Chapter 1 - Purity of blood

780 I.C (Imperial Calendar), December 13, Everwinter - Outer Trade District, Midday

The air was cool and crisp inside the outer trade district. Darkness loomed in the large cavern and shadows danced across the floor as a gust tore through the area and made the torches struggle.

A heavy slam was heard as the gates shut and sealed another caravan inside.

People were smiling and their voices were warm and rich as the tradesmen tried to pitch their goods.

Sight and sound wasn't all though as the smell and atmosphere told of something else, tension, fear. There were also the moments when their masks fell, glimpses where one could see the desperation that had brought them to a place such as Everwinter.

I moved along the darkness, skulking between torches and dancing shadows as I maneuvered the tents in search of prey. My nose caught something, spicy, strong, yet sweet with a hint of fruit, Krobian liquor.

I followed it and found myself by a tent shielding two large wagons as well as a stand in the process of opening business.

The stand was occupied by two traders, one was a female human with rich flowing auburn hair. Her relaxed expression seemed almost genuine as she unpacked trinkets from a large box and put them on display. I doubted it was her first time here.

The other one though, a lanky mutt just a tad taller than her was dressed in leather armor, he looked tense like the string of a harp.

I moved up from behind, leaned close to the mutt, and waited for him to notice my presence.

The mutt smelled something, turned his head, and then grew wide eyed in surprise as he saw me.

"Hi!" I said with a nefarious smile.

The mutt jumped in fear and reached for his scabbard but then caught himself and froze.

Moments later the mutt made a forced smile and gulped, "You're not supposed to be back here."

The woman reacted, looked back, noticed me, and then made a warm smile, "Welcome."

Yeah, not her first time here...

I pointed at the box she was holding, "You're selling trinkets?"

The woman lifted the box and turned around so that I could see the inside, "Fashioned metal from around the world, treasured heirlooms, artifacts of ages long passed, no mere trinkets."

I glanced into the box and saw what I had come to expect, stylized metal, brooches of all kind, most of which featured glass or crystal, in other words, trinkets, boring ones at that.

"Don't you have something more exciting than this junk?" I asked.

The ears on the mutt perked and his lips pulled back a little as if insulted.

Let me guess, you're the one that forged most of them?

The woman reached into a corner of the box and fetched a piece wrapped in glinting silk. She unfolded it and revealed a metal star fixed with a large red piece of glass in the middle.

"This is the star of Antalos, a treasured artifact in the dunes far south," She whispered.

"Uh huh," I said as I reached out and held my hand near the star, there was no tingle in my fingertip, no sensation of any kind, just dull glass without the slightest magical affinity.

I frowned and glanced up as I met her eyes, "Does the people south worship colored glass without even the slightest hint of magic?"

"It is symbolic, high priests wear it on their chests, it would suit you, it has the same hue as your eyes."

I dismissed it with a wave of my hand, "Not interested."

The woman seemed disappointed, "What does interest you?"

I made a slight grin and pointed at her, "Let's start with your names."

"I'm Katlyn, this is Leonard, my assistant," Katlyn answered with another smile.

"And I take it you're here for the ore like everyone else? Might I suggest you bring something more valuable if you expect to leave with any of it," I said.

"Oh, my apologies, these are free of course, gifts from us, not what we intended to trade," Katlyn said.

"Free?" I asked as I cocked my head.

Katlyn held out the star, "Do you want it?"

I looked down at the star and could see my own reflection in it, a youngling that was still human in appearance with short black hair and eyes that were as red as the glass.

I reached out and took the star as I motioned to the big wagons, "Very well, now tell me about that?"

Katlyn motioned to the wagons, "The finest alcohol the world has to offer, Krobian liquor so strong that not even Everwinter could freeze it."

"Uh huh, well don't worry, you will have your ore," I said as my interest began to wane.

The mutt sighed in relief while Katlyn nodded and spoke, "I'm pleased to hear that."

I withdrew, slipped out of the caravan and made my way back to the passageways where many of the wulfkin were waiting for their scouts.

I didn't fancy being squished so I climbed the crates and looked out over the large gathering of fur and claw.

Father's pure gray hide stuck out from the rest and I motioned with my arms to catch his attention.

He noticed and exited the group while I climbed down to the first level of crates. Father approached and I faced him on equal height as I stood on the big crate.

"What is it Avery?" Father asked with a dark voice as his yellow eyes fixed on me.

White teeth glinted from his muzzle while the strong odor of his breath brushed by my face as I leaned in and pointed toward the area where I had found the liquor.

"Those wagons are held by a female human named Katlyn and a mutt, they claim to have strong liquor."

Father glanced over while a slight if pleased grin spread on his muzzle.

"Good work Avery," Father said as he gave my shoulder a gentle pat and then walked off.

780 I.C, December 14, Everwinter - Outer Trade District, Evening

Boredom made me seek out the caravan once more, the mutt in particular had caught my interest and would make for some good entertainment.

