Yoki sat on the stairs that led to the second floor of her shop and her bedroom, watching unamused as Jax and I rifled through the male clothing.

Jax emerged from the changing area, sporting a riding ensemble and cloak, identical to the one hanging around my neck. The clothes fit him better, the trimmings made for a man while mine hung loosely at my waist.

"You never did answer my question," Jax prompted, tipping his head to give me a long sideway's glance. "You look lovely as always, but I don't understand your choice of clothing."

"My father and ex-fiancé are looking for a woman," I said while folding my water garden and laying it at the bottom of my satchel. "I am determined to evade them at all costs."

"That would be why we are walking to your sister's estate? You don't want to be seen?" He smirked and I looked back at the trousers. The plan had seemed faultless when I had first concocted it, but now I doubted my disguise.

"Why not take the rail?" Jax prompted. "It would be faster and I doubt anyone would expect a runaway bride to travel publicly."

"We have no money and I refuse to steal from the lower classes who have nothing as it is." My tone was unnaturally bitter. "I don't mind a walk."

"I can take care of the train. If you'll allow me, one conversation is all it will take to hasten our journey. Please," Jax turned, studying my side profile, "this is something I can do. I promise not to use my gift unless you agree, but you must realize this is the best course of action."

I chewed my inner cheep, playing with Jax's words. He was right, but I didn't want to admit it.

"Alright," I finally yielded. "Manage your words. I don't want the men taken advantage of."

"Would one of you explain why you barged into my shop while I was trying to rest and insisted you needed clothes because people's lives depended on it?" Yoki called from her spot, chin in her hands.

"I'll explain when we return, Yoki. Thank you for your help once more."

"We'll leave you be now," Jax pushed me out of the door, laughing slightly. I managed to wave to her once, catching her dark eyes as the door swung closed.

"That was rude," I reprimanded. "Yoki helped us and she deserves an explanation."

"You'll only freak her out." He handed me a cap. "You have to pin the hair under it or you'll be strikingly obvious."

I did as he said, stuffing the chestnut curls up and out of my face. My loose baby hairs kept falling in my eyes,

When we made it to the early light of the woods, a realization hit me. "Will we be affected by the lack of water? I know of very few bodies of water on the way and only a river on her property, but I couldn't find it without help. I've never been there."

"We'll be fine. More human than usual, but fine. My gifts won't be as strong, but that's why I packed a danger."

"But it won't affect our health?"

"Not at all," we reached a field where the railroad plowed through. "We just need to be smart. Humans are in more danger breathing than we are."

"But I can't help but worry. We'll be in enemy territory and cut off from our life source. What hope do we possibly have if they outnumber us and I am known to the Hunters."

"Then let us forget everything in the last hour and focus on the future." I stiffened, recognizing the advice Perkha had given me earlier. "From now on, we are only friends going to see your sister. Let us forget our troubles."

Jax hooked arms with me and my foot caught the rail. I stumbled, but straightened quickly, cheeks heating at the embarrassment.

I could feel Jax's mood rise, and he didn't try to lighten the atmosphere again.

We approached a large farming community as darkness began to set in. The rail station was run down, but throbbing with life.

It was hard crossing the platform, dodging feed and grain and the men working to load the carts. I expected to be noticed at any moment, but no one seemed to see us or care about two hooded figures at the busy station.

"Climb in, we'll steal away."

"This engine could go anywhere," I argued. "How can you possibly know where we are going?" I gestured to the metal prison where damp straw and mold lived.

"This is the royal line. It goes directly to the capital and then the palace beyond," Jax groaned. "You need to trust that I know what I'm doing. I know the rails, this is the right path."

"What are you doing here?" A gruff voice barked from behind us. I could see Jax stiffen, an exasperated expression flashing before a fake smile took its place.

"I'm sorry, sir, but we are supposed to be here." Jax backed up to the edge of the cart, pulling me with him. "You don't need to question why we are here or who we are."

The worker who had caught us nodded, eyes glazed. He tipped his cap, a puff of smoke creeping from his lips as he grabbed the cigar resting there. He was large, arms bulging through the worn shift he wore. I did not doubt that a fight with him would be fair, despite our increased strength.

"Aye, good evening then," the man tipped his hat, the worn fabric sliding closer to his clouded eyes, "ma'am, sir."

The man grunted as he turned away, a line of smoke following him.

Jax groaned as he pulled himself into the dirty boxcar. "Perhaps I should have requested to ride elsewhere."

He offered me his hand, pulling me into the car with him. The smell only increased as we moved farther into the dark space. I pinched my nose, but the taste of the air was worse than the smell.

I didn't disagree with Jax. The small animals around us were overwhelming. Wet animals stood around us, the water cooling them off in the metal cage. With the remnants of last night's feed, the animals were all standing in piles of their filth with only the thin layer of straw hiding it. Each horse, cow, and sheep had its pen, the wooden walls preventing them from interacting.

"I wish Frode was here," he coughed and settled in the back of the boxcar where a small space was clear, "he's great with animals."

He pulled a saddle cloth out of the storage compartment and laid it against the ground. I was thankful for the added protection and leaned down to sit next to him.

We sat in silence, the animals staring at us from their compartments. The sound of men was dulled by the metal walls, but I could hear them closing the doors around us, and soon enough our was pulled shut with a metallic squeal.

I heard scuffing at the other end of the compartment as Jax sat down. His boots thumped together like he was kicking straw and debris away from him.

"Do you think your sister will trust us?" I thought he was done talking, but he added in a quiet voice, "After all, you choose to trust us."

"She won't trust you" I sighed, leaning into the metal walls behind me. "I am the one she needs to trust. Why do you think I wanted to go with only you as a companion?"

"I assumed you didn't want to spend time with any of the other Spirits. I've known since the beginning, that made it easier."

"I am frightened, but I also trust your gift isn't enough to startle her and you seem to be able to talk to people." I curled my legs up, resting my head on them. "She is more likely to help us if she understands. I just need time with her as my sister, you'll give that to me."

The train began moving, the rocking of the carriage like that of a ship. I felt my shoulder bump into one of the cages and I moved over, distancing myself.

I didn't know what else to say. Not wanting to offend him or make the situation more uncomfortable, I joined Jax in silence. With only the sounds of the livestock and the rhythmic rocking of the train, it was peaceful and quiet. Jax had faced his demons and walked away smiling. I envied him for that, he was far stronger than me. I lived in the past as much as I lived in the present.

"Maurea," Jax spoke, startling me, "don't worry about the past. You aren't defined by your family's actions. No Spirit will hold your blood against you."

I ran my fingers through a strand of hair, working through the knots. He wasn't right. I had seen the look in Siren's eyes when he learned of my lineage and I had seen the understanding in Atoya's. Most of all, I had seen the hope in Perkha's smile. They wouldn't all agree with Jax, but enough would with time. I just needed to give them a reason to spare the time.

"Thanks for coming with me," I muttered. I expected Jax to miss it over the groan of the engine and shriek of the wheels, but a grunt from him birthed a smile. I buried my head in my arms and tried to ignore the thoughts that were threatening to break through my flimsy wall.