The Hybrid Legacy (Sequel to the Baile Series)

Chapter 24 Shopping

Cullen

In the weeks that ensued after our expulsion, Kenzie, Fillan, Erina and I trained twelve hours a day, somehow managing to be schooled by family and friends in classical subjects. I also had a little extra help from my secret sister Lovisa, who was more than competent in controlling her shift, having learnt from our mother and mysterious father in space.

"Clear your mind."

"I'm trying." I replied while I sat cross-legged on the edge of a bluff overlooking the sea.

"Sshh." She silenced me. "Don't think about anything, just listen to the world around you, the waves and the breeze." She slowed her voice and lowered her tone to relax me.

I breathed in and out slowly, counting my breaths. My focus shifted to the lapping waves that kissed the fine sand below and the breeze that rustled the grass beneath my feet and salt from the sea.

"Picture an animal in your mind, the colour, it's size, the number of eyes or limbs." She guided me, her voice high and soothing. "You are an animal, you know it in the fibre of your being."

I did know it. I knew what I was and my body reacted to that knowing. Gradually feathers began to sprout from my skin, my body decreasing in size and my mouth hardening and pointing outward.

"Open your eyes, raven."

I opened my eyes, noticing how much closer I was to the ground I stood upon before turning around with two clawed feet. I looked down at myself with excitement and joy, stretching out a pair of glossy, onyx black feathers. I opened my mouth to speak and a loud caw emitted from my beak.

"I think I like you better this way." Lovisa smirked down at me.

I turned around to face the sea, the breeze seeming to call me.

"Flight is something you are definitely not ready for." It was if Lovisa had read my mind. "Clear your mind again and shift back. Guide yourself this time." She took a seat on the ground, waiting for me to shift back.

I closed my bird eyes and slowed my breathing. I pictured my original form, my styled brown hair, hazel eyes and muscled figure. I had certainly grown stronger since I had acclaimed my powers.

Bit my bit my body grew, skin forming over feathers and limbs elongating until I was back to my normal self. I was now at the point in my shifts where it didn't hurt anymore, there was only ever the mildest of discomfort.

"I think it's time for a tea break." Lovisa turned to lead the way back home. "So, what is this festival that everyone is now preparing for?" She questioned as I fell in step beside her.

"The Beltane Fire Festival." I elaborated. "It marks the beginning of summer in Ireland and is a Celtic tradition."

"Celtic tradition intrigues me, it seems quite similar to other cultures I have witnessed."

"There are many mythologies like it, I think you'll appreciate the Celtic view on Faeries and Shapeshifters." I informed.

"I would very much like to meet a Kelpie." She spoke wistfully, her eyes seeing far into the distance. I wondered if she could see the stars beyond the blanket of daylight and blue sky.

"That shouldn't be too hard, there are many that lurk in rivers and on the coastline around here."

"I have also heard rumours about the Blue Men." Her mixed irises sparkled with intrigue.

"They're in Scotland, I don't think you'll find any around here." I held open the front door of the mansion to her.

"There are many things on this Earth I didn't think I'd find." She answered cryptically before waltzing inside in her borrowed body.