The sunlight peeked through the billowing curtains and cast a warm, golden glow on Anaya's face, making her features appear more delicate. Her eyes fluttered open, drifting to the clock hanging on the opposite wall. The digital numbers indicated it was 8:50 AM. Surprised that she had slept so long, she sat up and stretched her arms and legs, feeling the tightness in her muscles dissipate. She couldn't blame herself, though, as it had been nearly dawn when she had finally succumbed to exhaustion.

"Morning, darling," Icarus said, emerging from the bathroom, fully dressed in a black T-shirt and blue jeans. His hair was tousled and damp from the shower, adding to his charm.

She rubbed her eyes with the pads of her fingers and smiled warmly, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of him. "Good morning," she greeted, her voice still thick with sleep.

Despite her messy hair and flushed cheeks, he found her lovely and couldn't resist leaning down and planting a soft kiss on her forehead, the warmth of his lips sending a pleasant shiver down her spine. "Breakfast should be ready."

"I'll be down in ten minutes."

He nodded with a smile and exited the room, closing the door behind him. Anaya shuffled to the bathroom and brushed her teeth before jumping into the shower. The warm water washed away the last remnants of sleep and soothed her worries. She dried off and slipped into a pair of snug-fitting jeans and an oversized sweatshirt.

When she arrived at the dining hall, she was 15 minutes late. Icarus sat alone, scrolling through his phone, his eyebrows knitted in concentration.

"Sorry," she whispered, feeling guilty for keeping him waiting, and took the seat next to him.

"It's fine." He set his phone aside and gave her his undivided attention, studying her face with his inquisitive gaze. "Did you sleep well?"

He could tell something was bothering her, but he wasn't going to force her to share if she wasn't willing. He trusted her and knew she'd not keep any secrets between them.

Anaya hesitated before replying. "Yeah, I'm good." The truth was, her head wouldn't stop pounding from all the thoughts running at a million miles per hour. Her identity didn't rattle her after recollecting the truth of her past, but how would Icarus react?

Lisa brought breakfast to the table and then excused herself after bowing to them. Anaya noticed Casey lingering outside the hall and gave her a subtle nod of acknowledgment before tucking into her cheese omelet, croissant, and mango juice, savoring the flavors and feeling a sense of contentment. If anything could bring comfort to her after Icarus, it was food. At the moment, she had both.

Once they were done eating, Icarus headed to his office. He was going to remain busy for a few weeks reviewing the monthly reports submitted by different packs. Anaya seized the opportunity to devise a strategy with Casey. She returned to the room and locked the door.

Casey was already sitting on the bed, the layers of her red-orange gown fanning around her. It reminded Anaya of her fur that glowed like fire under the sunlight.

"I have regained my memory!" Anaya exclaimed, throwing her arms around her best friend in a tight hug. She felt a rush of relief and joy at their reunion.

"I'm so glad." Casey returned the embrace. When she pulled back, there were tears in her eyes, mirroring Anaya's emotions. "I should have realized sooner that you'd lost your memory."

Anaya shook her head. "Don't blame yourself. I remember everything now. It's all that matters, right?"

A smile broke out on Casey's face. "What are your plans for today?"

"I need to use my powers," she said in a low voice tinged with excitement.

"Okay. But where should we go?"

Anaya pondered for a beat, the gears turning in her head, then a smile lit up her face. "I know the perfect place."

As they left the room, Casey waved her hand in the air, creating a replica of Anaya in case Icarus came to the room. He enjoyed having lunch with her, but she wouldn't be back until after dark. She had to test her powers and train for the fight with Lupinnaeus.

Anaya led Casey to Icarus' cottage, which was surrounded by a large area. It was quiet and sealed from the rest of the world. 

"This is the safest place. Nobody will find us." She whirled around, taking in the breathtaking scenery. The air was thick with heat, a sure sign that summer was approaching.  Small blue and brown birds flitted from branch to branch, and butterflies danced around the array of flowers, whose vibrant colors were a stark contrast to the lush green grass.

"Does Icarus know?"

"I will tell him everything soon."

"Will he trust you after knowing the truth?"