Most of the caravans had started to leave, and the once more warm voices had become hushed and cautious as I moved along the shadows.

It didn't take long to find them once more as I sneaked into their tent and saw the wagons that were now filled with black ore.

The mutt was standing with his back to me and was busy covering the ore with a weather resistant wrap.

My eyes caught on the mutt's clothing, a green tunic, linen trousers in light brown like most of the fur, as well as a sturdy wool cape in black. The cape was split in two and a long tail in flowing brown and black fur wagged in a steady manner.

I thought of pulling a prank on him when I noticed noticed something interesting placed on a nearby barrel. It was a small book, perhaps a diary of some kind.

A mischievous grin spread on my lips as I tiptoed over to the barrel and reached out.

The mutt must have had better senses than I thought as a furred hand snapped the book from the barrel just as I was about to take it.

I jumped back and frowned as I looked at the mutt in anger, the mutt in turn looked tense but serious as he glared back in silence.

"What's that?" I asked as I pointed toward the book in his hand.

"A book," The mutt answered.

I smirked in response, "A mutt like you knows how to read?"

The nostrils on the mutt flared as his frown darkened, "Yes, I know how to read."

"What's it about?" I asked.

The mutt held the book close to his chest and ignored me as he faced the wagon once more.

The nerve...

"You know, one word from me and you'll be dinner tonight," I said with a humored edge to my voice.

The mutt froze like a statue and his tail grew slack in an instant, moments later the tail tried to squirm between his legs as the mutt looked back at me.

"Here, it's yours," The mutt said as he offered the book to me.

A strange sensation hit me as the mutt stood frozen in horror while holding out the book as he cowered.

"Is it important to you? The book?" I asked.

"No, it's just a book," The mutt whispered.

The sensation lingered in my chest and I found myself annoyed by it as I stepped closer and glanced at the cover of the book, 'A brief introduction to the seven kingdoms'

I reached into my pocket, fetched a small lump of ore and held it out in return, "Here, you can have this. It should be worth many times the value of your book."

The mutt glanced back while his ears perked, "... Is this a trick?"

I don't like this sensation...

I shook my head, "No. I'm sorry about the threat earlier, we only eat the ones that do something really stupid, wouldn't want to scare away all the traders you know."

Rather than relief the mutt looked horrified as his ears folded back.

How strange...

"Here, take it," I said as I motioned for him to take the ore.

"Thank you," The mutt said as he took the piece while I grabbed the book.

The sensation ceased and I felt my mood lift for some reason, "Want to talk for a bit?"

The mutt hesitated but then leaned back against the wagon as he pocketed the ore, "Sure."

"Where are you from?" I asked.

"The plains of Krobia, my family are farmers."

"Let me guess, your family owns a big debt and that's why you're desperate enough to come here?"

The mutt made a reluctant nod, "Something like that."

Another sensation hit me in the chest, a slight heartache, pity on his behalf as I tried to imagine his life and perspective on things, it made him seem more like a person, rather than a mutt.

"... I hope you make it back safe Leonard," I said.

What the hell am I saying?

Leonard grew wide eyed and his muzzle opened in surprise, "... Thank you for your concern."

"Tell me about Krobia? Is it green?"

Leonard nodded and made a slight smile, "Yes, it's a bit cold but wild grass grows as far as the eye can see and it blooms with all the colors of the rainbow in the summer. The soil is rocky but fertile if you work it well."

"How odd..." I said.

Leonard made something of a bemused smile for a moment but said nothing.

"What?" I asked.

"Nothing."

"Tell me? I promise nothing bad will befall you, no matter what you say," I said.

Leonard seemed to hesitate, "Are the stories true? Are you really... I mean..."

"A cursed people? We consider it a gift."

"I see," Leonard whispered.

"Anything else?" I asked.

Leonard looked me in the eyes, "You seem... almost kind in a way."

"We're not evil you know. Just... harsh, if a bit cruel. The fact that you're here and that you will leave without harm should be enough to prove that."

"Yes, your people does seem to be... honest for the most part, if a bit mischievous."

I nodded and made a sheepish grin, "Yeah."

"So... are you like... a shape-shifter or something? I mean, you look like a human, for the most part."

I chuckled and hopped up on a nearby crate, "No, the blood of the wulfkin is strong in me, when I mature I'll transform and become like the others."

"Doesn't that scare you?" Leonard asked.

The question struck me as weird, "Scare me? I'll be big and strong, I'll be able to hunt, the cold won't touch me any more, and even the most powerful magic won't be able to hurt me when I receive the blessing of our master."

"I know a bit of magic, have you ever seen it?" Leonard said with an excited smile.

I raised my brow at him, "I'd bet I know more magic than you Leonard."

Leonard blinked in surprise, "I thought wulfkin couldn't wield magic? You were immune to it, like you said."

