Octavia

"The sightings have increased rapidly, princess." General Lýkos tells me. "Queen Luna doesn't want to make an announcement until we have a better grasp on the situation. I have to say, I agree with her. A mass panic over burned ones is the last thing we need."

I hum in agreement. General Lýkos of the Solarian army has been around my entire life, he had ten years on the job as a soldier in the wolf omáda by the time I was born. Now he's coming up to 60 with greying hair, wrinkles and spark in his eyes. Despite the effects of physical ageing he still fights as strong as he did in his twenties and hasn't lost a bit of his boyish charm.

"Send through the reports on the sightings." I command. "I'll work on a geographical map, see if I can find a pattern."

Lýkos chuckles. "You were always the best at profiling. This new lot is useless."

"How are you all getting on without me?" I ask with a laugh. Lýkos lets out a long suffering sigh.

There was a whole wave of dissent in the army when Lýkos came to power, not that Queen Luna would let a word of it be breathed to the public, they didn't want to take orders from a black general. It's how we met for the first time actually. I was 15 and sent in with my uncle Arthur as royal correspondants to legally allow Lýkos to scare the utter shit out of the racist fuckers and get them all back in line. We had good fun that day. I got to play scary shadow fairy for the first time and he got to beat every soldier in a fight one by one and earn himself some respect.

"It's abismal, my lady." I grin, Lýkos has always been like a brother to me despite our age gap, he's a family guy and I know if he wasn't so scared of Queen Luna he would have stepped up as a father figure for Stel and I. "The reports are all done wrong, some of them are newbies and they're all stiff and unable to take a joke."

I laugh at his petulant tone. The famed 'Wolf of Solaria' whining about his new trainees, helios, the media would have a field day.

"I'm sure you'll find a way to break them in." I jest, knowing full well that Lýkos won't stand for stiffs. He likes his teams and omádas to laugh and joke in the barracks and slaughter their enemies without hesitation on the battlefield. It is a tough combination to achieve but he teaches them well. He taught me until Andreas took over after the incident.

"Ha, ha." He mocks as we trail off into silence and I begin to walk towards the greenhouse. "What about you, Princess?" He questions softly. "How are you doing?"

I pause, choosing to settle on one of the benches outside the greenhouse where I would have a good view of the specialists training.

"I-." I clear my throat. "It's been a rough start." I confess quietly.

"I found a dead body on my first day."

"The shepherd, right. A report landed on my desk."

I nod my head but realise he couldn't see me.

"Yeah, covered in char residue."

"What." He barks.

"Lýk-"

"They didn't say that in the report." he admonishes, heatedly. "If I had know the burned ones had reached Alfea-"
"You would have what?" I demand. "Gone against the Queen?"

Silence.

I sigh. "It's done, Lýkos. Besides, it was weeks ago. I'm getting over it."

I chose not to mention the Ma-Mahe- hes thing.

"Okay." He answers. There's an awkward pause. It's different, now that I don't see him everyday. It's been different since Rosalind.

"Tell me about the Specialists, anyone I should look out for." He commands - back to business then.

Fourth years, three of them; Neve Namir, Carmen Ditkon and Samuel Aikon. Darkling supplies. All in the same omáda

"There are a few fourth years coming your way, I don't know them personally but Silva hand picked them and I trust his judgement." Lýkos hums. " Neve Namir, Carmen Ditkon and Samuel Aikon all three are a part of the same omáda."

The females are mated to each other

"I think the two females are mated." I add

"You know I don't like putting mates in the field together, they're liabilities to each other and everyone else."

"See how they work together and then make a judgement." I advise, listening to the sound of pen on paper as he no doubt jots down the names. I watch a pair of specialists train in the distance, focusing on their powerful movements. I look around for Sky and Riven, curious to know if they had training during this period.

"Third years?" He asks.

Shitty batch but there's a Dolos illium and a Michelle Elway. He joined Alfea this year but she's been here from the start.

They're trying to form an old style warrior bond

"Third years still need a bit of moulding. There's a Dolos illium and a Michelle Elway. They are apparently working towards a soldier's Eusebeia bond. One of the old guard types."

Lýkos whistles in appreciation. "That takes some guts."

"Will you be joining me when you complete your specialist training?"

