upon you causes intoxication. If a divine being was to cast a spell on you, or even remain in your general vicinity for long, you would die. That is why the desecration stone was needed for me to come tonight. The stone is consuming my aether and protecting you from it."

  “You could… send me a letter though, right?”

  “Anything I touch or spent time around is consecrated." Zrysa's response was tinged with a sense of sadness. "You wouldn’t die from a letter, but it would definitely make you sick. Using a mortal priest or oracle isn’t possible either. As we are worshiped as a pantheon, they are all as connected to Zaserdizar as they are connected to me. I don't know who I can trust among the faithful."

  "Why now?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "As much as I've always wanted to meet you... why tonight?"

  “When I leave,” Zrysa gaze turned toward the dresser. “I’ve left you a neckce. For your protection, I’d like for you to wear it always."

  “I know it should be obvious, but… is Otrea not powerful enough to protect me?”

  “She is a great—“ A sudden loud snap followed by the sound of crumbling made Zrysa and I both look toward the desecration stone. A rge crack had formed down the rock’s center. The glow it once gave off began to fade before my eyes.

  “She’s a great defense!” Zrysa continued, her words dripping with urgency. “But she could never overpower Zaserdizar. Laur—my partner is working on a way to protect you further. I love you, Bernice. I’m sorry I couldn’t hold you.”

  With a puff of golden light, Zrysa vanished, leaving me alone and overwhelmed as my room fell into darkness.

  “Zaserdizar,” I muttered the name of the primordial god of fate, my mind reeling with questions and doubts. The one who presumably would try to end my life if he found me.

  I thought about Laura – she knew I was back in this world, but what else did she know? And Otrea... would she be able, or even willing, to protect me from Zaserdizar's wrath?

  As I stood up, I made my way to the door and pulled it open. Otrea's magic which lit the rest of her ir continued to light everywhere except for my room. Using the light from the door way I looked for the neckce Zrysa had left me.

  The neckce was a small delicate thing, silver with a charm of folded wings around a purple and bck gemstone. Beneath it was a small sheet of paper with Laura's handwriting.

  Baby Bernie,

  Happy birthday! I haven't forgotten the manga I owe you. Once I figure out how many stamps I need to convince the postal service to send a package between worlds, I'll send it.

  I love you,Laura

  My body shook with sobs as I colpsed onto my bed.

  "I love you too," I whispered, despite knowing Laura would never hear it.

  Cossimeri