I land on the balcony next to my father, King Alvar.

My father is dressed casually, he hasn't left his room in days, but he's looking better today than the last time we visited one another.

"You waved me down?" I ask with a grin as I fold my wings against my back.

"Let's go for a hunt," Father says. It's a good sign that he wants to hunt.

"Are you sure you're up for it? Mother says your mind is clearer when you rest," I say to him, quirking a scolding eyebrow, but I already know since my father is a stubborn man, he's unlikely to heed my concerns. "You know... the doctor says it would be better if you talked about what's on your mind."

"Getting out with my daughter will do my mind better than talking about anything," Father dismisses my concern with a wave. "I'll find you in our old spot."

I know where he's referring, a certain cliff five miles south of Underland City.

"I'll meet you there," I say, raising my wings for take-off.

Half an hour later, Father and I meet on the cliff in our beast forms and survey the jungles below for prey.

"Kalvar messed up his meetings earlier today," I say before I can stop myself. Mother told me she didn't want to stress Father with these things.

Father nods his beast head sullenly. "Your brother does not have a bad heart, but he is only after what feels good in the moment and his ego, right now. It makes him foolish. However, royal duty is his work. I have faith he will learn it on his own time."

"Kalvar doesn't know how good he's got it," I say, "He's got the heart of the kingdom, charming, and attractive... more specifically, he's not Cursed. He has no understanding of how blessed he is."

"We often don't until our blessings are stripped from us, but Kyla, being cut off from the rest of humanity, is a great burden. A burden only I understand. I suggested this hunt because I understand you are not taking your beast form enough, which is dangerous. The Curse will begin to control you and turn you towards its darker instincts," Father says. "You need to learn to master your beast. I won't always—" he stops.

"You won't always what?" I ask him, cocking my head.

His red beast eyes narrow on something, and he nods toward a clearing in the jungle. "Look, a herd of gazelle."

We hunt and do not talk more on the subject. After we are finished hunting, we bring our quarry back to the palace for the palace kitchen. "I must speak with Kalvar," Father says to me. "See that Lara gets this." He refers to the head chef. "I love you, Kyla. Don't ever forget that."

One month later - The Day of Savat

"Kyla!" Elle calls from across our courtyard, interrupting my reminiscing of the last memory I had with my father.

He'd been gone in the morning.

My mother's cries had awakened me.

His hunt with me had been one last rally of his human mind before flying off into the night towards the mountains as an animal-like beast. Search parties had gone out looking for him, but all returned without a sighting.

Will that be me someday? Nothing more than a dumb beast?

"Elle, come and sit with me," I say. I perch at the fountain gazing down at the colorful fish as I move to spare Elle a seat.

Elle is dressed in a silver and white gown made of silk. Her wavy brown hair is styled up with tiny jewels, so she sparkles in the last rays of sunlight coming over the courtyard walls.

"Elle, you look lovely," I compliment.

"I was going to ask you why you're not dressed for the party," Elle says, touching my hand. "You look like you're going to a funeral."

"I like black." I shift my gaze back to the fish. "How is Kalvar doing? Is Mother still avoiding him?"

Elle smiles and gives me a little shove. "She'll be happy when she learns he's bringing in new trade with his marriage to Sylvia."

"Are you okay about that? I know you and Ava have your matters of difference."

"Kal's the one who is marrying Sylvia. Not me." Elle skims her fingers over the water causing the fish to chase them.

"Elle, do you ever wish it could be like it was when we were kids?" I ask quietly.

Elle smiles thoughtfully. "Those days were so... uncomplicated. Weren't they, Kyla?"

There is a silence between us, and I put an arm around her shoulder. "Elle, no matter what, you'll always be my favorite wife."

Elle laughs. "I didn't know we were married."

"Not yet, anyway." I laugh with her, and then we stop, both sigh, and it is quiet again. We both know what the other is thinking—I about my father, and Elle about her husband's upcoming wedding.

"You're a good friend, Elle," I say. "Thanks for never giving up on me."

"Till the end, Kyla," Elle assures and hugs me.

"What are you two gossiping about?" Kalvar interrupts and strides into the courtyard to join us. He's wearing a silver and white tunic that matches Elle's dress. I wonder if Ava caught the memo too.

"We weren't talking about you," I tease him.

"Which means you definitely were." Kalvar laughs, sits himself down between us, and puts his arms over both our shoulders. "Just like old times."

"We were actually talking about that," Elle says, nuzzling against Kalvar's shoulder.

"Kyla, what in the name of Elias are you wearing?" Kalvar asks, suddenly taking notice of my drab robes.

"She says she likes black," Elle quips. "But I really think she's covering for the cult ceremony she's going to attend after the party. I hear they'll be drinking the blood of goats."

I shoot her a mock exhausted look from across Kalvar's broad chest. "Fine. I'll put on something more festive!"

"Kyla, before the party, shouldn't you—uh—take on your Cursed form?" Kalvar asks carefully.

I pull myself out of his arm. "Why would you say that, Kal?" I snap.

"Because your eyes are glowing red right now," Kalvar states, his expression sympathetic.

"Arlite, Kalvar." I close the mentioned eyes and get up, stretching my cramped wings out as I do. "You have no idea what it is to be Cursed, so stop pretending that you do."

"I just remember Father telling you often how you have to let the beast out; otherwise, it will control you," Kalvar scolds.

"Kal, let her be," Elle says, "Let's go dance, darling."

Elle rises from the fountain and takes Kalvar's hand in her own, bringing him up from the fountain too. "Kyla, forget about going to that stiff attendant of yours, Maybelle, you should have Leeza find you something incredible to wear and join us."

*

Leeza never disappoints. The sylph woman, my mother's personal expert in attire for any occasion, has me in a flowing black gown with azure accents that accentuates the blue in my eyes yet adheres to my dark tastes in clothing.

When I arrive in the great hall, the party is in full swing. Music played by a local band of our Mother's choosing serenades dancers, and the pleasant smell of appetizers fills the immense room. There are sylphs, gobli, and stogs among the humans at the party.

Mother must be pleased with the turnout, especially since she's been running things on her own since Father disappeared.

From the day of my birth, it was clear I'm not a kingdom favorite, so I've learned to search the room for Elle, my Mother, Father, Fletch, or Kalvar. Elle is the first one I spot. She's in conversation with Ava.

Better steer clear of that.

Mother is talking with the sylph priestess, Sola Brightfeather, near the buffet tables. That's my best bet for an enjoyable evening.

I excuse myself through the dancers to join her. Upon realizing who I am, most of the dancers step back even further than needed with wrinkled noses and frowns.

"Princess Kyla." A male voice says, and I feel a tap on my shoulder.

I practically jump out of my skin.

"Princess Kyla, would you do me the honor of dancing?" the voice is behind me, and I turn to come face to face with a handsome human individual dressed in a smart brown tunic, with dark auburn-brown hair, a strong jaw, lean muscled physique, and gold-brown eyes.

"And you are?" I ask him, realizing I've left my manners at the door because I neither curtsy nor smile at the friendly stranger.

"I apologize for not saying," he says, giving me a debonair grin. He straightens his strong shoulders and bows. "The name is Rift, and I would be honored if the princess were to join me in a waltz."

I blink at him stupidly.

Huh.

This guy—this handsome guy—wants to dance with me?

Before I can reply, my bones go rigid, and there is sudden pain in my back. My beast wants out bad.

Of all times for this to happen!

"Uh, I'm so sorry, Rift," I stutter. "I have to go—uh—I have to talk to my mother."

Rift smiles. It's the kind of smile one gives when they know a secret. "I'll be waiting for that dance."