I held out my hand and aimed at a nearby barrel, it felt like pulling an invisible muscle as I focused, shaped the magic, and reached out.

The barrel lifted into the air and began to spin as I spoke, "It's only mature wulfkin who can't wield magic, I guess it'll be a bit sad to lose that skill."

Leonard stared at the barrel with a stunned expression, "That's rather impressive."

I set the barrel down again and smirked, "You think that's impressive? Seriously?"

Leonard nodded and looked back at me, "Yeah, but I don't understand. Since mature wulfkin can't wield magic, who taught you? And why?"

I frowned, "You shouldn't ask that question, drop it."

Leonard relaxed demeanor dissipated in an instant, "Of course, my apologies."

Hasty footsteps could be heard from behind and I glanced back just in time to see my brother rushing up to us with a look of mischief.

"Found dinner yet?" Raymond asked as he marched up to the crate I was standing by while giving Leonard a hungry smile.

One could almost see a ripple through Leonard's fur as he tensed up once more.

I gave Raymond a gentle push and spoke up, "He's joking, ignore him."

"No I'm not!" Raymond protested.

I gave him an irritated glare, "Yes you are, so shut up or I'll tell father that you're scaring the traders."

Raymond huffed, "Whatever, come on, mother wants to see us."

I hopped off the crate and made a slight wave to Leonard, "Bye."

Leonard gulped and nodded, "Bye."

781 I.C, August 30, Everwinter - Bloodchambers, Morning

Light bloomed from the intricate platform of carved obsidian that surrounded me. It tingled a little as I watched small wisps of magic dance around me.

I looked past the wisps and focused on Rastlin, master of the arcane, valued sage, diviner of blood, kin in service of the family despite his limitations.

Rastlin looked like an old human wizard from one of the story books, he had an intricate robe, gray hair, large beard, wrinkled skin, sunken eyes. The only marks revealing him to be kin were the yellow eyes and black claws jutting from of his fingertips.

"Well sage?" Father asked.

Rastlin moved his hands and I could feel the strands of magic twist as he peeked into my essence.

"Patience," Rastlin whispered as he kept his focus on me.

"We've been here for half an hour," Father growled.

A light jab hit me in the chest and made me jump, moments later Rastlin made a tired sighed and relaxed as the fields of magic dissipated.

"There," Rastlin said the wisps dissolved and the obsidian plate grew black once more.

"Well!?" Father snapped with a snarl.

Rastlin looked over at father, "The blood of the wulfkin runs strong in your sons Javier, you have nothing to fear."

"When do you anticipate they'll come of age?" Father asked.

Rastlin looked back at me, "Your sons are fraternal twins, they should come of age at the same time, say... seven years from now perhaps?"

I sighed in disappointment, another seven years of boredom locked inside a castle, I wanted out, to run and satiate the hunger that boiled inside me.

Raymond stepped up to the circle and smirked as he spoke up, "I'm older, so I'm going to be first."

I couldn't help but chuckle, "You're what? A few minutes older?"

Raymond stuck his tongue out, "Bleh, still older than you!"

Father left the room without a word while Rastlin approached us, "Yes, and until that time you will study hard, understand?"

Raymond faced Rastlin and raised his brow, "Why study magic when we won't be able to use it?"

Rastlin frowned as his dark gaze fell on Raymond, "Magic is more than arcane tricks, it is a way of sharpening one's mind, to focus and control one's inner spirit. These lessons will serve you well no matter your fate."

"Yeah, right," Raymond answered with a mocking tone.

"Insolent pup!" Rastlin raised his hand and flicked a finger in Raymond's direction, in an instant he was flung back and hit the wall with a slam before falling to the ground on all four with a pained grunt.

A pained whimper could be heard as Raymond looked up and bared his teeth while his face twisted in anger and rage. The anger didn't last though as his lips began to quiver followed by a pained sob as he got up and ran out of the room.

Rastlin watched in silence as Raymond ran to the door and then disappeared from sight.

"Rastlin, I have a question?" I said.

Rastlin looked back with a surprised expression, "What is it Avery?"

"Do you..." My voice trailed off as I realized that my question would have no doubt angered him.

"What?" Rastlin asked.

"Never mind, I'll leave," I answered I got on two legs and left the room.

782 I.C, March 4, Everwinter - Home, Midday

Cut around each leg, slice to the backside, pull at the hide, cut at the tail, remove the forelegs...

I glanced over at Raymond and noticed him cuddling with the still living rabbit in his hands.

"Don't play with your food Raymond," I said.

"Just a bit longer," Raymond whispered as he stroked along the fine white fur of the rabbit.

I kept peeling the pelt of my own rabbit when I heard footsteps and the click of claws approaching.

"Quick!" I hissed at Raymond.

Raymond stopped, grabbed his knife, held it to the rabbit... and hesitated.

"What are you doing?" I asked with an irritated frown.

