Hesitating, she peered inside, but it was too dark to see anything. A voice echoed in her head, "Come on in." Savannah took a step back toward the metal railing. "I don't have all day," said the voice. Suddenly, Savannah felt an invisible giant hand wrap around her waist and lift her off the ground. Scared, she twisted her body around and grabbed the door frame, trying desperately to get out of the invisible grip. "You really are unpracticed," said the voice in her head, and the grip tightened, yanking her into the darkness. The hand pulled her past the dark room towards one of the bedrooms and straight to an open window. Screaming, Savannah threw her arms and feet out to brace against the window frame. The invisible force closed her legs together and pulled. Certain she was going to die, she grabbed at anything she could touch. About the only thing her hands came up with was an umbrella before she flew out the window. Dangling in midair, Savannah desperately tried to come up with a plan for when the hand let go. She was still slow with her Morphling powers and didn't think she could change before hitting the pavement. She was going to have to use Kite flight. "That is unnecessary, Kiteling," the voice said, and she felt herself being jerked upwards to the roof.
The invisible hand laid her gently on the gravel-topped roof and let go. Pushing herself up to a standing position, Savannah looked around for the source of the voice while brandishing the umbrella as a weapon. She was surprised at the beautiful raised garden beds surrounding her. There was so much greenery; trees, and plants. There was even a gazebo in the center with the gravel paths leading away from it in circular designs. A water fountain was in a corner under a tall banana tree, and a tiny stream ran from it, encompassing the whole rooftop, with little bridges going over it on the pathways. That's when Savannah saw her.
She was petite with dark hair that hung down to her butt in waves. Her arms were raised above her head, while the blue metallic magic sprang from something that she was holding.
"Thalia?" Savannah asked. She stepped cautiously toward the strange woman while holding the umbrella as she would a sword.
"It's rude to stare, but yes," the voice said.
"What about talking in people's heads or dragging them all over the place?" Savannah asked, deciding that she already wasn't a fan of Wizards. She was sure that all the healing in the world wouldn't repair her nails that she had dug into various wooden structures on her way out. Her nerve endings throbbed, and she could feel the warm stickiness that indicated she was bleeding. Deciding that she would deal with it later, and not looking forward to seeing the mess that her fingers were in, she refocused on the Wizard.
"It was more efficient since I am quite busy, and you couldn't seem to wait until tomorrow. We had a date, you and I," Thalia said, out loud this time.
"I wasn't told about it," Savannah said, walking closer. She hadn't heard much about Wizards before, except that they mostly kept to themselves.
"It wasn't official, it's just what the leaves told me. Occasionally, their timing is off," Thalia said, turning her head to look at the Kiteling. She knew that the girl had come out of curiosity, and she had to admit that she was just as curious. The girl could do things that even Wizards weren't capable of, yet she had very little power control. Almost no practice, that much was clear. It was now apparent to her why the building she was helping with was so important.
"Okay, I'm Savannah," she said.
"I know who you are. There are few that don't, these days," said Thalia. "Not much you could do with an umbrella against me. I suggest you put it down before I get offended."
Grumbling, Savannah dropped the umbrella and watched Thalia work. "How are you able to do magic and make it untraceable, and when I so much as light a candle, I have to hide?"
"Different type of magic," said Thalia calmly. She was finally finished. Lowering her arms, she turned to Savannah. "Truth be told, Kites are more powerful than Wizards. It's just that you are also more limited in what you are able to do."
"Oh," replied Savannah. It was not an answer she was expecting. She knew that Wizards were capable of a lot more than Kites, but she had never heard that Kites held the power. "Why do you say that?"
"It's true! Kites are more like a battering ram. They don't require as much versatility. But you, Savannah, are an anomaly. There is no one else in the world like you. At least, not that we have found. A Morphling/Kite hybrid! Your heritage is unique, to say the least, but I am curious in what that means for your abilities," Thalia said, leading Savannah to a door that looked like decoration on the beautiful rooftop. "So far, I am unimpressed. However, when the building is complete, I assume that will change."
