1. A Secret of Snow and Ruin

Chapter V

Elysia Wolfe

I woke up drained and empty. The light from the sky didn't bring me back to the questions clouding my brain. Why in the hell did I not remember anything from yesterday? I walked home in the dead of the cold. I held my head in my head trying to recollect everything. As a Lycan our memories were efficient enough to remember our births but right now I felt lost and powerless.

When I got home from such dilemma I tried to wash off the dirt from my hunting uniform in peace but laughters and yelling from the kitchen made me pause. I grabbed for my bow and almost killed the intruders until I realized it was only my siblings. They were laughing and arguing with each other. Smiles on their faces made me sigh.

I was relieved and let out a faint laugh escaping my mouth. I took this time to watch them in silence.

Jasper was the eldest at twenty seven years old and had long locs like all the men in our family. Theadora was the youngest at seventeen years old and wore her hair in an afro with two braids in the front. We all had deep brown skin and brown eyes. Jasper still had on his hunting uniform as well but Thea wore a day dress that was brown like our house colors. It was long to her feet and covered her petite frame. Lace was embroidered around the hem and front bodice. In the dining area they had been eating breakfast and the delicious smell made my stomach grumble.

As I watched them further I finally digested what they were bantering over. "Men like women who don't snort. You must keep that in mind once we find you a husband" Jasper said faking a stern look.

"And women don't like men who potentially have hundreds of bastards roaming Roguerock. Now!— you must keep that in mind once we find you a wife!" Theadora smirked.

I laughed at my sisters humor and at the irony of her being correct in this situation. My brother was a bachelor in our clan. Even though our house was hated, the ladies loved Jasper Wolfe and his keen interest in hunting. Jasper says women don't care about status when they have something nice to look at.

As I admired their sibling banter, I heard Thea yell out, "Elysia please tell your brother that I don't need a husband. If I get married who else will bless this manor with their presence?" She asked.

"Me. I am the man of this house sister and I'm sure your presence would be much appreciated if you spend it with a man—preferably one you are married to!" Jasper yelled. "You're a goregous lady and I'm sure the unmated and unmarked men from House Fowler or Borowolfe would be delighted to have you" Jasper said with a nice smile.

"Tell me something I don't know brother. But with all this crazy talk—don't ever ask me why I love Elysia more than you." Theadora laughed and it was then followed by a grotesque snort. "At least she has married before. You've only sauntered around brothels!"

"Too far sister. You went too far" Jasper feigned hurt while he took a bite from his bacon.

"Theadora you don't need to marry now as you are only eighteen. But it would be wise to explore your options once the upcoming Mating Season comes along in a few weeks. I'm sure courting with a cute boy from House Fowler or Borowolfe wouldn't hurt?" I ask.

"I guess so and I am quite bored around the manor. But I do have one question for you sister" She says.

"Sure what of?" I ask.