My father sits in a carriage with Leander and his friends.

"I am so glad we're going back to visit your father. I bet he is thrilled to see the man you've become," Leander grins to him. My father nods his head.

"I hope so," he replies with a gulp. Leander lets out a low chuckle. The carriage arrives at Baylon manor and I can see my father's face slightly pale as he notices Sebastian standing at the door, waiting. There is a smile on his face. Though it isn't a friendly one. The door is opened and father steps out.

"Lord Baylon!" Leander grins, shaking Sebastian's hand. "I think you'll found we've worked wonders on your boy," he grins and slaps Matthias on the back. My father steps forward slightly and glares up at Leander.

"You'll have to let me know how. I have been trying for years," he jokes. "Come," he tells the group. "I am so happy to host such fine young nobles of the court," he tells them. They bow their heads and walk behind Sebastian.

"You have a lovely home, Lord Baylon," one says and I can hear the nervous twinge in his voice. Grandfather nods.

"Thank you, Lord O'larn," he replies with a nod of his head. "Now, my servants will show you all to your rooms and then we can begin our discussions," he tells them. The boys all nod and disperse, following the servents. Once they are gone, Sebastian's hand falls tightly on my father's shoulder.

"Tell me, boy," he begins. "Were you able to do what I asked?" My father nods and licks his lips.

"The court prefer me over any of that bunch," he gulps. "Yet none of them suspect my interference. I even got Leander to murder his best friend," he gulps. Sebastian smiles.

"Good, son." He lets go and gestures for him to follow.

"You'll need to keep this up. Now that you are transforming into a handsome young man, you'll need to woo the court and the King. You need to be charming, strong and powerful. Your time of playing the victim to their games is over. Now, you need to remove their alpha and take his place..."

Karn pulls me up and lifts me above his head, his arms fully outstretched. I am able to keep my eyes open enough to look at the gathering crowd of cheering Lupine warriors. I look over, seeing Kovan lifting Una who is clutching and waving the flag tightly. We are completely surrounded by cheers and screaming but I am too tired to take it all in. By the looks of Una's fluttering eyes, she is too. She turns to me and grins again. I can't help but smile back too. We are put down and we fall next to each other. She hugs me tightly again.

"I can't believe it," she whispers in my ear. I laugh, though it takes a lot of energy to do so.

"Me neither," I gulp.

"I really need my bed," she laughs. I nod my head, my muscles aching for rest.  Razan brushes past me, the crowds parting for him. I see him rush over to Nishaka and smile as the two nudge each other. Kai appears a few seconds later. A large grin fills his mouth and the crowd silences as he holds up his hand.

"Well done, Red team," he says. "You have won the challenge." I start swaying on my feet. As much as I'd love to celebrate, I need rest and soon. Physically, I've never felt this weak before. Not even after beating. Though that is a different type of exhaustion.

"Now," Kai continues as he looks over the two of us. "I think these two deserve some rest and a bath," he chuckles. There are cheers again as we all laugh. "What I will say quickly," Kai states, "Is that I think Princesses Illyana has more than earned her promotion from training warrior to full-fledged warrior," he tells us. I grin breathlessly but look at him.

"Seriously, please wrap this up," I mutter under my breath. My eyes so heavy they hurt and I need to get off my feet. Kai grins and walks over to the two of us.

"Come on girls," he chuckles and holds my arm. Karn takes Una's as she is about to topple over. They both are practically dragging us through the crowd. I don't have enough energy to smile and wave as they cheer. It isn't until we get back inside the castle that both Una and I let out long sighs of relief.

"Bed," I groan.

"I think you should bathe and eat first. Your body will need the protein... Plus, you two don't smell like you've bathed for the whole three weeks," Kovan chuckles.

"That wasn't our list of top priorities," Una snaps back. I look down at my skin. I must be a good few shades darker. Not only from the tan thanks to all my time in the sun, but because my skin is coated in layers of sand and dirt. It's caught between my broken nails, the creases of my skin and is all over my uniform. Not to mention my hair has remained in the braid which is very lose and messy. Also covered in sweat, more sand and mud. Let's not forget we both also have dried blood and bruises across our skin from all the injuries we've picked up.

We are taken to our rooms. The tub has already been filled with steaming hot water. Kai closes the door behind us. I don't have the energy to argue as he starts to remove my clothes. Though it is a struggle as he has to keep one arm wrapped around my upper arm just to keep me from falling.

"You can sleep soon, Ana," he chuckles. "But trust me. It will be a better sleep if you're clean and in comfortable clothes," he continues. My eyes flutter open and look at him. He smiles widely at me then scoops me into his arms and gently lowers me into the tub. I let out a long sigh. "See," Kai says.

"I suppose," I mumble, smiling softly. He laughs.

"You're a state," he tells me.

