Woreus tugs on the green tie to tighten it, but also to intimidate Draco. I don't know if he really thinks that it will do anything, since Draco is much bigger and he could easily win in a fight. That leaves the question if he could also win over my brother when it comes to the ancient god powers.

My brother positions himself next to me in a protective manner. He hides his hands into the pockets and acts relaxed, but I can sense that he is not backing down with the dauting. Draco stands up, extending an arm to greet Woreus. He introduces himself like this is your normal boyfriend-meeting-the-family-for-the-first-time type of meet up.

Without budging, Woreus keeps his hands concealed and refuses the handshake. I ask him if he is for real and if he intends to continue this stupid behavior, through the mind connection to not reveal how Woreus really feels towards Draco, but I think he can still guess it anyway. I cross my arms in annoyance to which Woreus reacts by offering his hand. Draco smiles and gladly grabs it. They both start shaking their hands but won't separate. Woreus is standing composed, like nothing is bothering him. Draco on the other hand, I see veins pop out on his forearms, he grits teeth and locks his jaw. I realize that they are both trying to win a fight of who can squeeze harder. Like two children. Slapping Woreus' chest with the back of my hand he releases Draco out of his grip.

The whole interaction is awkward. Draco seems like he wants to speak up about something, but after being beaten by the handshake, he doesn't do it. Instead, he tries to keep the conversation casual, but even with his normal questions, Woreus is avoiding it either by staying quiet or replying that "it's none of his business". Draco is not giving up on trying to improve my brother's impression, and Reilly ditched me to deal with them on my own. I sit right next to Draco, our fingers interlocked as a proof to Woreus that I am serious about him and I am not changing my mind, but neither is my stubborn brother.

The room is quiet that if you wanted to, you could slice the silence with a knife. No one is speaking, at least not out loud. Draco wants to, but everytime he takes a breath, I give his hand a squeeze to stop him, because I am occupied by arguing with Woreus through the connection. It is mostly me yelling at him, demanding an explanation but he refuses to answer and professionally changes the topic.

I know he is gatekeeping something from me, but there is no time to figure this all out right now. Looking at how Woreus is clenching his fists up to the point his knuckles turn white and red liquid wants to escape out, he must be near his limit in holding the human form. I ask Draco to leave us alone and promise that I will figure this out. He only nods and looks at my brother. Woreus is looking straight in front of him, seemingly not paying attention to us, even though he is still guarding me like a real dog. Draco cups both my cheeks and presses his warm soft lips against mine. I hear a growl in my mind, so I tap Draco's chest slightly, then stare at Woreus. He sends down a message, that he is ready to tear Draco's neck if needed. When Draco leaves, I snap at Woreus after I hear the door close.

Me: What the hell is wrong with you, acting like that?

Woreus: Just protecting my little sister. Can't be anything wrong with that?!

Me: Go to hell, Woreus. We barely spoke about our family and I keep you here because I know you are my brother... only because I found out through a research. None of y'all bothered to stay with me so don't pretend like we are a normal functional family. Everyone is tucked away safely in Viysus while I got stuck with a dog that is trying to chase the people I love, the people that were here for me, when all of you abandoned me.

Woreus: It's not like I wanted to do that, Kaitlin. You know about my powers. I am bound to them, I am a slave to the wolf form.

Me: Doesn't seem to bother you, having fun in the forest and all.

Woreus: I got accustomed to my life because it's easy in Viysus.

Me: See, you had it all easy, poor first-born princeling.

Woreus: I get that it was tough, little one, but I have no identity on Ethos and I couldn't raise you as a wolf.

Me: Why was I brought here then?

Woreus: We can talk about that later.

Me: Now!

Woreus: It's not something for a quick conversation, but I promise to explain everything. Now I have to-

Me: Then at least tell me what you have against Draco.