Raymond looked stunned as I decided to take things into my own hands. I reached out and grabbed the rabbit while I shoved my own half-skinned rabbit into Raymond's hands.

The rabbit squirmed as my hands gripped tight around the neck of the critter and twisted.

CRACK!

The rabbit stopped moving while I put on the bench just in time as mother walked into the kitchen.

Mother was a big wolf like father, just a bit slimmer and her fur was thick and brown. Her ears perked as she glanced over at us and then cocked her head with a frown.

I looked up to meet mother's gaze as she stepped up to the table and glared down at me, "That rabbit is going to rot at the pace you're going Avery."

"Sorry," I whispered.

Mother glanced over at Raymond who was just about to finish skinning the rabbit, "Good work Raymond."

"Thanks," Raymond whispered.

Mother sat down at the table and snatched the rabbit from my hands, "This is how you do it Avery."

"Yes mother," I answered.

783 I.C, January 12, Everwinter - Transporter Chamber, Midday

I let my legs sway as I sat on the table while watching Rastlin work on the transporter. It consisted of a large obsidian plate big enough to transport both wulfkin and cargo.

Crystalline spires grew from a focal crystal in the ceiling and it glowed with power while Rastlin was busy socketing smaller crystals into the obsidian plate.

Rastlin glanced back without warning and fixed me with his stark gaze.

I stopped rocking my legs, "... Am I in the way Rastlin?"

"Do not think of setting foot in the transporter, you will be killed the moment you step through."

"I know, pups are not allowed to travel outside the castle without special permit."

"Precisely," Rastlin mumbled as he looked back at the transporter and set one final crystal.

The glow of the focus crystal brightened as magical wisps formed in the air and began to dance around the chamber while arcane runes etched in the obsidian lit to life.

"Would you care to assist Avery?" Rastlin said as he stepped back.

I hopped of the table and joined Rastlin's side, "How?"

"Just flood the area with energy, I'll focus and shape it," Rastlin said.

"Now?" I asked.

Rastlin nodded, "Yes, now pup."

I took a deep breath, exhaled, and then imagined a big cloud filling the room. Warmth burst from within my chest and radiated through my arms as arcane energy began to saturate the air.

Like the current of a stream I felt Rastlin snatch hold of the magic as he began to funnel and shape into something more fitting the arcane construct.

"More," Rastlin ordered.

I focused and forced it to pour out of me, the warmth grew and it made me pant while glow of the crystals became strong like torchlight.

The air inside the platform began to ripple and then turned into dark shadows that formed the outlines of four wulfkin and a number of crates.

Rastlin took a deep breath and reached out with his arms, a large burst of magic rushed forth and an audible clap could be heard as the shadows turned into the real thing.

The lead wulfkin, a large black male that stood in front glared at Rastlin, "What the hell took you so long?"

"Complications with the crystals," Rastlin answered.

The black wulfkin huffed and frowned as he motioned for the others to take care of the crates.

A strange smell hit me, dirt, forest, warmth, it was reminiscent yet far stronger than the smell of the castle gardens.

It made me wonder where the others had been as I watched the lead wulfkin march out of the transporter room with heavy steps and the click of claws.

A drained sensation made me lean back as I sat down on the table while Rastlin walked up beside me.

"Thank you," Rastlin said.

It felt strange yet I found myself making a slight smile, "No problem Rastlin, say, how come teleporters work on wulfkin when no other kind of magic does?"

"Wulfkin are not immune to other sources of magic, just very resistant, that's why we require these large assemblies and rare crystals to help create a... gripping mechanism sharp enough to latch onto wulfkin."

"So I guess transporters like these are in wide use around the world?" I asked.

Rastlin shook his head, "Mastering this kind of magic requires talent, knowledge, training, and resources that are quite expensive down south. Transporters can be found in major cities and arcane academies, but it is not a common mean of transportation."

"I see."

784 I.C, November 20, Everwinter - Outer Trade District, Midday

My instincts shot high as I glanced back and realized that someone was trailing me, It made me bolt to the side as I moved in along one of the tents.

Hurried footsteps followed as I crouched by the flap of a tent and hid. Mere moments later a human wulfkin from my class moved past the tent and looked around in wonder.

I recognized him, white almost silvery hair and ears with canine tips to them, Clyde.

"What are you doing Clyde?" I asked as I rose.

Clyde's pointed ears twitched as he turned around and faced me with a sheepish grin, "Just looking for you Avery."

I frowned in irritation, "Why?"

"I was curious, you've always loved the caravans but something's changed in the last few years. What are you looking for here? Or... who are you looking for?"

"And I'd tell you because?" I asked with a raised brow.

Clyde cocked his head with a hurt look, "Come on Avery, we're friends. If there's something interesting hiding around here then you need to tell us... or me at least."

I sighed, "I take it you're going to follow me around no matter what I do?"