"Well, wouldn't you be if you have just spent the last three weeks racing through the desert?" I ask.

"Oh, I was," he replies. My eyes open and I look at him again. I want to ask him about it, but I am too tired. The warm water feels good on my sore muscles and relaxing. He chuckles and puts his hands in the water. "I am so proud of you," he says to me as he gently starts scrubbing my skin. I manage to let out a small laugh.

"I remember what happened last time you were proud of me..." I say, peaking an eye open. He smiles widely and I moan as he starts massaging my tired muscles whilst he scrubs away the dirt. His fingers press into my tight, cramped muscles. Loosening them and stretching them out. It hurts, but it is a good pain as I feel my muscles start to relax. Then, he starts scrubbing my skin. That is more uncomfortable than the massage and I let out little hisses. Kai laughs and shakes his head.

"There is three weeks of mud, sand, sweat and blood coating your body, Ana," he tells me, his voice soft, "It isn't going to come off easily." I just let out a grunt in response. He has to empty out the bath as it becomes a nasty shade of brown from all the dirt leaving my body. However, there is a bucket of warm water waiting to replace it. It is quiet between us as Kai gets a little scoop and pours water over my hair. Then, he is rubbing an ointment into my locks. His fingers start massaging my scalp and I let out a long, relaxed sigh. It feels so good.  He is so gentle and I can't help smiling as he runs his fingers through my hair. Then, he is gently rinsing out all the suds again with more warm water. Finally, I am done. He scoops me up into his arms to lift me up. He puts me down so I am standing on my wobbling legs. I have to hold his shoulders so I can stay standing. It takes all my strength not to collapse into sleep. As I hold onto Kai to keep myself from falling, he gently dries my body. My skin sensitive from the layers he had to scrub off it. He then helps me into my sleep clothes and I stumble toward the bed. He laughs and sits me up.

"Not yet, Ana. Eat," he orders and grabs a steaming bowl from the table. I peak an eye open to look at the huge bowl full of stew. Full of dark gravy, meat, cooked potatoes and even some other items I've not seen for a long time.

"Carrots?" I ask. He nods. "Dumplings?"

"A special food for a special occasion," he tells me as he sits on the edge of my bed, looking at me. I am not strong enough to even lift my arms. He laughs. "Typical princess, making me do all the work," he says, shaking his head. I laugh and open my mouth as he feeds me. Though as soon as the food touches my lips, I realise how hungry I am. In fact, I practically snatch the bowl out of Kai's hands and start devouring the food quickly. Kai raises an eyebrow and laughs."Slow down," he tells me. I just look at him and continue to shove the food in my mouth, trying to quench my hunger. In fact, it is done in record time. I let out a happy sigh as Kai takes the bowl from me.

"Can I sleep now?" I ask him. He laughs.

"Yes," he says, "you may sleep," he tells me and stands. I reach for his arm, my heavy eyes fluttering open.

"Can you stay?" I ask him softly, wanting to feel his warmth again. Kai smiles softly and kicks off his shoes before getting into the bed next to me. He has to push me to the side to make room for him. When he is lying down, I lift my head and rest it against his chest as his arm comes around me. His warmth and safety engulfs me and I let out a long, content sigh as my eyes flutter shut. As I drift off to sleep, I can feel Kai's lips delicately pressing against my forehead.

It takes five days to recover and get back to normal. My muscles hurt so much after I woke up the first time that I could hardly move. Kai also couldn't stay in my room the whole time. Eventually, he had to sneak back out. Not that I noticed. I had deeply slept for fourteen hours and after having a bit of food, slept some more over the first two days. I get a slight cheer as I appear for my first morning stretch since my arrival back.

"Nice to have you back," Aaliyah tells me with a pat on my shoulder. Una arrives too, smiling at me and taking her place along side me. Both of us take it easy. Not doing the more advanced moves yet. Though getting back into the routine again is good. The stretches and positions feel great for my muscles. Once it is done, the two of us head off for breakfast. Chatting as we go.

"No training for you today," Una tells me. My eyes widen.

"Why? I think I have recovered enough," I smile. She raises an eyebrow.

"Another day off will do us good," she tells us. "Plus. You're still wearing a training uniform and a training braid." My eyes widen, realising that I am no longer in training. "So, after breakfast, we are going to the city to get your own personalised uniform. Before then, however," she begins as the pushes me toward my room, "we are going to get your braid figured out." My heart races with excitement. I get my own uniform and braid! A grin fills my mouth and we quickly rush back to my room.

Once back, my training braid is removed.

"We don't have to choose your braid right away," Una tells me. "But we can play around. I can teach you different types of braid and ways that you can have it. We can try a few different styles to see what suits you. Best not to chose until after you have chosen your uniform. Just to make sure they go," she tells me. So, we spend the hour before breakfast playing with my locks. Only putting it back in the training braid to have our meal.