Woreus: He-

I wait for the answer to one of the questions on the never-ending list of mine, but I don't get it. Woreus drops from the couch and groans in pain. He tries to get up but falls back on his knees. He wants to support himself but all it does is leave a scratch mark on the couch, tearing it in process. When I watch Woreus drop on the ground, my eyes fall on the nails that are being ripped out by itself, replaced by sharp claws. Through the moans and groans, Woreus tries to get out the words to make me leave, but he chokes every time. I run to kneel in front of him and ask if I can be of help, but Woreus pushes me away. The strength is something I didn't expect and I only realize how much Draco must have endured during the handshake as I fly across the room. My back slams against the wall and the breath gets knocked out of me. As I gasp for air and tears form in my eyes, I can still witness the horrific transformation. Woreus yells out in pain while his arms and legs break, followed by his back. I feel sick to my stomach when I watch my brother tear his clothes with those broken arms. The bones cut through his skin as he moves his limbs. It is my fault he had to wait until the last second and can't comfortably transform without the clothing, if you can even call this comfortable in the first place.

Managing to catch a steady breath somehow, I push myself of the floor and sit up, leaning against the wall. I don't go help him again but I make myself watch, to be reminded of how worse it could all be. I complained like a little child about my powers, about being left alone when they must have had their reasons. Woreus seems to love me. He puts up with everything I throw at him. He tells me stories, protects me and tries to help me gain control. It doesn't sound like actions of someone who would want to abandon me willingly. If he had to transform everytime to act as my guardian in our world, I would probably hate myself today for putting him through that.

The black clothing gets torn into pieces and Woreus is curled up on the floor. His skin starts to loose the pink shade and gets replaced by grey fur. Soon after, Woreus is turned into his giant wolf form but starts to shrink it. He seems very weak, trembling on his all four until his legs give out and drops on the floor.

Lying in a pool of blood, my brother doesn't move and only breaths irregularly. I push myself on the ground, sliding and crawling to his side. Burying my fingers into his fur, they get painted red as I am making sure Woreus is alright. His breathing stabilizes and he finally opens eyes. I can't stop myself from hugging my brother tight.

I waited until Woreus can move enough to go with me into the bathroom and I can wash the blood off, from him first and then let him rest. I try cleaning up the blood off the floor as much as I could, but it started to seep through the wood. Reilly got back and saw me scrubbing the floor while being stained in blood myself. She didn't say anything and instead grabbed a towel too to help me out.

There is a slight stain that still remains but I left it like that, hoping it will fade over time. I cleaned myself too and just ended up curled on my bed with a headache. I am still feeling sick to my stomach so I refused to go with Reilly to the cafeteria. Before she leaves, Reilly gives me a good squeeze as a hug, and also pat Woreus too, then went to grab her stuff. I thought my brother is asleep, but after Reilly rubbed his head, he left his bed and walked to lie down in front of mine.

Me: I am sorry, Woreus, for making you shift and all of that.

There is just silence. He doesn't reply to me and just plops down on the floor, placing his head between his paws and exhales. I better buy him the most expensive steak tomorrow! Woreus' ears perk up, and while his eyes remain closed, I can tell he heard me. I still haven't figured out how to use this mind connection between us, what gets through and what not. And I should probably do that when it comes to other mind readers as well. I make a note in my head to go into the library tomorrow and study up, if there is a way to shield your mind from telepaths. I doubt that putting the blood oath by Crimen's family is going to do much and at this point, I will just have to stay mute or wipe my mind. We both watch Reilly as she waves at us and tells us to rest.

Woreus: There is... no... bond.

A groan resonates through my mind. I have no idea what Woreus means though, so I asked him about what he just said. Reilly also paused in the entrance lobby and yelled at me if I am talking to her. I apologize and explain that it was meant for Woreus. She just yells okay at me, since this has become a new normal for us, and then I hear the door close. When I look down on Woreus and ask him to explain, I hear his little snores, so I end up leaving him sleep, then doze off myself.