Following the Wizard, Savannah felt unsure of her decision to find her. The curiosity was still there, but Thalia's all-knowing demeanor creeped her out a little. "Where are we going?" she asked.
"Back to my apartment," said Thalia, simply. "You do have more questions, correct?"
"Yes," Savannah nodded. "Just don't fling me around like a rag doll anymore. And I don't appreciate voices in my head," she said, still feeling irritated.
Thalia shrugged her shoulders and headed away from the green-haired half-breed.
Savannah watched the Wizard walk toward a broad statue of a mountain that looked like it was made of a purple agate. Following Thalia, she watched the statue that seemed to loom overhead. It appeared to be people! Three people! There was one on each side, holding their arms up in a bridge formation, and a smaller one in the gap between the other two that was Human size seeming to welcome them.
Thalia felt the raw familiar ache in her heart, as she walked toward the image of her lost love. She lovingly stroked his face, as a tear fell down hers. She watched, as she had a hundred times, as his form dissolved to reveal the stairwell that led to her apartment. She'd had the statue moved here from her home in the mountains. Her friends often asked her why she continued to torture herself with his statue. She would tell them that it wasn't for torture, but for motivation. To help her maintain her focus and find a way to eradicate his killers.
Entering through the kitchen, Savannah looked back as the door closed and realized that it looked more like where a pantry would be than a path to the roof. Taking notice of her surroundings, she saw that there was little food in the kitchen. There were big black pots of various sizes, test tubes, jars of things she had never seen, and books-- lots of books.
"What is all of this stuff?" she asked the Wizard.
"Tools and research," replied Thalia. Cocking her head to the side, she asked, "Do you hear that?"
Savannah strained her ears, trying to listen for something, but it was silent.
"The Werewolves are done, and the Dwarves have finally passed out," said Thalia, taking a relaxing breath. "I am tired, so I will answer a question or two before sending you away." She led Savannah to the living room and took out her wand. Thalia waved it at the dark room before they entered and used her magic to light the hundreds of candles that she had strategically placed in there. The room lit up as though it were daytime. Thalia loved candles. They had so many purposes-- light, magic, aroma; the list could go on.
Savannah considered the odd Wizard who couldn't be much bigger than herself. Thalia was right that she had questions for her, but she had also had a long night. Perhaps, she did jump the gun on introducing herself. She decided that only one question was important tonight.
"Will the Blood Moon Pack be safe?" she asked the Wizard.
Cocking her head to the side again, Thalia considered the small girl in front of her. "You wonder about the pack's safety and not your own?"
"Yes. We are protected by your spell, but the pack is still in their homes in the targeted neighborhood," Savannah said concerned. She knew that she was not favored among the pack, but part of her thought maybe Eamon should have tried to move all of them. She couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to the cubs, or anyone else, because Samuel and Harry helped her.
"Yes, they are," said Thalia, before turning and walking to the kitchen.
&n
bsp; Confused, Savannah followed her. "They are safe? Or in danger...I don't understand your answer."
"I will check my runes again, but I am certain that the answer is they are in the neighborhood, but also safe," Thalia said.
"What?" asked Savannah, more confused than ever.
Thalia motioned for the girl to sit on a pillow on the floor. She didn't like eating or conversing at tables. She much preferred to sit on the floor. After Savannah plopped down, Thalia cast her runes on the floor between them. Sure enough, they told her the same thing as when she and Eamon were deciding on a course of action. The pack would be fine.
Looking at the girl across from her, she asked, "Do you know why Morphlings were created to turn into any living thing?"
Tired, Savannah looked back at her. Shrugging her shoulders, she replied, "So they could spy for you."
