Page 25 of Castian

His voice was small, and reluctant but she gave a short nod. “Good, now go and get washed up. The food will be ready soon.”

He gave a short nod and quickly ran from the room. She watched him go, before giving a sigh and turning only to jump when she realized both Zach and Mama D were staring at her. “What?”

“When are you going to have one of them babies for yourself?” Mama D demanded in a tone that begged Oye to try and wiggle out of answering.

“Probably never,” Zach muttered.

Oye coached herself not to throw a metal ball at him. Turning her attention back to Mama D she shook her head. “Probably never, I’m not exactly mother material.”

“What?” Mama D looked at her like she was crazy, as she picked up the bow of thinly sliced cabbage. “You take care of the children here just fine, it’s time you found yourself a nice man to settle down with.”

Oye walked over the cabinet and placed the first aid kit inside, closing the door to it and she shook her head. “I’m not interested.”

“Well, you need to get—”

“Mama D.”

Oye flinched when she realized she had snapped at the older woman. She lowered her hands to her side. “I’m sorry,” she said after a beat, she turned to meet Mama D’s solemn gaze. “But it’s just not for me. This family is enough family for me.” With that, she quickly left the kitchen to go to the bathroom.

NERIUM & JACKALS

LANIAS

The council building rose high over Veil City. Lanias stood below watching the Phoenix settle itself amongst the reeds of its nest. She narrowed her eyes in thought. She wasn’t beneath kidnapping the damn bird, after all it was a symbol that had long lost its ability to strike fear into her.

She could count on one hand the things that caused her to feel fear, and the building before her was nothing more than a nuisance. Hearing a rumbling sound, she turned in time to watch her cousin pull up,

As usual Oye drew the eye of passersby when she pulled up on her dark metal motorcycle. The woman herself pulled her helmet off her locs clicking together. Dismounting her bike, she settled her helmet onto the back of it and the wheels melted into the asphalt before they hardened.

She always reminded Lanias of an angsty teenager whenever she looked at her. The brat never listened to her about updating her wardrobe. She insisted on wearing her leather jacket, tight holey jeans and ankle boots. The only thing she ever seemed to adjust was her makeup. She wore black lipstick, with heavy liner that highlighted her unusual eye color.

“We’re even getting invited to places like this now,” Oye said, not able to hide her distaste.

“Well, we couldn’t meet them in the Shade,” Lanias said, as she turned and began climbing the steps. “Once was enough for me thank you. I couldn’t get rid of the wet dog smell for a week.”

“Right, if you ask me I much rather air out the bar than come here.”

OYE

Oye followed Lanias up the steps, wishing she could just surf her way up, but the council grounds didn’t allow magic use on their grounds from outsiders. Another reason she hated coming to the building—she couldn’t protect herself. She glanced at the stoic face of her cousin; she was surprised Lanias had agreed to come. It didn’t take long for them to reach the landing where they were met with the sight of the fox Demon, Tiller.

He stood straight, his hands held behind his back and his expression in its usual arrogant pose. She wondered what made the man think so highly of himself, since she knew Lanias had—on several occasions, said she’d taught him a lesson. The man was a lot more daring then he appeared, reaching the landing she stopped a few feet away leaving Lanias to speak with him.

“I was surprised to hear you were willing to come into my territory,” were the first words of greeting offered.

Lanias’ smile grew tight. Oye was sure she was choking on a few choice words. Lucky for them both, her cousin showed an immense amount of control by saying instead. “I felt it was necessary to know where and what the enemy calls home.”

“Hmm, and here I thought you’ve come prepared to give up almost anything.”

Lanias’ smile disappeared, as her soft blue dress turned black. “Are you saying I should return to my own home ground?” Her voice dropped in warmth.

“Oh no, no.” Tiller said, his ears twitching, “Do follow me.”

Oye hid her smile behind her hand as she followed behind Lanias and Tiller. She couldn’t help peeking around as they passed the large statues. Their head turning to observe their entrance, she avoided a man running in the opposite direction. A loud call came over an unseen speaker, and the air was filled with thousands of flying bird shaped papers. They swooped into curved holes that covered the upper walls like a honey cone.

She blinked as one got stuck, and attempted to wriggle itself free before another slammed it into the hole.

“Oye.”

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