When I wake up, Woreus is already back to his old self. Not that he is like an energetic puppy running around the room or anything, but he is up and seems to feel better. Wish I could say the same about me. Not even sleeping early seems to help this exhaustion.

It is hard to move my body or even focus on the instructor's words. I have learned the first part of the dance but trying to remember it makes my head blow up from the inside. Not to mention I would like to dunk myself into a frozen lake right now, because I feel like I am on fire. The sweat is forming so fast, I can't seem to wipe it in time, and I don't understand why. The room has a nice temperature and I am not dancing that hard to be so exhausted. Everyone else is dressed in warmer clothes, since it's still mid of February, but I had to get rid of the layers and stay in a tanktop. I end up being called out at the end of the class as the worst dancer for today, which gains me a few laughs from Saxa and Reira. Couldn't care less about it though, because we don't have Trials today and I can take it easy during Combats.

Reilly accompanied me out of the dance room to the meeting point with the Chronos guys. Draco, Nix and Leo are already waiting for us, and they are the only ones. Thanking them for making time for me and joining my training, we start moving towards the combat grounds. Draco apologized for the rest not coming because they are busy with their own stuff, but I shrugged it off. Honestly, I would be good with only Draco joining me, because I need his time-pausing ability to help me practice.

Nix and Leo served as sparring partners for Reilly as they practiced in the corners of the room, outside of the mat. Draco is paired up with me in the middle, after I explain my plan to Ms. Edite and she gives us a green.

Half of the class, I try to gather the feeling of the ions in the air while summoning the electricity, but it's hard to detect. After missing first five shots, I give up on the aim and ask Draco to pause the lightning for me in order to grab it. In a full speed, I can't work with the strike, but if it's frozen mid air, I want to try and twist the direction of the lightning, learn how to command it. Unfortunately, this one is also hard to master. The bolt is hot and burning. Even though I am immune to my own powers, the stinging when I want to grab it is still unpleasant. Two more shots used and all I could do is touch the lightning, but it still ended up blasting straight down where it was supposed to originally.

Draco suggested a break and any other time, I would protest because I still have a few more shots before my limit, but this lingering exhaustion gets the better of me, and I succumb. The two bottles of ice cold water I have chugged down did me good, lowering my body temperature a little bit. I spread my limbs on the floor, pressing them against the cold surface to cool me down, but I want to get back into training. As I sit up, Draco asks me what I am doing and when I explain, he hugs me around my waist. He pulls me down and I drop right into his lap. Fighting and wiggling my way out, Nix notices us and starts making throwing up noises.

Nix: Can't you two keep your hands to yourself at least during class?

Draco: Jealous because you got friendzoned by Gaia?

Nix: Oh you wanna fight? Come on then.

Nix squares up and runs to attack Draco, but suddenly he stops. He didn't give up on the idea, it's because he has no other option. Nix got time-frozen and it made me forget about the training for a little bit. I get up of the ground with Draco and we reposition ourselves. Nix starts moving again, stumbling with his steps because of the sudden restart. He notices us gone, so he frantically twists his head around to find us. I might have given out our position by laughing out loud but it didn't matter, because the moment Nix attempts to attack us again, he gets insta-frozen. I stood still, but Draco placed his hands on my hips, pushing slighty on the left side, signaling me to change spots again.

We played with Nix a few times, but since I gathered a little bit of energy, I would rather use it for something more meaningful, so I left the boys play and I went back into the training. My focus is being interrupted by the guys fighting like kids in the backround, and since Draco is busy tackling Nix on the ground, I start to work on increasing the limit. I have gotten to fifteen strikes for a session, but that knocked me out for a few days, so I am not sure if I am able to produce all of them each day or if I can even pass that count.

I did work up to the limit and managed to stay standing, no bloody nose this time. The time has run out for today's class, so I couldn't do more. I prepared myself to at least summon one more lightning and break the personal record, but Ms. Edite asked us to leave quickly, because other students have a special training after us. Pulling the energy of the lightning back, I take the cold air into my lungs and cool down.

