The Wild Orchid

Chapter 28

                 Four to six days after the full moon Sam had regained her strength as did Phalen, Gabby, and Autumn. It was also time for Phalen and Aria to return to the fights. On the day they were to return to the fights Phalen approached her mother in the kitchen. When she got in the kitchen she said, "Mom can I ask you something that's been kinda troubling me?" Sassy turned to Phalen smiled then replied, "Sure sweetie. What's troubling you and what do you want to ask me?" Phalen looked down then looked in her mother's eyes. Then she asked, "Mom why was it so easy for me to learn my assassin training I got in the Marine Corps?" Sassy smiled at her daughter. After a few moments Sassy replied, "Please sit and join me for breakfast so I can explain to you why." Phalen did as her mother requested.

                Once Phalen grabbed breakfast and coffee she joined her mother at the table. Before Sassy could start explaining Phoenix and Gabby joined them. After Phoenix and Gabby joined them Phoenix looked at Sassy while saying, "Babe we discussed this lastnight. We both knew it would be only a matter of time before Phalen had questions about this. It's time to tell Phalen the truth. She has the right to know about her family lineage and her family heritage." Sassy shook her head in agreement while smiling at Phoenix. Sassy took a sip of her coffee then turned her attention to the very confused Phalen and Gabby.

                Sassy smiled at them then began, "Phalen, Gabby what I'm about to tell you both must be kept confidential. Do I make myself clear?" Phalen and Gabby shook their heads yes. Sassy again looked at Phoenix then back at them. She then states, "Many centries ago Phalen multiple families from both the dark and light fae became part of and began a secret order. The order is called The Order of the Silent step. Our entire family line has been part of it since it began." Sassy then paused. During the pause Phalen says, "Mom that doesn't answer my damn question." Sassy smiles at her daughter then continues, "I'm getting to that. Patience grasshopper." They all laughed.

                Through the laughter Gabby states, "Mom, patience isn't one of Phalen's strong traits and I love her for it." "Hey babe. You're so not right. So not fair. What is this bust on Phalen day." Phalen replies while smiling. They all laugh again. Silence falls over the room. Sassy then continues, "She totally gets that from me. Anyway, moving on. Like I said before, The Order of the Silent Step was started by our family and quite a few other families. Basically we have assassin genetics that runs in our family." Sassy then pauses temporarily. During the pause Phalen replies, "So our family and ancestors were actually assassins? It runs in our blood." Sassy smiles.

               A few moments passed then Sassy states, "Yes Phalen. It's always been passed down from generation to generation. You're grandmother however never gave me the choice in the matter. As a child I was made to train as an assassin. When I turned 16 I was forced to swear my code of service to the order." Sassy then paused and lifted her left hand. She then moved her right hand in front of her left hand. This in turn revealed Sassy's order ring to Phalen. The ring resembled the rings they wore on Halloween. Sassy then moved her right hand over it again and it went invisible. Phalen looked at her mother absolutely stunned.

               Phoenix in turn did the same thing. His as well went invisible just like her mother's had. Phalen then said, "How the fuck did you guys do that?" Phoenix stated, "The rings were enchanted to go invisible to conceal all members of the orders identities. My family was one of the founding families." Phalen was completely shocked. Phalen then says, "So because assassin blood runs in our lineage that's why I'm one of the most notorious assassins?" Sassy smiles at Phalen while replying, "Yes Phalen that's why. I'm giving you the choice to swear your code to the order or not to. I want you to be free to choose. I don't want to force it on you like it was forced on me. If you want to then we can do that today. Be advised though, if you choose to then Gabby you also would be brought into the fold of the order as well. That's because you're with Phalen."