Wyatt rushes over to greet me straight away. I let out a squeal as he squeezes me tightly and lifts me off the ground.

"I am so proud!" he says in my ear, completely serious. I grin and hug him back just as tight.

"Er, I helped too," Una says behind us. Wyatt drops me down and grabs her arm, pulling her into a hug with us.

"Thanks for keeping Illyana alive," he says and I laugh.

"Hey," I chuckle.

"She needs all the help she can get," Una laughs and I step out and look at the both of them with raised eyebrows.

"I know, it's exhausting..." Wyatt sighs dramatically. I slap him on the shoulder.

"Well done, Princess," Zoran says behind Wyatt.

"Thank you, Zoran," I reply and smile. He nods his head and looks at Wyatt's dramatics with an amused frown. 

Wyatt grabs my hand and pulls me toward the table.

"You have to tell me everything..." he begins until a throat clears behind us. We all turn to see Kai. We all bow our heads in respect and I smile at him.

"Solavar," I say.

"Princess," he replies with a cool grin and my heart flutters in my chest. "Una," he nods to her.

"What can we do for you, Solavar?" she asks.

"As one of your rewards, you get to spend the next week sitting at the head table," he tells us. Una grins and my eyes widen as I look at the table. Realising that Hadya, who is glaring at me, is sat one space away from where Kai would sit.

"Next to you?" I ask. He nods his head.

"You are the champions," he laughs and begins to walk to the table. We follow him quickly. "Of course we are going to show you off," he chuckles. Una and I look at each other and smile. She leans closer to me.

"Perhaps I should sit between the Solavar and Hadya," she mutters. Both our eyes fall on the sneering woman. I look back at Una.

"That would probably be for the best," I reply and we both giggle. Razan trots past me, nudging me as he goes.

"Oi, pup," I joke. He ignores me at first. To preoccupied trying to fight Nishka who already sits behind Kai's chair. As usual, she is calm and gentle. Lying down comfortably and gently nudging my annoying wolf away.

"How does Nishka put up with him?" I ask Kai as we take our seats. Razan, annoyed by her lack of attention, plonks down just behind me, his large head hanging above mine. I look up at the same time he looks down. "So now I'm interesting," I joke and reach up, stroking his muzzle. He leans down and nudges my forehead gently before giving the top of my ear a lick. I smile and he takes a seat just behind my chair. Nishka yawns and stands, her huge form going to sit behind Kai. She rests her head on his shoulder before looking sideways into his eyes. Kai leans into her face and she closes eyes. I smile and look back at Razan.

It is strange, sitting next to Kai and on the table overlooking everyone else. I am certainly getting some looks.

"Lucian..." I hear Una grumble as her wolf bites her hair. He is obviously excited. I lean forward to talk to Una around Kai's large form.

"Una!" I hiss, she looks at me at the same time she bats her wolf away.

"Will you stop?" she scolds her wolf and pushes him away with a laugh before she looks at me. "Lucian can feel my excitement," she chuckles as her wolf bounces next to her. 

"Yes," I chuckle. "I can see that. Mine is just a pain in the..." Razan pushes me playfully before I can finish what I'm about to say. I go to take a swipe at him but he dodges with a bark before moving back to annoy Nishka. She lets out a long whimper that sounds almost like a sigh but doesn't put up a fight when Razan begins to lick her and nudge her face gently. Kai laughs at our exchange.

"I am about to start the prayer," he tells us. We both go quiet as he stands. The rest of the room follows suit. Now that I can understand the prayer. Or most of it at least, there is a whole new meaning. It completely contradicts the harsh and brutal stereotype everyone holds against the Lupine. The words are gentle as they thank the animal that gave their lives and thanks Luna and Solar for giving them the animals to sustain them. Once the prayer is finished, Kai turns to us.

"We have two guests at my table today. They will be joining me for the rest of the week to celebrate their victory. Princess Illyana and Una Maovessa found the flag that countless teams over the years have failed to find..." the warriors all stand up and cheer loudly. Their calls filling the room as they slam their hands against the tables. Kai laughs and holds up his hand silencing them again.
"They have done the warriors proud and they have done themselves proud. Tonight, as is tradition when this game is won, there shall be a celebration." Now the rest of the room erupts into applause. Even Una lets out a whoop. Kai laughs and again has to hold his hand up.

"Of course, you're all invited..." More shouts and screaming. "But, as most of you will probably end up blackout drunk and in a bad state tomorrow, I expect you all to work hard and train hard today..." he warns jokingly. "To make up for tomorrows inevitable sick day." There are laughs again and mumbles of agreement. I grin myself. Excited. "Now, you may eat," he says. The room falls back into its usual chatter and laughing as our plates are brought out. Though no one touches anything until Kai has taken his food and taken a bite. He nods his head and all at once, everyone digs in. It is as I load the thinly sliced meats onto my plate that I feel Razan's presence at my shoulder.