Next day is pretty much the same as yesterday. I feel a little bit better after sleeping longer and drinking an herbal tonic, but the muscles are still a bit tense. Woreus is also looking better and he accompanied me to the Comabats today. Draco is busy so I am left with practicing the aim and limit. Since I have never tested the limit two days in a row, I left the aim part for another time and went straight into blasting lightning around the mat.

Around number ten, it started to get harder to summon them fast, but I am not feeling the weird dull pain inside my chest that informs me of the Surge point, so I continue. I take breathers between the strikes and I get on number seventeen. After this one, I feel like my lungs are on fire, despite the combat grounds being in the arctic stage, cooling the whole school portion way below zero. I still want to push myself more, because having higher limit means I can practice the aim longer. Summoning two more, I feel the blood dripping down my nose, freezing a little bit in the process. It's a weird number to stay on, so I go for the last strike to get the count on twenty. Ms. Edite kept yelling at me to stop, and so did Woreus in my head, but I want to get better. To gain control, but also to be able to protect people I love. Especially Woreus right now, when he is stuck only in his wolf form and others, like Saxa, could try to get to me through him. The last blast comes out and my legs give up on me. Woreus runs to my side, sneaking under my arm and pushing me up.

I get myself to the bench and Ms. Edite joins us. She writes something into her small notebook, which is basically some sort of file about me and then she gives me instructions for tomorrow. I am too tired to remember it all, so I ask Woreus to memorize it for me and then guide me in the next class.

I skip lunch and dinner, because I am too tired to even chew. All I want is to drop on my bed and sleep for a whole year, even though I wanted to talk with Woreus about this bond thingie he mentioned twice now. The moment I sit on my bed, my body just logs off and I fall asleep, doesn't matter that my hair is still wet.

But the hair did matter when I woke up in the morning. Sleeping with fully wet hair is not a good idea and I found out about it after Reilly and Woreus wouldn't stop laughing. I enjoyed the cold my damp hair provided during the night, but the result of it is hideous. I looked into the mirror only to witness the bird's nest I have on my head. Half of the hair is curled in different directions, some are tangled and the back is flat while the top is ruffled. Brushing this was pain and I ended up just dousing my head with the conditioner and washing it again.

With the hair still wet, again, I make my way into the cafeteria for breakfast. Even though I have another dance class today and more Combats, I get half of the portion I usually buy because I don't feel like eating that much. I might regret it later though, especially if I am going to repeat the same training as yesterday.

By the time we got to the dance classroom, my hair is a bit dried, so I just tie them into a low ponytail and get ready. I still feel hotter than usual but I am canceling it out with thin leggings and a tanktop. Trying to remember the next parts for the dance I only end up stumbling around the dance room, because I am planning out how to talk to Woreus later. Saxa gets praised by the instructor as usual. All of my classmates get in their small circle, complimenting her even more to just be on her good side. I use this window to sneak out with Reilly. We get separated in the hallways, since I have to go pick up Woreus and Reilly has her own separate training today anyway.

I leave the targets in the corner and go straight into testing the limit. Woreus sits close to the mat, assessing my powers and guides me. Barely getting five strikes out of me, I struggle with the sixth and after the seventh one, my vision goes blurry. Everything spins and I can sense that I am falling down.

When the ringing in my ears fades away, I push myself off the mat and I have an urge to cough. I spit out a good amount of blood but I am not concerned as I am used to it. Woreus on the other hand is freaking out through the connection, but I tell him to relax, because his nagging is giving me a headache and that's definitely not helping the situation. Ms. Edite, like usual with her precise timing, tells me to end the class early and go into the infirmary.

Ms. Edite: You have used too much energy for these past two days. I think you should take it easy until next week. I will inform Professor Radock about your health and you just rest up.

Me: Thank you, Ms. Edite. But I want to continue the classes.

Woreus: The limit should be increased over the time and not in a big burst.