"It wouldn't do for a spy to get caught! Think girl!" Thalia felt frustrated. She was sure that the girl had above average intelligence, but it didn't seem as though she used it well. She was going to have to help remedy that.
It was like a light bulb went off in her head, "Wait! How do they spy on the Siphons without getting caught? Can't they smell or sense their souls or something?"
"They can to a point. We noticed that they left animals alone. Maybe the Siphons felt that they weren't worth their time. All living things have a soul. The strength of the soul is what matters to the Siphons. Humanoids have the strongest souls. They only go after Morphlings, Werewolves, or other shifter races when they have seen them in their Human form or have had contact with their soul," Thalia explained. "As long as the pack stays in Werewolf form, they will be left alone. I suspect the only reason the Siphons went after your friends at the cabin is because you were there and in Human form."
It felt like a large fist had just slammed into her gut. Savannah felt the air go out of her. She knew they were in danger because they helped her, but now it was because she had changed out of her Werewolf form? "But my head was still in Werewolf form so that I could communicate with them!" she argued, as angry tears made their way down her cheeks. Knowing that the boys had been against her changing out of the wolf form to begin with left her with a heavy knot of guilt in her stomach.
Dismissing the girl's retort and sobs, Thalia said, "Unfortunately, between the names and the scent of their souls that were undoubtedly picked up at the cabin, your friends are in danger."
"But I killed those Siphons!" Savannah said, between choked sobs.
"All Siphons have a mind link. We found this out through a Vampire who betrayed his coven. He has been gathering information for Eamon ever since you and your mother went missing. There are some Vampires who are able to tap into this mind link. That is how everyone knows who you are!" Thalia said, calmly.
Horror spread through Savannah, and her chest grew tight. She had been wondering for weeks how everyone knew who she was, but this was not the answer she was expecting. Suddenly she felt nauseous, almost as if she, herself, were toxic. Her breathing became more shallow, and she was seeing stars cloud her vision. A small cup was thrust into her hands, and she heard a voice ordering her to drink. Complying, she brought the cup to her lips and drank a strange liquid that tasted like bark. It tasted earthy and bitter and smelled horrendous, like a dog that had rolled in a pile of manure.
The effects were almost instantaneous, though. Her head cleared, and she felt lighter. In seconds, her chest eased up, and she was able to breathe again. Looking at the remaining dark brown liquid in the cup, she thought about how it was quicker than meditating. "Thank you," she mumbled to her hostess.
"You are welcome," Thalia replied with a slight bow of her head. "I keep a stash of Kloin at the ready. I find it handy, as I forget how blunt I can be. You are not the first to need it in my presence."
"Kloin?" Savannah asked, eying the liquid again.
"It helps with anxiety attacks or those about to go into shock," she said. "Now, I need to sleep to regain my strength. I suggest that you go home and do the same. We can talk again tomorrow," said Thalia. Her energy had dropped so low that she was afraid that she would need to sleep right where she sat. Using her wand, she pulled the cup through the air and into the sink, before forcing the girl out of her apartment the same way she had come in.
Feeling herself being flung out the door by an invisible force, Savannah realized that the Wizard was done with her for the night. Gathering herself up into a standing position, she rubbed at her sore muscles that had hit the floor. She was grateful that Thalia hadn't thrown her into the railing of the stairwell. Numbly, Savannah descended the stairs heading to her twelfth floor home.
**********
Before she opened the door, she could hear the commotion. It sounded like everyone was back. She wished that everyone would go to bed, get a good night's sleep, and talk with a clear head in the morning. But she knew that her wish was in vain. Savannah knew what it was like to have your world turn upside down in an instant while the unknown force was still out there. Trying to psych herself up and stay awake, she shook her whole body and bounced on the balls of her feet. The door swung open before she had a chance to reach for the knob. Harry was on the other side.
"Join us!" He said loudly, before adding a whispered, "Please! The adults are driving us nuts! Do something!"
