Just as before when she arrived in Scire, word traveled around faster than she did. The vibe was different though. More people were out in the street, watching her curiously as she walked on by. Last time they had watched her with fear in their eyes, hid behind whatever they could find, and now some were even smiling at her. The atmosphere was different, lighter somehow but there was still tension in the air. It was to be suspected. Marric had died not too long ago and the man had quite a few dedicated followers. Being his successors, Killian and Zahair did not have an easy road ahead of them.

Azura glanced at the folks gaping at her before turning her head forward again. Her thick paws crunched the snow underneath and she kept her tail hanging in a long low curve behind her body. She tried to hide every bit of tension she held in her body so as not to rub anyone the wrong way by just showing up. The snow leopard female kept on pushing forward till she saw the two men she was looking for. Not being able to smile and say hello in kitty form, Azura chuffed at them, followed by a low deep purr rumbling in the depths of her body.

Killian dropped to one knee and dug his hands into her fur as she head bumped him as a greeting. She couldn't help but rub her scent all over him, both as a tease and just because it had been a while since she saw him. Her tail curled around the man who called himself her brother, effectively claiming him as hers. It was a good thing he was gay and Zahair was there watching the whole spectacle. the blonde man just laughed as Azura did her thing to his beloved.

"It's good to see you too, sis." The brown-haired man spoke. "Thanks for coming so fast. I bet you want to come in and take a shower and get dressed?"

Azura inclined her head before taking a step back, allowing him to get back to his feet. Zahair came over and before he could even try anything, she rubbed herself against his legs. Through his facial paralysis, she could see the smile and it was a welcome sight to see him in human form out of his free will. He scratched underneath her chin forcing her to close her eyes and purr even louder.

"C-come." Zahair's melodic voice forced her to open her eyes again but the worst part was that he had stopped petting her.

Killian raised an eyebrow at her and with a huff, she followed the two men inside the strangest building she had ever set foot in. It had been an old research center once. Had been abandoned for quite some time before Marric had claimed it again for his own research. Soon after it had become his home and the main building for the city. She had walked around it a few times but had always done so under the strict guidance of at least two guards. This was the first time she had set foot inside since Killian had taken over

"You're reorganizing?" She spoke as they walked past a wall of cardboard moving boxes.

"Reorganizing, finding out what Marric has been experimenting on and what he has researched over the years. On top of that, we're preparing to move back to Norbury." Killian answered as he led them through the hallways to an actual office with a window.

It was the first room she had seen inside with a window, and despite it being small, it was still a window. Sadly she didn't get to glance through it to see what it was facing.

"Norbury? But I thought Marric said that the town did no longer fall in the circle of soul-catching stuff, voodoo crap, whatever he called it."

Surprisingly, it was Zahair who started laughing as Azura rambled on. It was truly the first time she heard him this way and she couldn't help but admire his radiating face. The man seemed so much lighter than when she had first met him. He had been a mere shadow at first, always lingering in the back, observing and watching and only reacting when called upon. Partly held back by his facial paralysis and speaking disability. Yet here he was more at ease and relaxed than ever.

"The area in which werecat souls will bind themselves to newborns." Killian mused when Zahair had fallen quiet. "Marric had lied about the reach and the source of it. Norbury is the center, it's our home. He just had almost everyone move here to control us better. To instill fear in our hearts and because Scire is not known to the rest of the world. Here he could do his research and experiments while having us close."

A chill ran up her spine as she couldn't help but draw similarities to some fucked up bad guys in movies and books.

"A few people stayed behind in Norbury. Those unable to make the move here and some folks Maric trusted. It was to prevent the town from being looted. My parents are still there for example. Actually, they asked if they could meet you." Killian poured them some water and gestured to their seats.

Sitting herself down, Azura couldn't help but keep the bitter undertone away from her voice. "Is that why you asked me to come over? To meet your parents?"

"No!" Her 'adoptive' brother raised his hands in defense before dropping his voice to a mere whisper. "We have no idea what we're doing here, Azu. Half of the people look up at us as if we're the ones to tell how to live their life. The other half don't support us as they were true believers of what Marric had been doing. I thought moving everyone back to Norbury was a good move to gain some trust, but it's met with more resistance than I thought it would. I want people to live normal lives. I want to keep some research going here, to find out more about the souls, the area affected, and our history but I'm met with reluctance and folks not taking us seriously."

He leaned back in his chair and let out a defeated sigh.

"T-Tired. W-we'r s-soo tire."