Ms. Edite: I don't recommend-

Me: Not for more lightning practice. I will focus on training or making notes. I still have to attend Trials to learn rules for the competition too. I promise to take it easy. If I can't use powers, I want to at least study.

Both agree with my plan and then I leave early to get treated. The nurse sighs when she sees me in the infirmary again. I am like their loyal customer at this point, so I have my own selected bed. It's not signed out to me or anything, but I always end up on the same one. Even today, I just walk to it on reflex and the nurse doesn't have to search for me. She just comes with the usual medicine and treats me. I am forced to drink a bunch of concoctions or teas to help out the exhaustion, then rest.

I ended up falling asleep for longer than I wanted. The infirmary is quiet, the usual group of nurses that's always around already left, except the overnight one. I hopped down from the bed, ruffling through Woreus' back fur to wake him up. Our movements notified the nurse that is sorting through the medical cabinet. It's the same nurse that always takes care of my admission, so I thanked her and I wanted to sign the book, but she told me that everything is taken care off.

Returning to my room with Woreus, we are met with Reilly that is half sitting on the couch. She was probably waiting for us but fell asleep, which makes me wonder what time it is. I check the phone and I am taken by surprise that it's already past midnight. I gently nudge Reilly to wake her up. She slowly opens her eyes while murmuring something, it makes me chuckle. With barely awake Reilly, I drag her to her bed and then go lay into mine. I thought I won't be able to fall asleep since I've slept so much in the infirmary, but it didn't matter, because the moment I got under the blanket, I was knocked out again.

Friday is the best day of the week for now, because there are no dance lessons scheduled for today. Instead we have doubled Trials class, but if it saves me from that torture called dancing, I don't mind. And I am not supposed to overwork myself either, so training today should be easy. After consulting with Professor Radock and Ms. Edite, they allowed me to join the practice with the 4th years, but I am only allowed to spare with the guys, using electricity only in small amounts.

I am paired up with Leo and Draco again, who seems to be worried about me and is not using his full strength. Leo servers as my partner and we are in a 2v1 against Draco, but it's mostly Leo taking all the brunt force. It is true that I still feel exhausted but if I don't train under pressure or weakened, I won't get used to it and probably loose if it comes to a real fight. Pushing away Leo, I sub him in to take the punch but Draco notices me and halts. If he won't attack, I will, so I even flare up the electricity and go for kick to his side. It was hard to lift up the leg, so I hit lower than I wanted, getting his hips instead.

Draco: See, Kaitlin, you can't even move properly. You should take it easy today.

Me: I wouldn't be so sure about it.

I go again, this time with a slow and weak punch with my dominant right arm. Draco catches it, grabs my arm around the wrist and looks at me with eyes that convey the same sentence he said before. He was even going to say it again, but he doesn't know about my plan. Letting him grab the weak punch on purpose, I twist around and hit him with my left elbow. Draco immediately presses his hand over his nose and mouth while he stumbles backwards. Leo snorts behind me and then claps slowly in congratulating me for landing that attack. Draco lets go of his face and hisses in pain. His upper lip is cut and other than that, he has no other injuries, but I still ravish in my victory. He wipes the blood with his fingertips and then licks it. I walk closer to him with a smug. Draco gives me a smirk but quickly regrets it when the wound gets stretched and more blood comes out. This time it's me brushing fingers against it.

Draco: I give you that one you little minx. But now look at me, all bloody and hurting. Maybe you should kiss it better.

Me: Maybe I will.

Smirking as I get closer, feeling Draco's breath on my lips, I support myself against his chest. He leans in for the kiss but I drop from my toes, drag my hands down while turning right one into a fist and then I punch his stomach. He bends down with a grunt, so I pat his back, asking if we can train for real. All Draco can do is nod right now and massage the spot I punched. I quickly lift myself on my toes and kiss him, then run away to get into position.

Our practice fight wasn't long. We took multiple breaks since I started having troubles to catch a breath or hold the electricity flow. I managed to land a few blows, earning praise from both Draco and Leo, even though Leo only nodded in approval.