Clyde's big grin grew as he made an eager nod, "Yeah."

I motioned for him to follow, "Come on then."

Clyde followed as I walked along the tents until I caught sight of someone familiar. A lanky mutt with brown fur, sharp ears and a tail with a flowing streak of black fur, Leonard.

My mood lifted as I approached and took note that there was no sight of the human woman, instead it seemed as if Leonard had brought another canine friend.

"Shh," I whispered to Clyde as I crouched and moved to the side of the tent.

Leonard making notes while his companion was standing by a wagon and busied himself by glancing around like a nervous mouse.

I looked back at Clyde with a mischievous smile as I motioned toward the nervous canine. Clyde nodded and headed toward the newcomer while sneaked up on Leonard.

A big grin spread on my lips as I leaned in and caught Leonard's attention. His eyes shot wide in an instant and a ripple seemed to move through his fur as he jumped to the side.

"Hey Leonard," I whispered with a shit-eating grin.

"... Hey Avery," Leonard said after a few moments of stunned silence.

"ACK!" A loud yelp could be heard as the new canine assistant bolted back and fell on his ass while Clyde climbed up on the wagon and made a hearty laugh.

The assistant's face was twisted with horror as he shuffled back on the dirty ground with his tail trying to hide between his legs.

Leonard focused on his assistant and barked out a solid command, "Relax Steven, they're just fooling around."

Steven stopped and then glanced up at Leonard with a look of desperation as his ears clamped to his head, "Oh... okay."

Clyde sat on one of the barrels and made a bemused smirk while I spoke, "Sorry about that Leonard."

Leonard met my eyes and for a moment he looked... angry, that look disappeared in a mere blink of an eye and was replaced by a slight smile and a nod, "It's okay Avery."

You're lying... Because you're scared of me and Everwinter... I don't like that...

"New companion?" I asked as I motioned toward Steven.

"Yeah, that's Steven, he's helping with this year's load."

"Uh huh," I said.

"So who's your friend?" Leonard asked as he looked toward Clyde.

Clyde seemed to hear and made a hungry grin, "We're just looking for tonight's dinner."

Leonard didn't bat an eye, "Sorry, but I've been here too many years to fall for that one."

Clyde's smile faded, "Oh, I see."

"Do you have it?" I asked.

"Yeah, one moment Avery," Leonard said with a nod as he walked over to the wagon, pulled out a sack, and then fetched fine backpack made from leather.

"I found everything you were looking for," Leonard said as he walked back and handed it over to me.

I opened the backpack and made a quick count of the books before looking up with a smile.

"Thanks Leonard, I appreciate it," I answered while fetching a small bag from my pocket.

Leonard didn't even bother to look inside the small bag as he pocketed it, "Much appreciated."

Clyde walked up to us with a curious expression, "What was that? What did you just trade... for some books of all things?"

"Refined helidyte," I said.

Clyde cocked his head in wonder, "What the hell is helidyte?"

"It's a kind of metal," I answered.

Clyde huffed and leaned in as he glimpsed into the backpack, "Did you get any interesting books?"

"Most of them deal with the seven kingdoms," I said.

Clyde stepped back and shook his head, "Those books are going to rot your mind you know."

My eyes caught a strange expression on Leonard's face, it was a look of confusion and something akin to pity as he looked at Clyde.

I ignored what I had seen and focused on Clyde, "Yeah, yeah, whatever."

Clyde looked over at Leonard who now carried a gentle smile, "Got anything interesting to trade?"

Leonard motioned to a nearby display case, "Fashioned metal from around the world, treasured heirlooms and artifacts of ages long past."

"Oh," Clyde said with interest as he walked over to take a look at it.

Leonard motioned for Steven to assist, the canine hesitated for a moment but obeyed as he stepped over to the display case.

I focused on Leonard, "So, have you paid off your debt yet?"

Leonard nodded, "Yeah, I have."

"So why are you here Leonard?" I asked in wonder.

Leonard pointed to the backpack in my hands, "I promised a delivery."

"Oh, I see. So this is your last trip?"

Leonard shook his head, "I want to open a shop, that takes a lot of money."

"And the human female?" I asked.

"She's back home, I'll be the one handling the trips now."

I was about to speak up when several loud snarls could be heard followed by a loud crash.

My first instinct was to look over at Clyde but he seemed just as surprised as me, instead our attention was drawn to a tent further down the trade district.

Several mature wulfkin pulled a human trader from his tent and made a point of holding him up in the air for all to see.

The trader squirmed and screamed for mercy while one of the wulfkin spoke up with a thunderous voice, "This one thought he could trick us! Spices thinned with crushed red-flower! Gears with micro-fractures!"

"Wai-" The scream of the trader turned to pain followed by a wet and tearing sound.

"Don't look," I ordered as I pushed Leonard and forced him to look the other way.