"Yes?" I ask him as his lips hover closer and closer to my plait. I raise an eyebrow, challenging my pup.  He gives me those wide, love me, eyes. "I told you, pup, they don't work on me," I tell him and shove all of the food into my mouth. He huffs, annoyed and tugs my hair. I'll give him some soon, I just like to taunt him first. I turn to see Kai looking at us.

"It is nice to see him happy again," he tells me. I frown.

"He wasn't happy?" I ask. He shakes his head.

"You were hundreds of miles away and in danger every day of your life..." he says softly. "Of course he wasn't." Kai looks away and I smile softly, gently stroking Razan's fur. "I could always tell when you were being... hurt. Razan could feel it too and he'd go crazy. It took four of us to hold him down." My heart speeds up in my chest as I think about my Razan in distress.

"Well, I'm here now. With him." I turn to face Kai again. "And you." He smiles widely.

"I am glad," he replies and Razan nudging against my face tells me he feels the same.

"I almost wish I took you up on that offer all those years ago..." I sigh. He raises an eyebrow. "These last three weeks no doubt were the toughest I've ever experienced. But, being out there..." I pause, my eyes going distant.

"Freedom," he replies. I smile.

"Yes," I whisper. "I spent a lot of my journey on my own in the wilderness. Or with a Nianzu. But there is something so different about these lands. They are spectacular, beautiful and vast. Seemingly endless in their heat and danger yet utterly breathtaking in their beauty. It's a strange and enchanting combination. I can see why you are all so proud of these lands." He nods his head, a warm smile on his face. "I'm still sore, though..." I chuckle. He laughs and nods his head.

"You both achieved something amazing," he tells me. "You pushed your bodies to the extreme and further. Running well beyond your bodies limits because of your determination and grit. That is the Lupine way. Knowing that you are physically broken or hurting yet continuing anyway because you have to get the job done. I am proud of you, Illyana. Of both of you," he says turning to Una. "You both have greatly proven yourselves to everyone. There are even a lot of Lupine who don't have that sort of mental strength to keep going. Hence why not many find the flag." Kai being proud of me has my stomach fluttering as a proud smile fills my face. I lean closer to him.

"You didn't think I could do it..." I tell him. He raises an eyebrow and chuckles deeply.

"I never said that..." he jokes.

"But you implied it..." I continue to argue jokingly. "The way you screamed at Kovan as he sent us off..." I trail off as he laughs.

"That is not because I didn't believe in you... I just didn't want to risk the Lupine killing the princess."

"Right..." I say. "You keep telling yourself whilst I sit here smugly knowing I proved you wrong..." He shakes his head.

"Whatever makes you feel better," he replies. I laugh and nudge him slightly. He looks down at me with a wide smile.

"Just admit it," I press.

"Or maybe, Una just did all the hard work..." he shrugs. I let out a scoff as Una lets out a gloating laugh, pointing at me.

"Yeah!" she says. "Who fucking had the strength to hold you by your ankles as you struggled to get the flag?" she asks and crosses her arms.

"That's because you wouldn't let me hold you!" I argue back. She throws her head back and laughs.

"You should have seen her, Solavar," she laughs. "Una! Una! Let me up! Let me the fuck up now!" she mocks, squealing in a high pitched voice and making dramatic hand gestures. I laugh.

"You would have been the exact same if it were the other way round," I tell her.

"Yeah, because you would have been the one holding me," she shrugs.

"Oi!" I joke and ready to stand up. Kai touches my shoulder with a deep laugh, pushing me back down.

"Perhaps not at the head table," he tells me and I sigh. "As fun as that would be..." I give Una a jocking glare, telling her this will continue. I look back up at Kai.

"I'm still right," I tell him. He chuckles and sighs.

"If you insist," he replies. I grin at him, victorious. He sighs and shakes his head.  Hadya scoffs from the other side of Una. Una pauses and turns to her slowly with a glare.

"Something you wish to say, Hadya?" She asks coldly. Hadya crosses her harms and looks to Kai.

"I don't know why or anyone here is entertaining the idea that these two are somehow victorious. They stole the flag off my sister and the princess tried to kill her." The room silences and the Starva look at me and Una with suspicious glares. Hadya smiles smugly at me and I clench my fists with rage. Una stands.

"Okay, Hadya," she chuckles. "If your sister really found the flag..." she turns to Hali. "Where was it hidden?" Hali licks her lips nervously from her spot on the warrior's table. They had come around and made it back in their allotted time. "Come on, you and Stasha should remember where you found it right? I mean, this flag hasn't been found for the last few years, so the achievement of finding it isn't one you're going to forget," she smiles. Hali's face begins to redden and Hadya glares at the Solavar.

