The Shepherd’s crook was darkly colored and molded to perfection. While some may deem the craving piece to be uncomfortable due to the lack of polish, my hands wordlessly curled around the object. Like this crook was made to be part of me, a new accessory. I felt the patterns alongside the material. When I found the perfect spot to grip, I realized the gift held a new game. A delight for the senses, if one needed to distract themselves, tracing the staff could lead to feeling different carved directions in the crook. A pleasant sensory experience.

  From then on, I carried the crook around everywhere. When the moon peaked, and my mind attempted to slip, I allowed my claws to trace and feel the craftsmanship.

  Training is, of course, brutal. Ebony is a stern teacher who believed I needed to be a Jack of All Trades. Ivory is equally ruthless in teaching mindfulness. I am left with bruises and a floaty giddiness. It’s the strangest combination, at least the Gem Wolves took pity on me. When I turned in to rest, some of the wolves were quick to surround my form with a protective air.

  A promise to let me slumber without interruption from either troublesome twin.

  Blissful rest is plentiful, and I soaked up the lessons with each passing night. I felt stronger with each sunrise, grounded in this strange new world.

  We moved further on the continent into a country, Asken, for resources and books.

  Opal aided me in visiting a town’s library at night. A little distraction here, a quick swipe from me there…We then return the book to the doorstep the morning of. Most of the spells we collected weren’t compatible with my type of magic. The most I could do was extend my claws.

  Opal, however, seemed to comprehend the spells. They thrived on simple enhancements to make their steps lighter.

  Kazo’s ’Chosen’ truly were unique; a shame they were stunted by the world.

  As for the lack of compatible magic on my part, increasing failure left me climbing boulders and waiting by a waterfall. The loud crash of water is surprisingly soothing to a mind struggling to quiet down. The natural world of this planet is merciful enough to have granted me minutes of peace at a time.

  Today was another failure, and so here I was at the usual place. Counting the seconds and the birds that flew overhead.

  Ivory and Ebony had left with Opal and several others to hunt. The wolves had to eat; I hoped it wouldn’t be deer again. A terrible tasting meat rooting in the memory of a childhood trauma, long fuzzy.

  …I missed Ebony and Ivory already. I missed my wolves. I hoped their hunt would end safely.

  Ruby was beginning to grow, too. They trailed after me when they could. And then there was Opal, the unspoken leader of the Gem Wolves. Opal was likely using their newfound stealth to hunt successfully. The group had their lives entangled with one another. I needed to find and master this spell yesterday.

  “What do I have to do to succeed?" I complained aloud, claws itching the side of my neck.

  A sneeze reached my ears.

  Down the river, where the waterfall continued to plow, is a walking Dulling.

  He was dressed in bold dark colors of cobalt blue robes, a ‘wizard-like’ hat on his head. The stranger carried a bag in hand, huddled along like a traveler. Yet from the confidence he carried, this must be a native. Just like the old Dulling lady from my first few days here.

  And as for his attire?

  Wizards hardly existed in this world. It was difficult to be one when magic was stripped clean from your ancestors and thus, the descendants too. I suppose it could be possible through horrid means, but what were the chances of coming across someone like that?

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  “Alright, this spot should work.” The Dulling declared, having found a dry spot by the river. He took out a book and cleared his throat, flipping through the pages.

  Ah, that was a spell book.

  From this distance, I recognized the arrays and rune crossings Ebony had explained through lecture. How nice to have such a thorough teacher…

  With a wave of the Dulling’s hand, water rose from the river like an emerging snake.

  I narrowly fell off the boulder, claws slapping on the rock as I failed to comprehend the miracle in front of me. I was immersed, amazed, and alert all at the same time.

  Just as quickly, the water fell to gravity, slapping back into the river with a loud smack.

  “Goodness. This simply won’t do.” The Wizard exhaled heavily, hand on his silver hair. “By the Nines, I need to be much stronger…”

  A familiar wish. I smelled a chance.

  I leapt off the side of the boulder, feet slamming into the ground. I don’t hesitate to dash down the riverbank, then skid to a stop. An air of dirt and dust flew in from the dramatic entrance.