At the end, I gave in to the "taking it easy today" plan as I found a spot on the ground, away from the punching duos, and took out a notebook with a pen. I wondered if the mind connection has any limits, so I yelled out at Woreus in my head. He replied but the words came over very slowly.

Me: Is the connection limited on distance?

Woreus: Shouldn't be, if it's the same dimension.

Me: Why are you taking so long to reply then?

Woreus: Running.

Me: Does that affect the head voice? You don't sound breathy at all.

Woreus: That would be weird if I did, but still, after stopping, I need to calm down and compose my thoughts while trying to catch a breath. You should try it, if you don't believe me.

Me: No thank you.

Woreus: You should be in a class right now, no? What do you need? Or did something happen?

I swiftly explain to Woreus what's going on and I basically tell him that I am just bored. He is not allowed in the Trials combat room, or more like, I haven't asked if I can bring him in here, but with everyone using powers, weapons and fighting, I don't want to risk anyone "accidentally" hitting him. If the mind connection is still available while being far away from each other, I can work with that.

Me: So, care to explain this bond thing you mentioned?

Woreus: What about it?

Me: Reilly said that she feels some pull towards me, but we never figured it out.

Woreus: You don't know about the familiar bond?

Me: I barely figured out I am royalty while working with some old ass books.

Woreus: Maybe I should have had a talk with you about our family powers sooner, if I knew how much knowledge you lack. You were supposed to remember stuff but somehow ended up with a sealed source too.

Me: All I remember is coming through this blue light with you and my mother. Could she be the one that took away my powers?

Woreus: Doubt that. Evie is a magician and doesn't have enough power to seal off a source of an ancient god descendant.

Me: Is a magician? So she is alive?

Woreus: She is. But it's complicated. Now, back to the bond. At first, it is created as a seed that pulls certain descendants towards the wielder of a familiar. It is usually warrior types, powerful people that get called with a sense of loyalty. When the person shows genuine feelings, the bond is then created. They get signed into the family on a certain level, gaining access to palace or some of the privileges.

Me: Can it be broken?

Woreus: Why would you want that?

Me: It just feels unfair to Reilly. She must have stayed with me only because of the bond. It feels...fake. If it's not there, she is free.

Woreus: You haven't accepted her though. She is still her own person, and still will be even after you sign her into your chosen family.

Me: What does that mean?

Woreus: The familiar bond is created based on true feelings, Kaitlin. Loyalty, love, need, want...so your redhead friend must have felt something towards you, for the bond to open to her. It is always created from the receiver side and must be accepted by the wielder to finalize.

Me: It still feels weird. How do you feel about people being tied to you by some power?

Woreus: I call them my family too. My bond works differently than yours so I will never know how it feels exactly for you, but you can agree to the bond and see for yourself, if you hate it. I am sure our father will help you break it if you don't want it anymore. You two are the only ones with this type of bond. Talk about it with your friend, I am sure she will listen and create her own opinion about it. Then decide.

I noted everything down. About the bond I have, and a few different ones that Woreus told me about. His bond of a wolf allows him to create a pack, his own family outside of the royal one. He also seemed to be fonder of it while talking about it, more than the actual family he shares the same blood with. I wish I could talk about it with someone who actually understands it better though, but I doubt I can call Ulferonn with a phone or reach him with an email.

Me: Is it just you and me from our family on Ethos right now?

Woreus: No. I am pretty sure some relatives of your mother must be around somewhere.

Me: And my mother or others?

Woreus: Most of our family is in Viysus. We don't live here because the power energies would clash with this world.

Me: Most of them? That means some others are around!

Woreus: Unfortunately. I don't know where they are currently, but let me tell you it's better we don't know, because that means they don't know about you either.

Me: What about you?

Woreus: I am unimportant when it comes to their plans. Don't worry about it, little one, I can deal with it, if you get discovered.