"Aren't you going to stop this, they've clearly threatened her..."

"Stop this, Hadya," Kai snarls and she sinks away.

"Would any of the other teams like to come forward and tell the room where they found the flag before they accuse us of stealing it from them?" I sit and watch, biting my lips with nerves as the room watches. I can see the other teams sitting on the warrior's table, looking away from us and not making attempts to say anything. Everyone had gotten back in time. Though the teams who tried to kill us were practically dragged back by their wolves after what Lucian and Razan did to their legs. "Good," Una smiles and looks back at Hali. "perhaps, if you or Stasha actually left the canyon beyond the city to search for the flag, then you may have found it. Instead, you decided to try and ambush us and steal it from us when we were at our most exhausted and broken." There are gasps around the room and Una looks at me with a smile. "Yet even though we had just spent the last three days carrying each other whilst the other rested. Running non stop throughout the night and day... we still managed to beat you," she grins smugly and sits down. The next person to speak is on my right.

"Perhaps, Valmir," he begins. "You should get your facts right and your evidence collected before you accuse my daughter of anything." I look at the man next to me and gulp, looking back at Una. They do look similar. Same dark skin and face shapes. Hadya smiles, though it isn't friendly. With gritted teeth, she speaks.

"You are right, I apologise." Una nods her head and leans back with a grin. Her eyes fall onto mine and twinkle with excitement. I laugh under my breath and shake my head as the room begins to chatter again. At the same time, Hali and Hadya both stand, excusing themselves from breakfast. Kai shakes his head once she's gone. I look over to see another two people glaring my way and whispering between them before the man stands up.

"Solavar," he begins, bowing to Kai. Razan growls deeply behind me and my hand rushes along his fur instinctively.

"High Lord Valmir," he smiles. "What can I do for you?" My heart starts racing nervously again as I look around the room. No one is paying attention thankfully. Aaliyah and Kovan seem to be doing a pretty good job at keeping eyes on them with their crazy antics. Perhaps that is why she stays on the warrior's table. To draw peoples eyes away from things that Kai doesn't want others to observe.

"I understand my daughter spoke out of place, but to allow another lesser Lupine to humiliate her seems a little harsh..." he begins, his voice a sneer.

"Hadya lied, High Lord," Kai says calmly. "Just because she is a member of a high family, does not mean she is immune from humiliation. Humiliation she brought upon herself by not having evidence to back up her own claims." The man nods his head.

"I understand, Solavar. But I must state, you seem to be showing some favour toward the... princess... and the Maovessa. I find it most distressing that you seem to be putting a southern woman above the interests of your own people..." Kai remains calm and raises an eyebrow as I watch carefully.

"Princess Illyana and Una Maovessa won fair and square. I am treating them as victors, just like I would have if your daughter won. Now," he says, standing up with both Razan and Nishka growling behind him. "I do not expect to be questioned on my actions. Everything I do is in the best interest of my people. People who the Princess is quickly becoming a part of. You are a high family. Your opinions are important to me but not necessary. You are not part of my council nor my Alpha's. If you want to have any influence on my decision making when it comes to this country, you are free to try and win a spot on the council if one should open. Until then, you are just a name." Kai is completely calm throughout his whole speech. Scarily so. He doesn't raise his voice or make any physical threats. However, the Valmir man gulps and nods his head quickly.

"Of course, Solavar. It was not my intention to offend," he bows.

"I know. You may take your seat again, High Lord." The man bows again and goes back to his seat. Seeing Kai go all cold and dangerous like that has my heart fluttering. Kai turns and looks at me with that dazzling, charming smirk on his face. I gulp and lick my lips and he leans closer to me. I can feel the warmth radiating off his body.

"You know," I begin, "now I think I understand more of what you meant after I ripped into the Councilmembers," I say to him. He laughs and his hand reaches for mine beneath the table. Our fingers interlock and I suppress a shiver at his touch. He leans closer to me and whispers in my ear, his breath hot on my skin and having goosebumps breaking out.

"I can't wait until you are able to do the same thing to my Lupine," he tells me. I twist my head and look into his eyes. He backs his head away slightly so we don't look like we are too close. But I can't help but see the stairs as people look at me sitting at the head table and whisper to each other. Still, my eyes fall back on Kai's.

"Assuming I can get them to respect me," I tell him. His smile widens.

"I have every bit of faith in you, my love," he says, his voice low. My heart flutters and I look away from him quickly, feeling a blush on my cheeks. His thick accent and his deep voice as he said those final two words has heat spreading through my body. My love. It repeats over and over in my mind. Kai's fingers tickle my palm beneath the table and my breath hitches slightly. I am snapped out of my the little spell by Razan as he lies down next to my chair. I laugh as Una's father has to scoot over to make room for my giant wolf. So big, that lying down, he can still comfortably hang his head over my legs. His wolfish head coving my whole lap and more. I smile at Una's father.