  The Wizard flinched at the sight of me, astounded by my sudden jumpscare.

  “How did you do that?” I couldn’t help the demand to know. “How did you manage that?”

  The Wizard paled, and right then, I realized this was meant to be secret.

  I unhooded myself in a show of extreme risk. My tufted ears twitched from the exposure to cold air.

  “What,” The Dulling gasped as he stumbled back, a terrible sign. “You aren’t a Dulling!” He quivered, but since there was no hostile reach for a weapon, I saw no reason to hit him with a rock.

  “Are you?” I spat back at him.

  “Technically?” The Wizard sputtered with a flushed face. His eyes are very emerald. “I’m as dull as can be, my magic is minimal…” The lie was found in how he recited the speech.

  “But you have it,” I declared, heart racing. “Magic. Most Dullings don’t have any. You're lying. Liar. Teach me your secrets!” This could be the answer. An outsider with deeper information!

  “Quiet down!” The Wizard abruptly snapped with a shout, and my excitement vanished like evaporated water. “Are you trying to have me executed—What’s with that look?” The Not-Dulling had stilled, eyes searching.

  It felt invasive.

  I do not reply, claws trembling. My eyes remain on every shift of the Wizard in front of me, every breath. He is a threat. They’re all threats.

  Threats to me, threats to my wolves. Threats to my brothers.

  Those who switched at the drop of a hat should not be allowed anywhere near my wards.

  “…I am sorry,” The Wizard apologized in a new, low voice. Emerald eyes have lowered, as did his head. “You startled me, and I lashed out. I did not mean to raise my voice. You care for magic, Miss? I am Fakir.” The Wizard raised his hands, slow and in surrender. “There is no need for a fight. I don’t intend to cause harm. In fact, I’m a scholar. I don’t participate in direct combat.” Fakir gave a soft exhale. “Forgive me, I shouldn’t have been brash toward you.”

  Letting the words settle over my boiling blood, a hot breath escaped my fangs. “…I suppose I could’ve approached you in a better manner. I just wanted to solve an important matter quickly.” Backing up by sluggish steps, I pushed my hood back over my head. “I’ll be leaving. Don’t talk about me, and I won’t whisper about you. Sorry for the spooking.”

  It won’t happen again. Darn wolf instincts, whispering so sweetly about a poisoned opportunity.

  “Wait!” Fakir pleaded, and briefly I paused to take the second risk.

  “Sincerely, I’m sorry. How about we start over? I won’t come closer, and you don’t have to expose yourself more than you have. Can I simply ask one question; which of the Nines brought you here?”

  I’m not sure if his question is worth panicking over.

  Apparently, my lengthy silence was cue enough for him to continue, softer.

  “As I said. I’m a scholar,” Fakir swallowed thickly. “I have an inkling of how this works. When beings like you are pulled here, it implies either disaster or interference.” Fakir shuddered a breath. “Unless I’m reaching too far and you were a Dulling, transformed by the whims of the Nines long gone.”

  I thought of Ebony, Ivory, and then pictured their possible distaste for this conversation. I managed a tiny smile.

  “How about this?” I turned to face Fakir fully, smiling under the hood. “We can share information about ourselves…But I want to know more about the magic you’ve committed to.” He was curious, and so was I.

  Fakir offered a softened smile.

  “Also. I want fruit.” I tested the demand for genuine sincerity.

  Fakir stumped in posture, pulling his hat over the eyes. “Bribery?”

  I watched him calmly. “Cake would be better suited for that.” With peaches. Blueberries too. I haven’t seen either of those on this planet.

  Fakir exhaled and revealed his eyes again. “It shall be. I will meet you again here. I will bring fruit and,” His gaze shifted to the book on the floor. “Spells. In case you’re curious about more.”

  I offered up my palm, mint fur bright and vibrant, claws extended.

  Fakir shook my hand with a firm grip, eyes betraying awe.

  This will hopefully be a good partnership.

  Now, to break the news to the twins…