The trader was torn to pieces in seconds and a wet splatter could be heard as his insides poured onto the floor. The wulfkin discarded the remaining pieces while the others tore the tent apart and began to loot the wares that remained.

A scent of blood began to fill the area and the atmosphere changed as a strange silence filled the otherwise noisy environment.

Steven stumbled back and leaned behind one of the wagons, a loud retching sound followed as he threw up.

Leonard was staring at the floor and I could feel the thump of his heart as my hand rested near his neck.

"Idiots," Clyde said with a detached huff as he walked over to me while spinning a small trinket by his finger.

"Are you okay?" I whispered as I leaned in by Leonard's ear.

Leonard gulped and nodded in silence.

"See you next year?"

"Yeah," Leonard whispered.

785 I.C, June 12, Everwinter - Bloodchambers, Evening

Another year, another test, this time though I found myself alone in the chamber with Rastlin.

I closed my eyes and focused on the swirl of energy my eyes couldn't show me, it felt like an intricate web surrounding me as it poked and prodded at my essence.

"Don't interfere," Rastlin said with a hushed but serious tone.

I opened my eyes and focused on Rastlin once more, "The world is filled with various sapient beings, but none are like us. What are wulfkin?"

Rastlin didn't bat an eye as he answered, "You know very well what wulfkin are Avery."

"I looked through the library but I couldn't find a proper answer, are we humans taking the form of a wolf? Or are we wolves taking on a human shape for some reason? What are our origins?"

"Our kingdom sought power, but we were weak and human, our master changed us."

"And all he asked in return was our unquestioning loyalty?"

Rastlin made a slight frown and looked me in the eyes, "What's your point?"

"Have you ever met our master? Seen him?" I asked.

"I'm not pure wulfkin Avery, I'm not allowed to witness the sacred ceremonies."

"What if he doesn't exist?" I asked.

"Silence, unless you want your tongue removed," Rastlin said.

"I... it was just an idle pondering, forgive me," I said.

"I have seen the influence of our master, and so have you Avery," Rastlin said.

"Oh?"

"Maturing is not enough to be fully joined with the ranks of the wulfkin, you require his blessing to gain the legendary immunity to magic that wulfkin are known for."

"Yeah..." I whispered with an unsatisfied tone of voice.

"Do you remember magistrate Phaeris?" Rastlin asked.

"Yes, I've heard the stories, she was... uh..."

Rastlin filled in, "She transcended to the side of our master for her impeccable service to the family."

"Yes, I remember the celebrations, shame she wasn't there to enjoy them," I said.

Rastlin's look darkened as he glared at me, "Be very careful with talk like that Avery, some would have your head for the things you're insinuating."

"Maybe I was insinuating, maybe you drew your own conclusions to something entirely harmless I said?" I whispered.

Rastlin was silent for a few moments until a slight smile spread on his bearded face, "Touche Avery."

I relaxed and waited until Rastlin finished, I then stood up and walked over to Rastlin, "So?"

Rastlin looked at my ears and then grabbed my wrist as he looked over my hand.

"Any changes during the last year?" Rastlin asked.

I pulled a hand through my hair and caught several strands, "My hair is changing... I think."

Rastlin felt along my black hair with his clawed fingers, "Yes, the new strands are thicker, the texture is rougher, that's fur, not hair."

I made a light smile and felt pride in my heart as I stepped back, "That's a good sign right?"

Rastlin nodded, "Yes, it means your blood is awakening."

A tingle of joy danced inside my chest as I nodded in delight, "Good."

786 I.C, December 8, Everwinter - Training Hall, Midday

He was fast, strong, and he was too chaotic for me to get a good grip on him.

Raymond made a fierce but human growl as he pounced and slammed into me. An involuntary and pained groan escaped as I crashed into the ground with Raymond settling on top of me.

"How about that! Little brother!" Raymond yelled as he jabbed at my chest in victory.

I struggled to push him away and caught hold of his arms. They felt thick, solid, warm, and brimmed with strength. It made me jealous and the rest of him didn't help as I could see the growing musculature rippling over his body.

He even had an eight pack running along his chest and there was a sparse peppering of hair that was starting to look like a coating of brown fur.

"I got fur on my head, and you got muscle, typical," I snapped in anger.

Raymond pushed hard and forced my arms to the ground as he made a big grin, "That's not all, I got teeth and there's fur growing all over me downstairs."

Keep those details to yourself...

I squirmed and tried to get loose, "Yeah, lucky you."

Raymond hardened his grip once more and seized my wrists in a painful squeeze as he held me to the ground, "Yield!"

"Hell no," I said.

He shifted his leg and blocked one of my arms while his now free hand gripped my throat.

"What was that?" Raymond asked with a frown.

I wheezed and squirmed underneath him, "Not funny Raymond, stop!"

"Yield. Say it, I'm stronger!" Raymond exclaimed.

I glared at him and felt my lips pull back in anger.

