Beautiful Ocean Moon

Arrival

As we had settled into the ride I laid my head back and closed my eyes trying to recall my visions to see if I could pick up more details. However, the visions seemed elusive so I decided to instead focus on creating my mind link it was similar to the werewolf pack link but the difference was that I could link with anyone so long as I was able to focus on their aura. Rayna and Lily knew that I would be doing it so I felt no resistance from them. Once done I let myself relax into my seat for the remainder of the ride. About three hours later I felt Onyx begin to dive just a little and then straighten back out. It was a sign of Leland’s training with Onyx because with anyone else Onyx would have just gone into a dive. I noticed that the others had arranged themselves so after I did as well I knocked on the wall behind my head. “Leland we are good take us in.” And with that Onyx dove down and in no time we were landing. As soon as we felt Onyx land we were all up and moving, I was the first to step out of the carriage to see Leland already unloading our bags. I then turned to look at the forest around me and was about to get a feel when a voice called out. “You must be the investigation team we were expecting.” I turned to see a human man walking towards us his head slightly bowed as he did so to show respect. “Yes, that is correct. I am Rayna and this is Lily and over there is Lady Mira.” Rayna made quick introductions. “Yes hello, Miss Lily and hello to you as well Lady Mira.” The man greeted us as he came to a full stop in front of Rayna. “My name is Tobias, I have arranged your lodgings if you will please follow me and I will have someone take your bags,” Tobias said. “Don’t worry about that we can carry our stuff but please show us the way.” I told him and he blinked but nodded though I could feel is was with reluctance that we didn’t allow him to help. ‘He must not be used to females carrying heavy loads.’ Rayna said through the mind link I had made. ‘Or maybe he was ordered to help us.’ Lily responded back but I don’t think it was either of those reasons. In fact Tobias did not seem genuine about the offer. ‘I don’t think so, I think if we had left our bags behind we would be having to find them later.’ I voiced my suspicions. ‘Notice the fact that he said someone would take our bags not bring them and that was after he clearly saw Leland standing next to them. He didn’t even acknowledge Leland nor say that Leland could grab the bags. It was like he intended to dismissed Leland but simply ignoring him.’ Leland who apparently realized the same thing as I had because out of the corner of my eye Leland was leading Onyx to what looked like a makeshift stable. ‘So you think that he would have had someone take our bags and when we would go looking for them this evening he could have played it off which would make things difficult for us because it would have looked like we were trying to cause problems.’ Lily said and I shifted my head just enough to catch her and Rayna's eye. Quickly reaching out I linked to Leland. ‘Leland.’ I said his name but before I could say more. ‘I am already ahead of you Little Miss and I make sure Onyx is too.’ Leland's response told me that I was right in the fact he noticed something. ‘Thank you.’ I said and cut his link. I couldn’t help but hope that I was wrong and that I was just being suspicious.

We reached the edge of a hill and looking down we saw five tents all set around in a semi-circle with a canopy setup up in the middle. “This way ladies your tent is the one with the Sapphire Flag.” Tobias said as we walk down the hill to the tents walking into the half circle we saw almost no one else around. “Where is everyone else?” I asked. “Oh don’t worry ladies you are safe the men are all out. Now right this way if you will please.” Tobias said and the condensing tone was clear. “Tobias I asked a question and I expect an answer from you now!” I said as I came to a stop and the other stopped as well. I watch Tobias give a sigh before turning back to me. “Lady Mira please I have duties that I need….” “I do not give a damn Tobias your condensing tone was clear and it is disrespectful to talk like that to anyone regardless of rank so I suggest you lose the attitude and answer me.” I paused and stood to my full height. “Or you can explain to the King himself that the people he sent to help with the investigation of the village left to return back to the Dark Archduke.” I had stopped letting anyone walk over me or treat me with anything but respect for a long time now and I most certainly wasn’t about to let it start again. I watch Tobias’s face turn from a blank look of neutrality to a sneer. “Please feel free to I doubt the Legendary Archduke would give a damn that you felt disrespected after all why should…” “Why should he care about his only daughter being mistreated oh yes let’s see how long it takes before he rips you to shreds I will enjoy the show.” Rayna said taking a step forward a voice a snarl. “What.” I didn’t let Tobias finish before I used my speed to be behind him my claws extended and pressed just against his throat. “Yes his daughter and I will not repeat myself again answer my question.” Tobias started shaking but before he could answer a voice spoke up.

“WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?” We all turned to look at who shouted and I saw a male dog demon standing to the left of where we all were. He was a handsome demon standing at least six foot six with broad shoulders, a muscular frame, and high cheekbones, his hair stopped just below his ears and it was black with silver streaks and his eyes were an icy blue against his olive skin. ‘Damn.’ I heard Rayna say through the link. “Prince Ares.” Tobias called out. “I believe I can explain it.” Another voice spoke up but I didn’t take my eyes off of the Prince. “I am guessing Tobias didn’t bother to find out who was coming, he only found out where they were coming from, and since he didn’t bother to actually learn anything he treated our very important guess like they were not needed nor wanted here. Does that about sum it up?” The voice was another male demon who stepped into all of our lines of sight. “Hit the nail on the head.” Lily answered glaring at Tobias. “Please let him go, he will be punished.” The other male spoke again. “If you don’t I will.” I said and then I heard the prince snort. I narrowed my eyes at the prince as I pulled my hand back though my claws were still extended. “Allow me to introduce ourselves. I am Asher, the big bear behind my is Jax.” Asher mentioned to another demon I didn’t see before that was standing behind the prince and he most definitely was a bear he stood taller than the prince and was huge muscular male. “And of course this is Crown Prince Ares. I’m guessing your Lady Mira Solace-Stone the only daughter of Archduke Kain Solace.” Asher didn’t really ask as he finished the introductions. “Yes and this is Rayna and Lily.” I motioned to them. “There will be some others but they will join us later, your group is the first to arrive so please get settled into your tent.” Asher spoke again and we nodded. Retrieving bags from where I dropped them when I attacked Tobias. We looked to see the Sapphire Flag just above the flap door of one tent and made our way over. Once inside we each walked over to one of the three make shift bed of furs and place our bags down so that we could start settling in. “I surprised that Anubis and Luna didn’t react.” Lily said. They both wanted to but they are both smart enough to not reveal themselves just yet.” I said not worried that our voices would be heard because as soon as we stepped inside I had placed a barrier around the tent. I got nods in return for my exclamation. After that, we spent our time unpacking in silence which was fine because all I could think about was how rude and arrogant the prince seemed to be.