I pause. Will I? Mother might allow me but I'm not sure a life on the battlefield is what I want. I miss having a home.

You have years to decide, don't rush this mistress. Little shadow tells me.

"I'll take that silence as 'you still have time to convince me Lýkos' then." He jokes but I can hear the undertone of sadness in his voice. He wants me safe by his side again. I'll never forget the look on his face when he was forced to give me over to Rosalind's control. The devastation and grief. I don't think he'll ever stop being guilty about it.

I clear my throat. "We'll see."

There's a painful silence where neither of us want to end the conversation, but we equally don't know where to take it. I finally fin Sky's blonde hair in the crowd of specialists lifting weights. I can't help the blush that rises to my cheeks at the sight of his rippling muscles.

"Has Stella caused any trouble." Lýkos asks, with a hint of humour but I know the question is serious.

"No, she's made a few friends actually."

I watch as Riven walks over to Sky and settles himself on the bench press, he looks pale and exhausted.

What's wrong with him? I question worriedly, straightening up and debating if going over than and making a scene would be worth finding out.

Grief and addiction, mistress. Fenriz answers, sadly.

"Well," Lýkos states. "You've only been there two weeks. There's still time for her to cause trouble."

I jerk back to the conversation, keeping an eye on Riv.

"She's planning the meeting mother requested at Alfea." I say lamely, distracted as I watch the boys train.

Lýkos huffs a laugh. "Is she really? I bet she's loving it, has she got a clipboard."

I grin. "A folder."

Lýkos burst into full belly laughter and I can't help but giggle along with him, forgetting my worry for a second.

"Of course she has. I guess I'll see you soon then. I know it's a little last minute but at least we can catch up properly."

From the way he says the last words I know he's realised I've kept a few things quiet. Not sure how I'm going to explain getting attacked in the woods, having Bloom spread a few quiet rumours, meeting Bea again and whatever the hell is going on between Sky, Riven and I.

I sigh. "I guess we will."

There's a hesitant pause.

"So, Stella made friends... Have you got any for me to meet." Overprotective mother hen.

"Lýkos-" I sigh.

"No, no. I refuse to believe an intelligent and caring person such as yourself has not made any friends." His voice is filled with passion and worry.

"I-" I pause. After what happened with Bea and Ricki I'm not sure it's a good idea to go about making friends. Yet, I look back at Sky and Riven who have started sparring each other. Riv looks a little better, there's colour in his cheeks. "I've made a few. I'll introduce you to them."

Lýkos lets out a dramatic groan of relif. "Finally, i thought you were going to end up spending your entire education there moping in sadness over Ricki and Bea." I freeze.

Lýkos pauses as he realises what he said, as he wait for my reaction.

"It's okay to move on, Little Warrior." Lýkos whispers gently. "Ricki would want you to move on."

I clear my throat as I start to get choked up. Helios, I'm super emotional today. Maybe it's pre-period?

"Yeah okay." I say sadly.

"Octa-"

"I'll see you at the meeting, yeah? I have to go sort decorations for Stel." I rush out, desperate to move on.

"Okay. I'll see you then princess."

I hang up and stare at my phone for a few seconds. Quickly blinking back tears, helios I miss him. Besides Stel he was the closest thing to family I had growing up.

You need to talk to Terra about the decorations. Darkling reminds me.

Remember you're supposed to keep this on the down low. Stella's having a talk with the others now about the seriousness of this meeting. Little Shadow adds

How do you know that? I ask

We left a shadow with her to report back... she knows, Azazel's hiding in the pocket of her dress.

Huh, I forgot some of the smaller shadows could detach from the group to report back. I really need to get into the habit of using them. Especially if mother wants me to take over as some kind of spymaster when Stella comes into power.

I stand from the bench and make my way towards the greenhouse entrance. What was it that Stella said? Terra's been curious about me or something. I roll my eyes internally, please just be fascinated with royalty and not full level stalker shit. I don't think I can handle another one of those conversations.

I enter the enchanted greenhouse, looking up to marvel at the magically extended ceiling that fitted whole trees beneath it. It was like I entered a rainforest, a stone pather led through the colour flowers and large bushes. Even the air was more humid. I walk for maybe a minute before coming across what looked like a forest clearing filled with rows of tables full of various potted plants, chemistry tubes and what I recognise as spell books.