"Thank you," I say as I gently run my fingers along Razan's fur. Though my other hand still remains connected with Kai's. Una's father nods his head and his eyes dart to mine and Kai's connected hand. I tense. He, however, just smiles and looks away. I frown. He looks back at me, seeing my confused expression. A low laugh leaves his mouth and he leans toward me.

"I like you more than I like Hadya Valmir," he tells me. My eyes widen and I can't help the surprised laugh that leaves my mouth. "Plus, you're my daughter's partner now..." he continues, still smiling. Then it clicks. Were I to become Kai's Lunavar, that would make Una my second. Her father smiles again before turning and finishing his meal. I turn to look back at Kai. He has a smile on his face.

"See, you're already doing it," he tells me and my heart flutters with a mixture of excitement and hope. Razan, sensing this, leans up, giving the skin under my chin a small lick. I chuckle and close my eyes to rest my head on his. The bond I have with him now is so much stronger than when he was a pup. The thought of having him taken away from me like he was all those years ago brings me nothing but fear. Fear so strong that the thought of it has my stomach twisting and my eyes threatening to spill with tears. Nishka appears between myself and Kai. I smile at her as she takes a seat just behind our chairs so we don't have to move for her huge form. She's a very pretty wolf. Her features a lot softer than Razan's. Not that Razan isn't completely beautiful and adorable. Kai reaches up as she leans over his huge shoulder.

"It is very special," he says as he gently runs his hands over her muzzle. I nod, looking at my Razan with a smile.

"It is," I reply. Razan moves quickly, snatching the rest of the meat off my plate and darting off. The nails of his claws scratching the floors as he attempts to rush away quickly. He skids to a stop in the corner and sits down to wolf down my food.

"Razan!" I scold as I try not to laugh as I cross my arms, my hand feeling cold as it leaves Kai's. "I take that back now," I say to him. He just looks at me with those wide beautiful eyes and continues to chew on my food. Kai laughs and helps more onto my plate. Nishka leans over and nudges me as if to say, "I'll deal with him and I apologise for his behaviour." I laugh as she turns away gently toward Razan. He jumps up and runs away, Nishka chasing after him.

"Solavar," I whisper to Kai as our wolves disappear out of the room.

"Yes," he answers, leaning closer to me.

"Why are so many staring and talking about me?" I ask with a nervous gulp. It seems I have even more eyes on me now. Though in many ways, these lands are a completely different world to my home. However, in others, it is still the same. All about image, reputation, tradition and doing what is expected of you all the time.

"You're the princess," he replies, looking into my eyes.

"Yes, but I would have thought they'd have gotten used to me by now. I've been here for almost three months." He smiles softly.

"There are lots of reasons, Illyana," he tells me, the way his accent and voice curls around me has a little shiver ripple through my body. "You've blown away their expectations," he tells me. "You have physically proven yourself. That and having a wolf and the Lupine gift, a lot are beginning to see you as one of us." My heart races a little more in my chest as he says that.

"So, they're starting to like me?" I ask. He nods his head.

"As I knew they would." I look at him and smile widely. He smiles too. "Plus, you're sat next to me and Nishka just showed you affection." I can feel my cheeks flush slightly.

"Does she not normally?" I ask, remembering how she was like during his visit.

"Nishka is not as warm and friendly as Razan is. Razan treats almost everyone as his friend unless they are a threat to you and then he's a brutal, terrifying beast," he says. I nod my head in agreement. Razan is fond of a lot of my friends.

"He knows that I love and trust my friends, so he does too," I reply. Kai nods his head.

"Nishka, however, is much more suspicious. Though it is hardly surprising. I am in a position where I could be killed and replaced. Where anyone could be pretending to be my friend whilst plot behind my back. Hence why she is only on friendly terms with Aaliyah. The one person who will never betray me." I nod my head. "So, by showing affection toward you, people are seeing that she trusts you and they can too."

"Are you sure it has nothing to do with the fact that our wolves are mates?" I ask. He smiles.

"Just because wolves are mates, does not mean they automatically like the other wolves Lupine."

"But, Karn said that when wolves are mated, their Lupine often do too," I mutter quickly, feeling myself blush a little more and hoping it isn't too obvious. Kai laughs, though not mockingly.

"Often, Illyana. Not all the time." I nod my head.

"So if that isn't the case, why is Hadya so pissed that Razan is mine?" I ask.