"Come on little brother, we all know you're weak but you don't have to be a sore loser," Raymond smirked with a devilish grin.

The anger I felt combined with the lack of breath made me woozy, it infuriated me to the point where I pondered resorting to magic.

Rationality won out as I relaxed and bared my throat, "I yield."

Raymond let go of my throat and stepped up with a pleased look while I sat up and glanced around the room. The others were all fighting, trying various techniques, and they were all beginning to change, some more than others, a few even had what looked like tail nubs.

787 I.C, March 23, Everwinter - Bloodchambers, Midday

Something bubbled in the back of my mind, it tried to rise to the surface but I forced it out of my mind with a desperation that rattled every fiber of my being.

My heart was thumping as I glanced up and saw Raymond within the obsidian platform.

His changes had accelerated in the last few months, he was bigger, his hair had turned to fur, he'd lost his nails and even his head had begun to distort in ways that gave his skull a more wolfish look.

Rastlin finished his examination and the platform stopped glowing as Raymond stepped out with a pleased look on his face. Father walked up to Raymond and ruffled the fur on his head with a look of pride.

Rastlin was busy stroking his white beard and seemed concerned for some reason.

Father noticed and glanced back, "Something wrong sage?"

Rastlin glanced at Raymond and then focused on father, "Raymond will be maturing in a few weeks."

Father's ears perked in surprise, "A few weeks? But..."

"Yes, he's early, and his blood is livid," Rastlin said.

Silence spread around the room and that fear in the back of my mind grew as Rastlin looked back and turned his attention to me, "Get onto the platform Avery."

I was scared but obeyed as I walked into onto the platform and waited for Rastlin to start. The platform started to glow once more.

Rastlin's face was obscured from the others, but I could see it, and I saw... pity... sadness... for me.

The fear inside me grew, it gripped my heart, and I struggled not to shake as that horrid thought rose to the surface and made me want to scream.

Please... If it's because I ever doubted... forgive me... I promise never to doubt again...

The flow of magic stopped moments later and Rastlin took on a neutral expression as he faced my father once more, "Avery won't be maturing as quickly, but I'm sure it's nothing to worry about."

Father's expression darkened while Raymond seemed more confused than anything else.

"They're twins sage, you said... you said..." Father seethed with anger as he spoke.

"That was years ago and the blood has a mind of its own, give Avery some time and prepare for Raymond's maturation," Rastlin said.

787 I.C, April 11, Everwinter - Home, Evening

I could hear as the screams grew more bestial and lowered in pitch as it took on the tone of a mature wulfkin. Worse was the crack of bones and the guttural noises as his body contorted, shifted, and grew.

My brother was changing, becoming a true wulfkin, while I was left in a dark corner of my room feeling as my very existence and purpose in life was being pulled apart by the seams.

I had seen the signs, I had worried about it, but I had pushed it aside. The way the changes of my friends had accelerated, where nails had become claws and dense forests of hair grew and took on the texture of fur.

My blood wasn't pure enough, either that or the master had sensed my doubt and had cursed me in return. I buried my head in my knees and tried to shut the world out as my mind kept shifting between flat out denial and gut wrenching horror.

The blood was supposed to be strong in me, there was nothing to worry about, we were brothers, twins, father's treasured pups that would bring the family glory.

Father's voice made it through the wooden doors, I could hear it in his voice, the joy, the pride, the relief and sheer happiness as Raymond changed.

It sickened me and I couldn't stand it as I got up on shaky legs and rushed to the door. I opened it, stepped out, and then glanced into the living room.

Raymond had grown huge, his fur consisted of brown mixed with black and there was a big muzzle growing on his face with rippling crackles as his eyes glowed with the influence of magic.

I fled our home and ran through the castle as I cursed the world, myself and everyone else. My anger led me to the bloodchambers where Rastlin was sitting by a table.

Rastlin glanced up from his book as I stepped into the stone chamber and slammed the door shut.

"You said the blood was strong with me! I had red eyes! A sign!" I screamed in fury while struggling to keep back the heartache that threatened to make me collapse in a sobbing mess.

Rastlin made a tired blink but didn't react to my heated outburst.

Fear and desperation gripped my insides as I stepped closer and screamed, "HELP ME!"

Rastlin sighed and pushed himself onto two legs with a groan as he focused on me with his beady eyes, "I am sorry Avery, there is nothing I can do."

A desperate chuckle that almost turned into a sob escaped my throat, "All those tests... and for what!?"

"For weeding out the weak ones," Rastlin said.

"... Is it because I doubted? Because I asked questions? Because I read the books?" I asked with a trembling voice.

Rastlin shook his head, "No child, this is genetics, nothing more."

"I still have a chance... right? You said I needed time? That there was nothing to worry about."

"Avery..." Rastlin whispered with a concerned look.

"What!?" I snapped as I glared at the old man.