Zahair startled Azura a bit as she had not expected him to talk. The glint in his eyes had disappeared and before her sat two shadows of men they were just mere minutes ago. She slowly sipped her water thinking over what Killian had said to her. She had done this to them. Had forced leadership on them cause she was too selfish and scared to do it. A feeling of guilt washed over her as she realized in what impossible position she had forced them.

"I'm sorry. When I came here to get answers out of Marric, I never thought about the consequences of killing him. Putting you in this position is unfair. If it's too much of a burden, step down and let someone else take over. I'm sure there are enough people who could." Azura bowed her head in shame.

"W-w-we w-won't."

"He's right, you know," Killian continued after Zahair. "We won't give up or stand down. We've seen how Marric ran things but we've got to find our own way. And right now, we're just figuring out which direction to take. What's your take on it, sis?"

She sat up a bit straighter, meeting their eyes again when she realized they didn't blame her for anything.

"You want my opinion? Alright. Marric was a leader who told people where to go and what to do. Almost like a dictator. People got used to that and forgot what freedom is. Others oppose you because you do not share the same ideas as him. But you are forgetting we live in a modern world in modern times. There are laws. Norbury is just another city in the country as is Pleyvale. Do you want to be a leader for a group and create your own 'country' as Marric tried to do or do you wish to be more of a leader who acts as a mayor as to how Pleyvale is run? Do you want to force people to stay here, or will you allow them freedom? Will you let them know the truth about souls or keep them in the dark? Most of all, will you let them choose their own lives or try to rule them?"

"Freedom... Freedom of speech, moving where one would like, doing what one would like as long as they don't break any laws. Maybe you've got a point. I don't need to control the masses, don't need them all on my side." Killian mused as he toyed absently with a teaspoon. "The world is bigger than Norbury, Scire, and Pleyvale. Other races, different shifter species, the world doesn't revolve around us. Marric made us look inwards, focusing on us and the circle closed itself. What if we look outwards?"

The black-haired woman's lips curled up in a smile as Killian started thinking out loud. For a moment, she locked eyes with the other male in the room who sent her a wink and gave her a small thumbs-up without his partner noticing. When the newly appointed leader became silent, she took over again, directing him to the next subject.

"What about Pleyvale and Benjamin. Marric wanted to start a war, enslave them as he saw the green-eyed snow leopards as frauds. What do you want to do? Let them in on the research as well? Co-operate and become allies to strengthen our shifter species or keep to yourself?"

"I'll do the right thing. You can count on that." She nodded at him as he took her hand and gave it a squeeze. "Thanks, sis. I didn't mean to come to this subject so fast after you've arrived. How have you been? Things have been so hectic I never got a chance to check in on you. How's Lucas? Did you get him back to normal?"

"I-" She bit her lip as her hands entwined with each other. Fingers needing the other hand nervously as they rested in her lap. "Long story... "

She knew she had to tell them everything. From the moment she had left Scire after recovering from the fight with Marric up to now. She had to enlighten him on the creatures that were to come, the village she had destroyed, the inhabitants she had killed. For the first time since she had arrived, she felt the Phoenix stir inside her. It was gnawing at her fear and its flames provided some comfort.

"I need a shower first. That's a story for later tonight."

Seeing her apprehension, both men knew not to pry any further. She was thankful for that as the sudden emotions she had kept at bay suddenly seemed to wash over her like a tidal wave. If any one of them was to ask a single thing more about Lucas, she knew she would break.

"We'll show you your room. Take all the time you need."

*

It was getting restless. The flames danced underneath her skin, ready to come out, to take over but it was holding back. The timing couldn't be worse as Killian had taken her to Norbury the next morning. The reason why the Phoenix was acting up she did not know as it did not speak to her but she had a hunch. It had felt almost the same as the time before after she had gotten rid of Marric and was about to leave Scire. That detour had cost a couple of days, had given her a strange shoulder scar, and revealed the true enemy.

The smoke creatures were terrifying. Their physique, the way they moved, and mostly how they simply seemed to drain everything of its life essence and energy by just touching it. And then to imagine they were just puppets for their queen. Feeding her through themselves. Azura had no idea what that thing looked like but she imagines it to be big, smokey, and a big ass black void. She wouldn't be the one fighting it though, not directly as at that point the Phoenix would take over. With all consequences attached to it.