"Because it is more common for Lupine to mate when their wolves are than to not. Otherwise, it means splitting the two wolves up which wouldn't be fair on them. Wolves will always stick to their Lupine and protect them. Picking them over their wolf mate. It also makes the four stronger and more connected. Both groups are happy and can work together much easier than if the Lupine are mated to different people's wolves who aren't bonded to theirs. Meaning you are a better team and don't have to worry about your wolf splitting their loyalty. Plus," he pauses and looks away. "Our wolves are very similar to us. They are a part of us and understand us like no other. They can sense all our emotions, pains and bonds. So, if there is already an attraction or feeling toward another, that feeling will bounce into the wolf." My heart races in my chest as I look up at Kai. I clear my throat slightly.

"Kai," I whisper. "What happens when I go home?" I ask. "I don't want to leave Razan behind but I don't want to separate him from Nishka," I gulp. "That would be cruel." Kai turns to me with a sad smile.

"We won't be able to hold him back this time, Ana," he replies. "Where you go, Razan will be going." I bite my lip and put my fork down. My appetite gone. Kai touches my shoulder softly and I look back at him. He doesn't say anything. There is just a soft smile on his face. Without thinking, I reach up and take his hand. Giving it a slight squeeze to comfort him. He doesn't want to see our wolves separated either. When I notice more Lupine looking and staring. I let go of his hand and pick up my fork again. Kai pulls his hand away, leaving a cold patch where his warm touch just was. We finish the rest of our meal in silence.

"Trust me, this is the best place to get your new uniform," Una grins as we walk through the city into a small shop. "All Maovessa's come here," she tells me.

"Una!" A woman smiles and rushes over to her. The room is square and full of different styled warrior uniforms hung on the walls or on mannequins. Una gives her a tight hug before the woman steps back to look at me. She grins and looks over my body.

"When Una sent a message to me, I did not believe it," she grins and almost jumps with excitement. "Not only do I have the honour of designing and making clothes for the best High Family, but now I get to make armour for a princess of Vivelle," she grins and claps her hands together. I smile and looks at her. She is an older woman with greying hair tied in the trader's style. She has a simple brown dress on with a pinny holding everything she needs in.

"Calm down Ola," Una smiles and kisses her cheek.

"How do you expect me to do that?" she asks. "The princess is in my shop!" she squeals. "More importantly, the victors of the Savage Trials!" My eyes widen. So the city does know. "You should see the city," she continues. "Red flags are hanging everywhere to celebrate your victory. You're the talk of the city!"

"Ola, uniform?" Una says.

"Right right," she says and drags me over to a stool. "You're own warrior uniform. How exciting! Now, what are you looking for? Trousers? Shorts or dress? I've only done a few of those but they always turn out to be some of my favourite works!" I struggle to keep up with her and can't help the wide smile on my face as Una has to tell her to calm down again.

"Erm," I say. "I quite like the short, skirt thing, actually. I say, looking down at the shorts I wear which are surrounded by thin leather tassels to make it look like a skirt, stopping just above my knee caps. "I don't think I've adjusted to the heat enough for trousers," I joke. She nods her head and frowns, looking over my body.

"Long legs. Muscular too. A skirt would look very good," she says. "Let me get you a few styles and we can work from there." She rushes off behind a door and comes back moments later with a handful of material.

"Okay, we have this type," she begins as she drops all of them but one. My eyes widen. The skirt is a little shorter than my current on. It has a shaped leather pad that makes an arrow of sorts at the front and back. However, is completely bare at the sides all apart from the shorts and long tassels that would come down to my ankles that hang from the sides.

"No, thank you. I'd like a little more covered and tassels that long would get in my way," I say. She nods her head and picks up another style. This one has four thicker strands of leather. One over the front. A small gap with one on either side. Then another gap between the side ones and the strip at the back. I shake my head again, not feeling it. We go through a few more styles before I find one we like. We then spend the next few minutes seeing how to slightly change it so it's more personal to me. We go through the same process for the top, the accessories and the shoes. It must be an hour since we started.

"I am so excited about this. Come back in an hour or so and I'll have it all ready," she grins.

"Actually, is there a spare room we could use. We still have to decide on her hair," Una says.

"Oh, of course"!" she leads us to a small room with a dressing table in the corner. For another hour, the two of us play whilst Ola works in one of the other rooms.

"I'd like my hair to have a slight hint of your style," I say to her. She smiles, her eyes lighting up.

"Really?" she asks. I nod my head.

"Of course. We are partners," I tell her. "We should match even if it is only slightly. She nods her head and continues to grin as she teaches me a new braid. After another hour, I look at my face in the mirror with a grin. My heart is racing in my chest with excitement as I look at the finished style.

