Thea's Reawakening

Chapter 6

"So, Colin," I said hesitantly, afraid I'd already forgotten his name. "How long have I been gone?"

He shrugged, "A few weeks maybe? I'm not part of the inner circle so the comings and goings are pretty limited to the ones I check in and out through the gate. There was a search party that went out for you when you first disappeared, but your sister eventually convinced them that you'd run off and weren't really missing. I guess she knew something we all didn't."

"I have a sister?" I said more to myself than to Colin, but he answered anyway.

"Yeah, her name is Leyla. You two haven't been close since after your mother died. I'm sure it has nothing to do with your father is very public about your being his favorite daughter," he smirked.

"That's pretty terrible of him. He doesn't seem like a good man," I confided.

Colin stopped abruptly and I skid to a stop, "Luther is a great man, but he is defined by the old ways. Being a Master means you've got to set the example for the others. Sadly, most Masters are reluctant to change the old rules because they're afraid of the changes. Before you decide, give him a chance."

Surprisingly, his advice made sense and then I felt two inches tall for making the assumption. "Let me guess, you're going to be my conscience?"

"Do you need a conscience?" He teased.

"I might. I'll let you know how it goes," I nudged his shoulder with mine and he laughed.

"I definitely like you better this way. It reminds me of when we were kids. Do me a favor? Don't go back to the way you were before, okay? I'd like to know that if my cousin ever does come back that you and him can be happy again."

"You have nothing to worry about. I want the same thing you do in the long run. But," I sighed. "I need to find out what happened to me and, while I'm at it, learn how to shift. What kind of piss poor shifter doesn't know how to shift? Not to mention I'm supposed to be this badass who can pick any animal that exists and I haven't even figured out how it's done. Would you be able to help me with that?"

"What, with shifting?"

I nodded, "Why not? I already know you're on my side and you aren't afraid to be honest, which I have a feeling isn't going to be common. I'll need you to help me figure out how it all works."

"I don't know, I'm not exactly a welcomed member of society..."

"I don't care," I cut him off. "If I've been gone as long as you say, then I'll convince my father that I need your help precisely for the reason that you are an outsider. Only someone close to me would have hurt me. Don't tell me you don't agree."

He chewed his lip. "You're right; it would have been someone close to you. I'll take you to your father and we'll see if he can be reasonable."

"He won't have a choice." I spun on my heel and Colin begrudgingly followed behind me.

Nothing seemed familiar as we approached the massive gates that formed the perimeter. It was hard to judge, but its height was almost as tall as the nearest tree, maybe twenty or thirty feet. They seemed to be made out of some type of polished bone which was filed to sharp points at the top and sides. Thick cords of vine and thin sticks were woven in and out of the bone, creating thick layers not easily penetrated. For someone on the outside, it seemed menacing, which was probably the point.

"Don't touch any of the pointed parts. They've been dipped in poison in case anyone ever decided to climb over," Colin informed me.

"What about those of us who can fly? How are they kept out?" I asked, trying not to cringe.