Streak And Pack

Chapter 2 - Revelation

On the day of Zarina's first time of being free after locking herself for six months, she received a text from Amaris that she wanted to spend some time with her. "Just perfect enough for my first day of being free." Zarina thought to herself. She replied back to Amaris that it was a great idea.

She took the necklace from the box she bought for it alone. "Mother, everything begins today." She wore the necklace and kissed it. "Guide me." She whispered as a silent prayer. Learning from the book that her mother gave her: she concealed her Ailuran scent so that no shifter can detect her.

Then, Amaris sent the address for the meet-up. Somehow, Zarina got a gut feeling to wear a mask as she get out the house. She thinks that it's best for covering up and hiding from the lurking Lycan eyes. Amaris and Zarina met on the block where Zarina's new apartment is located.

"Woah. Zarina, you just stayed inside for six months and now, you look... stunning. Also, you never told me you're into jewelry now! Last time I checked, you hate jewelry." Amaris complimented as she saw the gold necklace chain. The pendant is hidden under her shirt. "Hm. Ever so bold. Seems like nothing changed about you." Zarina chuckled.

"Come here! Give me a hug!" Amaris said. Zarina held her bestfriend tightly. Zarina suddenly whiffed a strong scent from Amaris. "A... Lycan scent?" Zarina realized. She looked around and saw multiple people passing by. Zarina thought that one of those is a Lycan and the scent is not from Amaris.

"I know you love me for being me but sorry not sorry, I did change! Well, let's go to a silent and secluded area. I'm going to tell you what changed about me." Amaris pulled away. "Right. I'll act like it doesn't sound suspicious at all but let's go then!" Zarina smiled and they began walking towards the park.

The Ailuran can't help but notice that Amaris kept glancing at the necklace chain. She thinks it's suspicious: another red flag for Amaris. She remembered what her mother told her about the necklace: that the Ailurans and Lycans know the necklace and it's powers and that the Lycans are after it.

"Say, Zarina, how did you manage to survive living alone for the first time?" Amaris asked. "My mother gave me enough money for the rent and all after she... you know... was killed in an ambush. That money is also enough for me to buy important stuff once in a while. I eat less so, I just needed few groceries and pay the bills." Zarina replied.

"And what did you do throughout your whole lockdown months? Didn't you get bored or something? Besides, why would you lock yourself down so suddenly?" Amaris asked. "I told you already, I was... devastated. My mother's loss is so sudden and I just can't take it all in. Locking myself was a pretty great option. Well, at least, for me. I wasn't bored at all. I focused more on healing the emotional pain." Zarina added.

She cannot tell Amaris about what she actually did: hone her powers and learn her hidden abilities while laying low and hidden.

She was able to master them because the area that the energy was required to take while controlling the powers only has a small radius, meaning no enemy can possibly sense her energy and track her from the distance.

"I see, but you have me here, you know? You could've talked to me instead of locking yourself down." Amaris said, worry is painted on her face. Zarina wrapped her arm around Amaris'.

"I know that you'll be there for me, no matter what. How could I forget that? Thank you, really. I'm glad I have you. Of course, I thought about talking to you but it's just that sometimes, we have to go through things alone because we think it's for the best. Besides, I do not want to drag you in my problems. You deserve to be happy instead of joining my pity party." Zarina replied and Amaris hugged Zarina once more.