My chest feels tight and heavy. Woreus didn't have to say anything specifically about it, but I understand why we must have left. I guess the theory I had, of Queen Aetha really wanting me gone or dead, is true. Probably sent some hunters after me too, to get rid of this reminder of her unfaithful husband. I doubt she left him though, since he is a king and she can rule with him over a whole dimension filled with powerful descendants. She can turn a blind eye to that, but to have me around everyday, would be like a pebble or a thorn in her shoe. I just wish that I could at least live with my mother. We could have both been exiled, not just me. I barely even remember her face.

Wiping away those few tears that creeped out, I finish my notes about the bond and then wait for the main break. Everyone gets half an hour break to go eat or rest up between the training sessions. I could talk to Reilly in private when we get back into the dorm, but I want to get this over with.

I asked for a permission to go into the first-year area from Professor Radock, since Saxa will be around there. Even though it's a break time, people don't have to follow it and they can continue practicing. She could use that as an excuse to try and attack me when I am around. But Professor Radock allowed me to call Reilly and bring her to rest in our area.

Reilly is talking to Nima and Gaia, standing with her back turned at me. I greet the girls and they aske me to stay during the break, but I quickly snatch Reilly, then return to the fourth-year group.

Draco intercepted us as we were coming back and invited us for a fast lunch with the rest of the Chronos descendants, but I declined. Reilly is starting to get suspicious about it. She whispered to me, asking why I am avoiding everyone. I want to deal with this bond thing in private, so I just ask her to follow me somewhere secluded. Best we can do is the upper corner of the room, far away from anyone. I wish I could also summon the soundproof shield around us, just in case some descendants have inhuman hearing, but I can't risk casting a spell in open area.

Reilly: Will you finally tell me what's up? You fought with your boyfriend or what?

Me: It's a private matter concerning me and you. I figured you wouldn't want anyone to know about it.

Reilly: I have no idea what you have on mind but if it's something embarrassing, I am glad we are tucked away in this corner, whispering to each other, because that's not suspicious at all.

I haven't thought about how it will look like at all. And Reilly is right. There are people staring at us. I don't care about the others, but Saxa also noticed my weird behavior and I definitely don't want to feed her hateful delusions about me. I ask Reilly to go with me and enjoy the break, pretending to be just hanging out, but I still kept my voice low as I sat down near my backpack.

Me: I figured out this bond thing you told me about. Well, more like Woreus told me about it, and I want to finish it.

Reilly: Finish it how?

Me: Basically it's this bond created by a part of my powers that connects you to me. It makes you loyal or some bullshit, but it started on your part. I know that it sounds weird, maybe you might hate me for it, because it's basically what made you stay being my friend, but you still have a choice.

Reilly: It wasn't there all the time you know. I started being your friend because I wanted to. And I wanted to protect you, because my powers allow me to. Then I noticed this weird pull. Explain it to me clearly and we will decide what to do then.

I tell Reilly everything about the bond, mainly the part that it is still not complete, because I have to accept it. Woreus didn't tell me details of that part yet and I hope it's not some palm-cutting blood-drinking ritual. I shoot the question down the connection and wait for response. Luckily, Woreus says that I only have to say it, something that contains words of an agreement. Letting Reilly in the loop, she is ready to finalize the bond, but even Woreus doesn't know if there is any crazy light show connected to it or not, so we decide to work on it in our room.

When the training resumed, I remained sitting on my spot and continued writing notes. Even though I wanted to keep practicing, my body is too tired to be jumping around and my brain is useless for coming up with combos for attacks. I bugged Woreus more about his type of bond and he gladly told me about the family he has back in Viysus. Not the royal one, but the wolf-type shape-shifters bonded to him. I am slightly scared of accepting the bond, creating fake feelings between me and people, but the idea of having a family finally sounds great. I am glad for Woreus being around, but at the same time, two of us don't really make a family, and I am also keeping him from his own.

Me: Do you regret sometimes coming here with me and leaving everyone behind?