Savannah nodded, feeling any energy she had mustered fall away. The heavy guilt of how she had put Samuel and Harry in danger weighed down on her. She felt a strong urge to try to come clean come over her. Might as well get it over with now, since everyone was already in an uproar.
"Savvy! Where have you been?" Lanie asked, worried. She rushed over to her daughter, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "We all thought you were in the room, lying down. And when we couldn't find you...We just all have to stick together tonight," she said, throwing her arms around her daughter.
"Um, I'm sorry," mumbled Savannah. "I went to see Thalia. I did leave a note."
Showing up behind her mother, Eamon said, "We must not have noticed it in the chaos. Thalia said that you were not to meet until tomorrow."
"Yeah, apparently I jumped the gun," Savannah said, sourly.
Lanie and Eamon ushered her into the living room, where she found that more furniture had been added for everyone's comfort. Michael was snuggled up into Johnna's side in one of the big over-stuffed chairs. Harry took his place in another chair, while Samuel sat next to his father. He looked more beat down than Savannah had ever seen. It hurt, knowing that she did this to him. He was bent over with his head in his hands, and Harry had his hand on Samuel's back. There were three more chairs that sat opposite the love seat. Her mother and Eamon sat her in the middle one.
Johnna forced herself to look at the girl who had inflicted so much on her family. "Well? What did Thalia have to say?" She failed to keep the bitterness out of her voice as she spoke to the Kiteling.
Taking a shaky breath, Savannah started. "She said that the Blood Moon pack will be safe."
There was a collective sigh around the room, as though they had all been holding their breath, waiting for this news.
"She also said that Siphons have a mind link and that if I hadn't changed halfway into my Kite form that night..." Choked sobs escaped her lips, and hot tears fell down her chin and splashed on her clasped hands. "...that the Siphons wouldn't have found us." Dropping her head into her hands, she felt the ache in her chest as the tears rolled freely. "It's all my fault, and I am so sorry," she said through blubbering sobs.
"No!" Eamon said, standing. He could see the tension and anger rolling off Johnna. "This is not Savannah's fault!" He took a breath as Johnna focused her anger on him now. "We all know that Fallon is to blame. He just isn't here to fix what he did, so now it has been left to us. Arc Sanctum is staying out of it, and I'm a little glad about that!" This got everyone's attention. Even Savannah looked at him as though he had grown a third eye. "They would stand in debate for a year, trying to figure out what to do about Savannah. Inste
ad, we need to learn how she is able to destroy the monsters that Fallon created."
Standing, Johnna glared at Savannah, "You may not have created them, but you brought my family into this war!"
"No, Mom! That was me! Now back off of her!" Samuel shouted. Different colors of fur were rippling down his arms. Savannah stared, wondering how he was doing it. It was almost like he was having trouble containing his form.
"You definitely had your part in it, Sam! Watch it! Or I will have Thalia make another no-change room!" She shouted back at her son.
"Sit! Both of you!" Eamon said, his voice reverberating through the living room. "Thalia has refused to make anymore no-change rooms. She told me that she regretted the first one because she has found that they are not healthy for young Morphlings for long periods of time." Gesturing to Samuel, he added, "Johnna, look at your son! He's having trouble controlling himself." Sweeping his arm to Savannah, he said, "I bet the only reason that Savannah was able to go so long without changing is because she is half Kite. But now she is learning all over again."
Shocked, Johnna sat back down, and gazed at her son with eyes full of sadness.
Eamon ran his hand through his hair, and turned to Henry. "Would you and Harry please set up the television from my room in here? I think that we would all be able to relax more if we could see the news."
Nodding, Henry and Harry left the room.
Eamon looked back at Johnna. "You cannot blame her, Johnna! You also cannot fault her for surviving. You need to get your head clear; this is the fault of Wizards. We can agree that some of their experiments are amazing and helpful, but others can be terrifying and awful. They have put the entire world in danger by creating these 'things'!"
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