"This is perfect," I gulp. Una is beaming behind me. The top, centre part of my head is pulled into a different braid and is tighter than the one I've been wearing. It is a fishtail style with strands being added the further it went down. Done so it sticks outward instead of twisting in. It is pulled in a way that you can see every small and symmetrical strand that has been added to the braid. Neat and precise. On either side of this section are two very tight and thin normal braids. So tight that there are straight white lines on either side where they've been pulled into this tiny braid. Even and neat. The two tiny braids paying homage to the little braids that make up Una's style. The braid in the centre of my head continues down the back of my head. The remaining hair underneath the small braids and around my hair being pulled into it in small tight strands. Each strand added to the braid from my hair is the same small size. Added with precision. The small braids weave into the braid near the top at the back of my head. The main braid hangs the rest of the way down my back. Still the fishtail style. Like when strands had been added, each twist of this braid is small, identical in size and precise. That and the added gel we had put in my hair meant that there were no chances of any loose strands. It is tied off at the bottom. Leaving just little of my hair unstyled by my hips. My hair has gotten long.

I twist around, getting a look at my new style from all angles. I love it. Somehow, it looks both simple and complicated at the same time. I love the tight and neat precision and how even on my black hair, you can still see each strand and twist.

"It's amazing," Una smiles. I nod my head. Ola walks in.

"Your uniform is ready!" she says, her voice calmer now. I look at Una and gulp. She grins and helps me up.

It has been a long time since I've seen my whole body in the mirror. Ola had it covered when I arrived, but now I can see my whole new uniform and style. I can feel myself tearing up. I look like a Lupine warrior. The uniform is amazing. Slim, brown leather boots come up just below my knee caps. Over them, protecting my shins, are thin sheets of silver metal. They attach to leather pads around my knee caps which are also decorated in silver metal. They are designed to look like all part of the same boot. However, they are separate so they don't hinder my movement. To keep the boots and pads from rubbing, underneath I wear a thickish brown material that are basically long socks. They come all the way up my legs to just above the end of the knee pads above my knee caps. The shorts are similar to my old ones. Tight material around my bottom and thighs. However, the skirt over top is different. It is made up of wider, harder leather strips that come to a stop in a V. At the end of each leather strip is a little silver circle. The strips aren't attached to each other, hanging freely from a metal belt that sits in another V shape around my hips and waist. However, they slightly overlap each other. Not showing any skin of my upper thighs, but allow me to sweep them aside to reach the blades attached to new leather holster that sits at the top of my leg. They stop a couple of inches above the socks, midway down my thighs. Only showing a small gap of my legs. Legs which are a lot more muscular now than they used to be.

"That outfit makes your legs look amazing," Una chuckles. I smile and show them off slightly. The top is just as amazing. Though they are two separate pieces of clothing, it almost looks like a dress. The hardened leather corset is lined with strips of thin metal that follow the shape of my body. It blends with the shapes and patterns of the belt where the skirt begins. Over my chest, is a full metal plate. Thicker than the decorative metal that goes over my stomach. It sits tightly against my breasts, keeping them secure and doesn't completely mould to the shape of them. It is a design of practicality, not looks. The top of the corset is slightly uneven. To my left side, the metal gathers with a thick strap going over between my shoulder and neck. Two, thinner strands of leather and metal also lead off it, going across the top of my chest to go over the area between my right shoulder and neck. This allows all my tattoos, apart from my mark which is hidden underneath my breastplate, to be seen. Plus the scars from the Sin Cat's claws on my shoulders are on display. Makes me look scarier, apparently. On my right arm, which is clear of my promise tattoos, I have a thin silver band going around the upper area. Then, on both hands, I have leather gloves that don't cover my fingers or thumb. Though they go far enough over my fingers to hide the ring... They attach to matching metal pads which cover my forearms. Unfortunately, covering the mark that Nianzo and I share. I look at my body in amazement. The uniform shows of my muscular shoulders and arms and even helps emphasise them. It fits so perfectly and suits my fighting style and shape of my body.

"You did an amazing job, Ola," I grin and turn to get better angles. She beams and claps with joy.

"Thank you, Princess," she laughs.

"Just call me Illyana," I smile. She blushes and nods her head quickly.

"I hope that whenever you need a new item of clothing, you'll come to me..." she says hopefully. I laugh and nod my head.

"You don't need to worry about that..." I tell her.

"Thank you, Ola. Have you got the other items?" Una asks. She nods quickly and rushes away. Coming back with two large boxes.

"What are they?" I ask.

"The dresses for tonight's party," Una grins.

"Can I see?" I ask excitedly.

"Nope," Una replies wickedly. I glare at her and she laughs, kissing Ola on the cheek before rushing out of the shop. I sigh and do the same.

"Thank you," I grin. She smiles back and hugs me tighter. I tower above her. A wall of muscle myself now. It is strange to think that.

"Be careful, princess," she grins and leans up to kiss me on the cheek.

"Always," I reply then rush out to chase after Una.