Something must have happened, a new fissure, more creatures. The hairs on her arm rose up and several chills ran down her spine. Last time, it had taken over and engaged and now it was holding back. The feeling was there but less strong than before. The mythical beast inside was active nonetheless. It roared, curled around in her stomach, and its flames seemed to devour her from the inside. Azura wiped the sweat away from her forehead as she let Killian lead her into Norbury. She allowed herself to fall back a little, pretending to look around but whatever she was seeing didn't register in her mind as her focus only laid on the Phoenix.

'Don't we have to fight it, or them?'

She asked the question internally several times in the hopes the bird would answer.

Too far. It knows our location. If we go there it might endanger things here.

"You keeping up, sis?"

The genuine smile on his face had not changed even after she had told him everything. It surprised her how people still supported her after all the shit she had pulled. Blood clung to her hands and no one seemed to care.

"We're almost there. Recognize anything?" The man continued as Azura tried to ignore that gnawing inside feeling.

"No..." Her voice was strained. "Kinda wish I did though."

They rounded another corner and Killian stopped as he pointed at a small yet cozy house. A white picket fence surrounded the premises. The brick building was 2 stories high, red tiles coated the roof. It was surrounded by grass and against the house were some plants which brightened the place up even more. It sounded crazy but the house felt almost innocent.

"You chased me out of this garden as a small snow leopard kit after you had chased Marric away. Your mother got to you before you could really do me any harm though. As she started to sing a lullaby while cradling you in her arm, you completely relaxed. Your purring was so loud and cute! Ever since your disappearance, my parents have been taking care of the house and garden."

Killian pointed to a big tree in the front yard. "That one was planted by your mother the day she got this place. As a remembrance of your father and a new start. Back then it was a tiny thing but now... It's thriving!"

As if on cue the front door opened and an elderly couple, Killiants parents she assumed, stepped outside. The way he greeted them confirmed her hunch. Heads bowed slightly, foreheads touching followed by a big hug from his mother and a slap on the shoulder by his father. Not knowing what to do, Azura remained behind, hopping from one foot to another as she was still restless.

She had not answered the Phoenix but knowing its motives now had not soothed her. Somewhere, someplace she knew a lot of lives were taken right this instant. And even though she was here, she couldn't help but feel their blood was on her hands too for not interfering or preventing it.

"Azura! come here, dear. Let me take a look at you!" Drawing her out of the darkness of her own mind, Azura looked up at the couple.

Killian was a perfect match between the two. While his eyes and physique resembled his father, his nose, mouth, and posture mimicked those of his mother. He was taller than both of his parents. His mother had long grey hair tied behind her head in a simple low ponytail while his father was balding on top and had the rest shaven short.

"Your eyes are exact replicas of your mother." The woman stepped closer and took her hand. "Oh my, you're burning up. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine thank you, ma'am. Just a tad hot-blooded." Azura managed to smile as she tried her best to be polite while ignoring the unsettled phoenix inside.

"Alright, dear. And please don't call me ma'am. I'm Eileen and my husband is Gregory." She turned to her son. "you never told me how much Azura takes after her father! The signs were there when she was just a child but now.. the resemblance is uncanny!" She turned back to the black-haired woman. "Your mother sure picked a fine man to be with you know. From what I gathered from her letters and photos was that he truly was a great man. He managed to tame her wild side. She always felt as if the community here was holding her back from being who she wanted to be, so when Vincent gave her the green light to leave, she did so straight away. I was saddened because my best friend was leaving but kept me in the loop of everything that happened. Which reminds me..."

Turning to her husband, she took his arm and gestured to her son and Azura to follow inside. For some reason, Azura got the feeling not much had changed ever since her mother had left though she still could not remember a darn thing. It was a simple house, basic furniture but it had everything needed. Gregory and his wife Eileen led them to the kitchen. As Gregory put some coffee on, Eileen left the room for a bit and returned not long after with a cardboard box with Eliora's name written on it.

"Your mother was a couple of years younger than me but that never held us back. I just know we caused Vincent some gray hairs during the time we were young. And no matter how often your mother said no to Marric, he would never leave her alone. Always trying to get her attention and get her to go out with him. I guess back then she already saw the darkness he held inside."

She started rummaging through the box and eventually took something out. After staring at it herself for a bit, she handed Azura an old photograph. "You can keep that. It's basically the only picture with the three of you."

It was old, a bit faded at the edges and the colors had turned to the yellow side but the photograph was clear as day. Azura stared at an image of her mother and father smiling proudly to the camera as a handwritten text above said 'I'm pregnant!!'