Page 20 of Blood of the Fallen
“Maybe close your eyes and focus,” Novuk suggested.
I could do that. I closed my eyes and thought of a rounded head and ears. Fingers… ten of them. Long bare legs and arms.
“Oh, my!” Maki exclaimed.
My eyes sprang open as a cool breeze traveled across my belly and breasts. It worked. I was taller and was looking at them almost eye to eye. There was one problem, I was naked.
I screamed and jumped behind a tree.
“Where are my clothes?” I demanded as if they had stolen them. Maybe I hadn’t been wearing anything when I first shifted.
“You didn’t bring them back,” Maki said between chuckles, the sound of his voice suggesting I was dense. He grunted, then snapped, “Hey, why did you hit me?”
“Try again, Sheela.” This time it was Novuk, his tone tender and embarrassed. “But this time, imagine your clothes too.”
Yeah, I hadn’t imagined clothes, only my bare legs and arms.
I closed my eyes again and buried my face in my hands.Okay, you can do this.
This time, I took special care to imagine fabric wrapping around my thighs and torso. I also imagined their weight and warmth. It took a few beats, but then I felt the familiar sensation of garments hugging my body.
With a smile, I stepped from behind the tree to show my accomplishment and was met with frowns that told me I’d done something wrong. Hesitantly, I glanced down and found that I was wearing a Lux Academy uniform.
Rage rattled through me. The clothes rippled, fell from my body in shreds, and were immediately replaced by tight leggings and a soft tunic, the garments Ila had let me borrow. I glanced around, searching the ground for the uniform’s tatters, but there were no signs of them.
“What…?”
Novuk approached and placed a hand on my shoulder. “It means nothing, only that those are the clothes you are most used to.” He turned to the others. “Right?”
Maki’s head bobbed from side to side as he seemed to agree. Kall, on the other hand, simply narrowed his eyes, his expression giving little away.
“Let’s tell the Chieftess we’re back.” Kall spun on his heel and started walking away.
The scent of smoke lingered in the air as we approached. The tents had already been erected and looked as if they’d always been there. A few derelict wigwams made from birchbark and faded hides stood at the ends, a sign that the pack had made camp here before in a more permanent way.
The area was ample and appeared to be carefully planned with each living quarter placed around a large circular space, presided by a large campfire. Well-worn paths led in different directions, a couple or more headed in the general direction of the river, probably for easy access to water. The shade of each tree was strategically taken advantage of by what looked like designated areas for preparing food, crafting weapons and garments, or simply talking. Trunks, smooth with age were strewn about, providing ample sitting space for everyone. The mood around the camp felt relaxed in a way I hadn’t sensed before. The kids played, and the adults milled about involved in different tasks.
“Welcome home,” Maki said, spreading his arms out.
“Home?” I echoed.
He nodded. “Yes, this is where we spend most of the year. It’s far from the Academy, but most importantly, undiscovered by it.”
“Which means we’re safe here,” Novuk added.
Kall pressed forward and entered the biggest tent. A moment later, he came back out, accompanied by Chieftess Yura and Ila.
Ila rushed to my side, scanning me from head to toe. “Are you all right? Do you hurt anywhere?” There was such relief in her expression that my heart warmed.
I smiled. “I’m fine. Nothing hurts.”
Chieftess Yura stopped a short pace away from me and made as if to grab my right hand. I pulled back, fearing the skin contact. Her chin lifted as well as one of her eyebrows, giving her a regal air.
“Is your coda completely gone?” she asked in a matter-of-fact tone.
I hadn’t stopped to wonder about it. Suddenly anxious, I jerked my arm up to examine my wrist. Where the Academy’s tattoo had marred my skin, now there was only pristine skin.
“So?” The Chieftess asked. “Is it completely gone? Or not?”