Woreus: Our family is... complicated, and I am not going to lie to you, I prefer my chosen one more, but I still have duty towards Viysus and the members of our family I love.

Me: Why is loving Draco bad then?

Woreus: I am not doubting your feelings, Kaitlin, but his. The wolf form allows me to see the magic flow lines, and even if it's not complete yet, the bond between you and Reilly is there. Between you and the guy, I see nothing.

Me: Are you saying he doesn't really love me?

Woreus: He might have feelings for you, but it's all in his mind.

Me: Is there any difference? Don't tell me he has to feel it in his heart too!

Woreus: Not directly, but instead of the heart, I would say his source. The magic must be drawn to you, not just the human part of feelings.

It created a rift between me and Draco, and I am starting to doubt what this thing that we have is. When I remembered the incident and all those few moments I shared with Draco during middle school, I didn't think twice about the kiss. But now that I go back, did I really want to continue being with him or was it supposed to be just a closure for the childhood crush we had? I do love him, at least I feel like I do, but if there is supposed to be something more, I can't stop thinking about what it is and what it feels like.

Being lost in my mind, I didn't notice when Draco walked up to me. He spoke about something, tearing up the thoughts I have about him, and bringing me back into the room. He is taking another short break with Leo, so I keep up with the conversation, but I mostly answer on autopilot and I can't look him in the eye as I do.

Professor Radock gathered us for more information about the next week. I hated standing up because I warmed up the sitting spot, but also because my legs became stiff. But if I can't get an upper hand over my classmates and Saxa, at least I want to level up the field when it comes to this school competition. The professor told us that the rotation will move up on Monday and our group will be using the holograms. All I can do with those for now is punch them while my body acts as a stun gun and I regret not practicing the aim more, but right now, I am so glad the Trials class is over for this week.

Draco wanted us to go have a late dinner, replenish the energy they used up during the training, but I made an excuse that I am too tired and just went back to the dorm. Reilly is a big eater and everyone might have felt a little bit suspicious that she also declined the invitation, but right now, I want to finalize this bond thing and figure out if I want to keep Reilly tied to me like this or not.

Woreus wanted to stay in the forest over the weekend, but I asked him to accompany us, just in case something happens during the agreement. I also wanted him to shift into the human form, even though I hate the idea of him going through the pain, but he refused it anyway, saying he is more useful in his wolf form when it comes to magic.

Reilly and I, we tossed some pillows around and plopped down on them. Woreus sat in the middle, but still a good distance away from us, monitoring the whole situation. At first, I couldn't focus at all with my brother sitting there and wiggling his tail. I am very nervous about how this is going to turn out, so focusing on his sweeping tail kept me grounded and calm. Reilly is in the zone, focused one thousand percent on the mission that we need to go through. I envy her ability to be centered and not swayed by negative thoughts or feelings, but I am also glad to have her around, because I can tap into her confidence and find my own. With the trembling hands, I grab Reilly's and finally start the process, asking my brother about what I should say.

Woreus: Some words of acceptance, chosen family and maybe also add your names into the agreement. Magic works in mysterious ways and even the oldest descendants don't know everything. Binding with names is usually the way.

Me: Does it have to sound official?

Woreus: Up to you.

Me: Got it.

Reilly: Can you two stop leaving me out of the conversation?

Me: I wish, but it's enough to have this guy inside my head. If I am going to also add you, I will probably go insane.

Reilly: Now, if you say it like that, I don't want you in my head either. Some things are good to stay a secret, even between us.

Me: Like your fantasies about my brother?

Reilly: Yoooou~!

Woreus: Focus, Kaitlin. Stop evading what you need to do!

Me: Right, okay. I, Kaitlin... Hallor...

Reilly: Hallor? Not Holland?

Me: Long story. I will tell you later. Now let me do this. I, Kaitlin Hallor, am accepting your bond, Reilly Sutton. With this, I claim it as my own and I agree for you to become my chosen family.