"That was a lie... to ease the impact... the change in your blood was sudden but distinct, you will never be fully wulfkin."

It felt like someone had pierced my heart with a sword, my breath left my lungs and the world started to sway as my legs weakened.

"Are... are you going to send me to the mines? Are you going to kill me?"

Rastlin shook his head, "Of course not, you will serve well as breeding stock, you might even replace me as sage if you work hard, you have a knack for magic after all."

A desperate chuckle turned to a pained sob as I sank to the ground on my knees, "Why? Why me? Why is my brother a full wulfkin? But not me? We're twins!"

"I don't know Avery, your potential was always stronger and your aptitude for magic is several times that of Raymond," Rastlin answered.

My vision blurred and dark droplets formed on the dusty stone floor as my life crumbled.

"I am so sorry child, I know what you're going through," Rastlin said with a pained voice that spoke of experience.

787 I.C, April 26, Everwinter - Training Hall, Midday

Life was quick to turn into a living hell.

Part of it was caused by my parents refusal to speak with me unless it was to check if my changes were progressing, it made me feel betrayed and abandoned.

Another part of it was because Raymond was now being kept away from me and had been sent on celebrations and adventures beyond the castle, it made me jealous and angry to the point where my blood boiled.

Perhaps worst of it was though was that the news were spreading, I was no longer wulfkin, I was no longer a precious youngster treasured by every mature wulfkin in the castle. Instead I was breeding stock, a lowly human and for each day that passed I was becoming lonelier.

The realization of it struck deep as I found myself alone in the training hall with no one to spar with.

It was bad enough that the others were avoiding me but the class was also growing smaller as more and more of them matured.

I snapped out of my daze for a moment and noticed that Clyde was alone by the water basin. It presented an opportunity and I approached with a friendly smile as I watched him drink.

My smile faltered as I saw his changes up close, a proto-muzzle had begun to warp his face while a knobby tail poked out of his behind. He had grown and looked a lot tougher not to mention the light dusting of white fur that had started growing across his skin.

Clyde noticed my presence and his ears perked as he looked up, "Hi Avery."

His voice had darkened and his irises on blue hue.

"Hey Clyde, want to spar?" I asked.

Clyde stood tall and seemed to wince a little as he rose onto the balls of his feet. Water dripped from his slight muzzle as I glanced down and noticed black claws jutting from his changing feet.

"Sorry, I promised... uh... Archer that I'd spar with him," Clyde answered as I looked up.

You're a lousy liar Clyde...

Anger boiled inside me, I wanted to scream and rip his throat out to make him experience an iota of the pain that I was now suffering.

"... You too huh?" I said with a pained smile as I clenched my fists.

Clyde ignored me and walked off, "Sorry, I can't be seen with you..."

787 I.C, May 14, Everwinter: Overlook, Evening

The air was freezing and it pierced my clothes like shards as the wind tore into me. Snow swirled in the air as I looked into the distance and saw the grand forests and mountains.

It only seemed to serve as another painful reminder as I realized that I'd never get to experience the forests up close, instead I would be locked inside Everwinter for the rest of my life.

I rose on my toes and glanced over the castle wall, the height was staggering and the ground below looked like a blank slate of pure white. It beckoned to me, urging me to jump.

The click of claws on frozen stone snapped me from my daze as I remembered why I had been ordered to this place. A nauseous sensation filled me as I glanced back and saw father approaching.

His pure gray fur fluttered in the wind as his piercing yellow eyes stared right into me.

"Do you know why you're here?" Father asked with a dark, cold, and detached voice.

My mind and heart raced with enough emotion to make me shiver, I wanted to die.

"... Raymond received his blessing, didn't he?" I asked.

Father blinked once but didn't show the least amount of emotion, "Raymond has received the blessing of our master, he is now wulfkin, but that has nothing to do why I ordered you here."

"Then why? Father?" I asked.

The response was immediate as the dark lips on father's muzzle twitched and pulled back as he bared his teeth, "Do not, ever again call me that! Do you understand? I will kill you."

Kill me? You're my father... our bond is stronger than steel... blood binds us... how can you say that?

I could barely breathe as his words cut into me, "Yes, I understand."

"It is obvious now that you are no wulfkin. You have no brother, no mother, no father. You are not welcome in our home and you will never set foot there again. You have no last name, no family, you are breeding stock, if even that. Understand?"

I wanted to scream and lash out to make the world burn for what had been done to me. Something in the back of my mind held me back though as I knew that it would only make my fate worse.

"Yes," I answered with a trembling voice.

"You are a stain on our family, and Raymond in particular, his twin, my seed, it's... disgusting. If you bother Raymond, interfere with him, or even dare speak of him with others, then I will make you wish you were dead. Understand?"

"Yes," I repeated once more.

"Serve Everwinter without question and you will be allowed to live," Father said.

I nodded as father turned to leave while I remained and let the piercing cold numb my pain.