Aunt Kora looked at me expectantly while the other two had curious expressions on their faces. As if she was expecting me to faint and fall over in my chair from shock. But I had had my fair share of fainting in the past day. Three times! No wonder she's looking at me like that, I act like i'm in the Drama club for how many time's I've fainted.

I blinked. That was the only act of surprise that I could mnage to give without overreacting. "Ok. How was it not a dream? Are you going to tell me that that white tiger is somehow related to me and that it's real? Huh? I've had enough surprises and dramatic, life-changing, hair-raising events happen to me in the last 48 hours, so spit it out." I stared blankly at Aunt Kora. She had an amused expression on her face.

My eyes flickered to Darin and Kinleigh. Kinleigh looked like she was about to explode into a ball of laughter, so much so that I was surprised her face didnt turn red from holding it in. Darin also had a small smile on his face as he silently at his food.

I sat back and screwed up my face. "What? Why does everyone look like they're about to laugh? What did I say?" I questioned.

Aunt Kora chuckled. "Same old Rowan. A bit taller and better at voicing your opinions," she raised an eyebrow at that, and my ears tinged pink," but still that same straightforward, irritable personality."

Darin laughed. My eyes shot to him. "Hasn't anyone ever told to respect your elders? No one has talked to her like that in a long time."

I sniffed, and looked at Aunt Kora. "Well then, I'm sorry for speaking to you so rudely. I just want to know what's going on."

Aunt Kora chuckled. "No matter, its fine. Frankly, I like it, I think it's one of your most appealing features. You take after your mother. And, in answer to your questions, yes. It was real and it did happen, right before you stepped through that portal."

I opened my mouth to say something and the only the that came out was a small squeak. I reigned in my senses once more. "You knew my mother? How? Where is she? Is she alive? Can I see her?"

A sadness flickered across Aunt Kora's eyes for a brief second. Then her eyes were bright again. "Oh yes, I knew your mother. She and I were very good friends. We grew up together and we shared many secrets together. But, that is for another time. I will take you to see your mother tomorrow. Do you have any other questions before I leave you in the capable hands of Kinleigh and Darin?"

I actually had about a million of them, but I figured Aunt Kora would answer them all tomorrow. That just left one random question. "Actually, I do have one question. Do you have dogs? I heard them barking earlier, and I'm curious."

Aunt Kora stood up. "I will leave that for these two to answer. I'll see you all at dinner later." She chuckled as she picked up her plate and headed into the kitchen.

Suspicion and confusion raced across my brain. I narrowed my eyes. "Wait, why was she laughing like she knows something that no one else know and isn't going to tell anyone?"

Kinleigh and Darin had sly smiles on their faces. Kinleigh stood up and looked down at me. "Wait until you see them. I'll bet you you've never seen dogs like ours. If you can call them that."

Darin chuckled. "Come on, lets show her around." Darin stood up and headed towards the back door. He stopped and turned around. "You girls coming?"

I stood up and said,"Lets do this."

Kinleigh smiled broadly. "I like your spirit, girl. I think we'll get along just fine."

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Hey guys! Thanks for reading this chaper of Tyranny! Sorry this chapter was so short, I just wanted to get something up for you guys! I will try to make the next chapter better/longer next time! Dont forget to comment, vote, and add this book to your reading list to keep up with updates! Also, you can follow me for updates on the book when I am having trouble and I need to let you guys know! Thanks for being so patient! YA!

ChancebyCandor