"I don't know." She closed her eyes and saw the man she would love forever. It was enough to evoke the flutters in her belly. "But I won't let anything break us apart."

"Anaya—"

Her eyes opened, hardened with rage. "You don't have a say in my business."

"Fine, I promise not to meddle"—Casey obliged with a reluctant nod—"as long as you are focused on your task."

She backed away a few steps and took a deep breath, visualizing wings sprouting from her back. A familiar rush of adrenaline coursed through her veins as her body adjusted to accommodate the new limbs. She spread her wings and felt its tips brush against the grass. With a smile, she pushed off the ground and let her wings lift her higher and higher in the sky, the world below her shrinking to the size of a 3D model and eventually becoming a blur of colors. The wind whistled past her and the sun felt hotter as she dove and spun, allowing the air currents to choose her path.

Casey looked up at her with wide eyes full of wonder and amazement. "You are as beautiful as always!" She shouted; her voice barely audible to Anaya.

"Thanks!" Anaya laughed, relishing the sweet taste of freedom. It filled her soul, invigorating her. She slowly descended and grabbed Casey's hands, swooping her up into the sky.

They twirled for hours, weightless and effortless, their smiles never leaving their faces. Casey let out a sigh of relief and moved closer to Anaya, stroking her hair.

"I thought you wouldn't be able to fly again."

"Why would you—" She paused, her mind going blank. "Did Mother lose her wings?"

"The symptoms of the illness have escalated," Casey explained, her somber expression breaking Anaya's heart, turning her joy into concern. "They all lost their wings, except you."

She let the wind lower them to the ground, her wings folding in on themselves and disappearing into her back. They settled on the grass, facing each other.

"Tell me everything," she insisted.

Casey's voice trembled as she spoke, her vision distorting with tears. "They are unable to collect stardust. They have lost their ability to heal and grant wishes."

"Oh, goodness," Anaya's breath hitched. She felt a pang of sadness for all they had lost. "Did I-I lose it too?"

"You still have it." Seeing Anaya's frown, she continued with a small smile. "The gemstone in my head is made of starlight. It twinkled when you were with me."

Anaya lowered her gaze, plucking a blade of grass and tying it. "It felt familiar, but I couldn't recognize it."

Casey reached out and grabbed Anaya's hand, offering a reassuring touch. "It's been too long since you lost your memory."

"I won't make any mistakes." She promised in a firm tone. "I will do my best."

"I know." Casey waved her hand in the air and conjured a small dagger. It landed gracefully on her outstretched palm. "Rasharaya made it for you."

Anaya took the dagger and removed it from its leather sheath, running her fingers along the sharp blade and admiring the gemstones embedded in its hilt.

"Summon a creature. I would like to train."

"Right now?"

"We don't have time to waste."

Without another word, Casey flicked her fingers in the air, and in an instant, a beast materialized in front of Anaya. It stood on all fours, snarling at her with a wide mouth dripping with saliva. Its thick brown fur was matted with dirt, and its red eyes glinted with hunger.

Clutching the dagger in her hand, she straightened, her eyes and ears on alert. Her heart thumped wildly as she watched the creature circle her, looking for an opening. She knew she had to be quick.

With a sharp inhale, she lunged forward, her dagger slicing through the air toward the beast's head. It twisted out of the way, baring its long, sharp teeth at her before snapping at her arm. She jerked away just in time, narrowly avoiding the beast's jaws, and waited for the right moment.

The beast growled and sprinted toward her. She flew up and landed behind it, thrusting her dagger into its side. It let out a deafening roar, but she held the weapon tightly in her grip, twisting the blade deeper into its flesh. Black blood gushed out of the wound, and the beast fell to the ground, but just when she thought she'd defeated it, it stood up and charged at her once again, its horns almost pricking into her stomach if she hadn't moved out of the way in time.

She caught its tail and struck it with the dagger, ripping it from its back. With each blow, the beast grew weaker, until it finally collapsed.

Breathless and drenched in sweat, Anaya looked down at the beast as its massive form crumbled to dust.

"I will kill Lupinnaeus tonight," she declared with fierce determination in her eyes.

Hello! Anaya's origin is yet to be revealed. I did, however, leave some clues. So, any guesses?