"Ankáthi?" I call out. Look around for any sign of the earth fairy, any sign of anyone really. "Terra?"

Far end of the clearing.

There's a small crash and clatter from the darkened section of the clearing and I look over to see Terra jerk up from below a table appearing to be covered in soil. I walk over carefully, doing my best to avoid treading on any of the plants growing up the legs of tables.

"Ter?" I ask as I reach her.

Terra looks up at me in shock, eyes widening as she glances at me head to toe before glancing down at herself. She's wearing a cute pale green and cream striped top with a pair of denim dungarees over and her short curly hair is pinned back with a few bobby pins.

"Oct-Ocatvia, hi." Terra chuckles nervously with a grin as she hastily rubs her soil covered palms down her clothes. "I was just tending to the night blooms, they're coming on really well actually. Dad and I have been tending to them for a couple of months now but we weren't sure if they'd grow because they only grow in the dark. Not to mention they won't get their famed magical properties until they're under moonlight-"

Should we stop her? Asmodeus asks hesitantly,

I eye Terra who is still talking away. I can't help but smile at her passionate rant, she reminds me of Ricki. How passionate she would get about painting and the artists of old.

"-the Same realise if we changed the pH to a similar solid as the river bank the plants would grow better. Isn't that fascinating?" Terra grins at me, face full of excitement and life before she notices my slightly bemused stare. Terra stutters slightly, glancing down to the ground in embarrassment. "What can I do for you?"

I give Terra what I hope is a reassuring smile, taking a step towards her.

"The crown is hosting a meeting in Alfea tomorrow and we were hoping you would be able to provide decoration for the dinner."

Shock flashes across the fairy's features, her eyes flaring to life. "The- the crown?"

Terra is practically vibrating with excitement.

"You want me to help prepare for the Queen? That's a big deal" She gives a nervous giggle. "Not that you're not a big deal, it's just after Stella everyone was a little disappointed by the image of princesses. Not that we're disappointed by you. It's just that no one really knows who you are. It's like your hidden away in the shadow of Stella's light. Oh- no, that's not what I meant to say. I just mean-"

She's a lovely person, I don't understand why she isn't more confident. Little shadow whispers

It a body image thing

"Ankáthi." I interrupt firmly. Lifting my hands up in a placating gesture. "I understand, it's quite alright. My mother carries a certain charm with her presence."

Ter blushes and nods hesitantly.

She gathers herself together before asking "What were you thinking decoration wise."

I grin at her, eager for the kind girl's help. "It's a midnight forest theme apparently. We're taking over the courtyard for the evening and we're trying to keep the student presence minimal - it's not a secret we just don't want to create issues for ourselves. So don't talk about it, alright."

Terra nods hastily. "Of course, yeah. I can do that."

"Wonderful, Dowling has given us the day to prepare. Shall we get set up?"

"Yes, yes. Just let me grab a few plants to take up and grow." Terra begins bustling around the greenhouse. "We'll have to get some specialists to help us carry the trays up."

Blatant discrimination there. No need to put fairies in a box of being 'weak'. Dark king grumbles

Hush, she's just excited and been subjected to social views her entire life. I remind him.

"If you think that would be best, Ankáthi." I murmur as I walk through the rows of plants.

"Midnight forest? That reminds me of this really sad movie I watched with dad and sam the other day-"

"They better not die in the end." I cry, curled around Bea as we huddle under the covers.

"I dunno." Bea sniffles. "I'm starting to doubt their survival."

"Helios- don't bea, you'll make me cry." I complain, sniffling as the main characters share a loving kiss in the movie.

"Oh geez." Bea complains. "I can' decide if I want to blame the star positioning, the full moon or hormones for this sudden burst of tears."
I scoff out a laugh.

"What? Is the sad movie not a good enough reason?"

"Octavia?" Terra mumbles, fiddling with her hands as I realise I zoned.

"Sorry, Ter. I got lost in thought for a second, what were you saying?"

I straighten up and shift my hair over one shoulder the regain my bearings.

"I've gathered all the plants we'll need, I thought we should go find some manual labour to help us." She jokes. But I see the nervousness in her eyes. Shit, I made her feel bad.

Go apologise. Little shadow snaps

For what? I ask incredulous

For making the kind fairy sad

"Of course Ankáthi, lead the way." I smile brightly.

Silva's mate has entered the greenhouse by the way, she's waiting out front.

Terra hesitates slightly but moves confidently through the jungle landscape.

"I'm sure Miss Dowling won't mind us taking some of the misbehaving first years but I'm not sure they'll listen to us if that's the case. Do you have a princess voice? Like Stella does, you know, her whole do as I say voice. Not that she's mean with it, just that she uses it. Maybe you could do that."

"Terra? What are you doing out of class?" A gentle voice asks from the entrance.

"Irene." Terra smiles widely and rushes to hug the woman. Irene's face lights up at Ter's reaction, she's stunningly beautiful and with the battle scar down her face she makes an empowering image, something truly animalistic in its most breath taking form. Why do people always seem more badass and hot with face scars?

Only the pretty ones, Tavi. Asmodeus comments darkly. Don't give society too much credit.

True, very true.

"-I've been caring for the Night Blooms. Did you know they have various healing properties?" Terra asks, full of excitement and glee. Irene glances at me hesitantly, clearly assessing me from the small glance. She's a trained warrior like her mate then, only the weathered and most skilled fighters could assess a threat with that much casual ease and grace.

"I actually did. I studied it during my medical training, I think I have some books I could lend you." Irene answers with a surprisingly french lilt and a warm smile.

She seems nice, I say as Terra begins to ramble and lead the three of us out of the greenhouse. Anything I need to know.

Irene Silva, Saul Silva's mate. Helped raise Sky from the age of 8-9ish up. She's a shapeshifter. One of the few fairies with the sole ability to wield transformation magic.

A shapeshifter? Interesting. I wonder if Queen Luna knows. I doubt she would let a threat as large as Irene walk free alive, let alone without restraints.

"-And then Stella has asked me to help with the decorations for the queen. Isn't that amazing. We were thinking of getting some specialist to carry up the trays of plants for us. Do you think Silva will mind?"

We begin to walk towards the specialist training in the morning light. Terra fills the walk towards Silva with idle chatter about her plans for decorations while Irene and I continue to eye each other silently. There's nothing friendly in our gazes and I'm well aware the only reason she hasn't questioned my presence is because of Terra. She wouldn't want to risk upsetting the girl, especially not if I'm a friend. Something tells me she's been a close friend to Terra for a while, and if I've judged her character correctly from her powers then she would only want what's best for Ter. Including making new friends. 

I guess that's the one downside of the more animal qualities that come with being a shifter. I wonder what her secondary form is? All shifters have their primary form, the one they are born with whatever species, gender, ethnicity that may be. They have a secondary form, the one they shift into easily due to their personality which tends to be discovered after puberty. Bea compared it to Harry Potter patronuses. Of course, the more powerful the shifter, the more they can shift into besides that.

Stella and I once snuck out to a carnival to see a shape shifter flit between small insect forms in seconds. However, it took him longer to shift into larger forms. The bigger the shift, the greater the magic required.

Silva turns away from his conversation with a group of specialists, choosing to give his mate a loving smile.

"Mon guierre." Irene lovingly coos

She speaks seven languages. Little Shadow whispers in awe.

Dropping his sword onto a nearby table Silva quickly strides over to Irene and embraces her in a tight hug before pulling back enough to give her a short kiss. Irene grips onto his jacket and giggles up at him as he cups her face.

"I didn't know you were dropping by today." he whispers, staring intently into her eyes as his thumbs trace patterns on her cheeks.

I look away feeling as though I'm intruding, choosing instead to watch an approaching Sky who grins at the sight of the couple. Riven trails behind him and I grin as he rolls his eyes at me after indicating at the loved up couple.

"I wanted to see how my boys were doing." Irene answers sweetly.

"Hi, Irene." Sky smiles widely at the shifter as she unatngles herself from Silva who grumbles at the lack of contact before quickly silencing when Irene sends him a glare.

"Hi, meu filho." Sky grip Irene into a tight hug, holding her with reverent tenderness.

Would now be a bad time to tell you the Queen moved up her timeline and is waiting for you by the main doors to Alfea?

Motherfu-

A/N: What do you want Irene's animal form to be? Here are the ones I came up with...

Wolf

Fox

Hawk

Peregrine Falcon

Other...