This is how Sloan envisions himself.

Jessie's POV

With halted breath and a stuttering heart I watch as the Witch grabs a wand made of some type of bone, runes etched onto the entire surface. Sloan's hand is on my right knee, squeezing the life out of it as we offer our right forearms to the magic caster.

Makayla dips the mana crystal embedded in the top of the bone wand into one of the potions she made, placing it against Sloan's skin. There's a sharp intake of breath from Sloan but nothing more as I silently hold my breath and wait.

"This is the rune Dagaz, it's a rune for changing your appearance and transformation by will alone. You can come forth in conscious only, or the self you have created. It's not a flash, but if you look away, you'll miss the way the features blend together before becoming something else. Subtle, quick and effective. And permanent. No one can take this from you unless you let them." She tells us giving us all the information we need, helping soothe some of the last minute questions and worries I find myself consumed with as she steadily traces what looks almost like a triangular infinity symbol. Or a basic bow tie. When she finished the last line, the tube glows slightly for a moment before all at once, Sloan- or rather- James' body slips away and in his place emerges a beautiful man.

Unlike James, Sloan doesn't have a full beard, instead there's only a little dusting along his slender but strong jaw.

His lips are full and small, a natural pink that makes me want to grab him towards me immediately, despite the audience. But I refrain, taking in every inch of my love.

Finally able to meet him.

His hair is long and his loose curls frame his face perfectly. He turns towards me, a little anxiety in his eyes and a smattering of blush along his cheeks and all I can see is perfection. "Well?" He asks me, biting his lip, drawing my attention back to them only to snack back up when I realize that his eyes. They're no long black. No longer needed to express the switch, his appearance proof enough. Instead, his eyes are a deep brown, flecks of gold floating around the pool of the smoothest chocolate.

"You're beautiful, Sloan." Is all I can manage as Makayla continues working, a pleased smile on her face as she cleans off her wand before dipping the crystal into the other liquid.

Even though it's my turn, I can't help but stare at Sloan, openly, hungrily.

A part of me is grateful that Cody and James aren't privy to this. That I get to see him first. My Sloan. While I was made for Cody as much as James was and vice versa, there's a thicker stronger connection between the two of us because of our experiences and our dynamics and I'm sure the same can be said for Cody and James. Right now though, I'm happy for Sloan to have my sole attention, my sole need and desire, his eyes alluring, falling behind the curtain of his hair.

I want to swoon, my heart squeezing at the amount of serotonin flooding my brain from seeing Sloan and realizing just how truly beautiful my lover is. And how lucky I am.

I feel the crystal against my skin and a few moment later, a mild burning tingle follows the lines the wand traces. It doesn't really hurt, and the feeling fades into the background, only wanting my hands to be free so I can hold Sloan in my own arms for the first time.

I notice, with a smile that even Sloan's shoulders are slimmer, muscles smaller. The way he holds himself even, less commanding and more sassy brat. I see him in every expression, every curve, even down to his nails which are half an inch long and pointy, his smile as he looks at them a confirmation of his self actualization. Suddenly, he stops looking at himself and his hands, a huge mirror behind us beckoning him near I'm sure, but to my surprise he's staring at me, openly.

I'm confused for a moment, unsure what could call his attention more than the Goddess he's finally been born into, until I remember my own picture and transformation.

Completely zoned out, I have nothing to comment on my experience unsure if I even changed or what's different, but Sloan's eyes tell me a different story.

Curious and wanting to see how the two of us fit together, I grab my lover's hand, swallowing thickly with nerves as we get up and turn towards the mirror propped up behind us.

My eyes are unsure where to go, not done with drinking in Sloan's luscious hair but also startled by who is standing beside him.

Because it's me. Actually me. I reach up onto my face and take off Cody's glasses, my wolf eyes im full force, though they're still hazel as they stare back at me, the awe evident on my face. I notice the fact that I almost seem an inch taller, my chest and shoulders a bit broader. My hair isn't as curly, instead falling in loose ringlets, coming barely past my ears. My face is more narrow and a little longer, and for the first time, I feel like I'm seeing myself when I look in the mirror.

I turn towards Sloan and he does the same, his hand reaching up to wipe away a tear that I didn't realize was falling onto my cheek.

"Hi, beautiful." I whisper, feeling so raw, so open, so vulnerable, so complete.

"Hi, yourself, handsome." He teases, his cheeks aflame and his eyes lit up in delight.

"It feels like I've waited a thousand lifetimes for this." I admit, my laugh almost a sigh of relief, though Sloan's is full bellied, though choked with tears.

"I always knew I was a baddie at heart." Sloan jokes, but it's almost a whisper, and I don't say anything, watching him watch himself in the mirror before my eyes catch movement in the corner.

My cheeks fill with red as I snap back to reality, reminding that we're not alone. I turn back towards Makayla with a smile, eternally gratefully for giving Sloan his dream, my own was just a bonus.

"Makayla this is amazing, thank you. Enza wasn't able to tell Cody the price. How much is it?" I ask her, grateful, for the money that my parents had left behind for me, most of it sitting untouched for years. But to my surprise, and ultimately my suspicion she shakes her head, raising her hands in refusal.

"No, I couldn't charge you for something like this. Some friends of loyal and regular customer of Revelia and my own shops needed my help. There's nothing to charge for. Let's just call it a favor and be done with it. Though if you want to pay me for my work, there is something else I could offer you." She tells me as she starts to clean up, Sloan finally joining me, tearing himself away from his admittedly perfect appearance.

"What's that?" Sloan inquires, curiosity clear in his tone as he studies the Witch's tent, checking out labels and whatever knick knacks laying around.

"From what I've been told and what I've gathered with interacting with you, I know of a rune for each of you that may be of some use. For you," She says gesturing told Sloan. " I would pick Ansuz. It's the tune of communication, influence and vision. You're a leader, this would help with that as well as allowing you to mind link with all wolves regardless of age or pack." She explains, and my brain tries to comprehend the fact that this is even possible.

That is, until I remember that Revelia is on the other side of Kaulike and most magic Castors stay close to home, most of the country barely passing as tolerant towards Nightlies.

Everyone always loved to talk about how united this country is against evil, but truth is, we were united for the movement and the war. As soon as we didn't have a similar goal is all fell apart into this bullshit world of who trumps who based on fucking DNA.

Celeste forbid we judge people off of their character and merit.

"Holy shit. So would it be like mind control?" Sloan asks wiggling his eyebrows and I laugh as Makayla just shakes her head and explains.

"No, it's more like whatever your intention is, the audience will receive it that way no matter what. For example if you want to convince people to fight in a war, with the help of this rune, you'll think of the best speech with the best rhetoric to to do as you please. More like, the power of suggestion." She amends and I can tell Sloan really liked the idea of it.

Not sold yet on the idea, I wait for her to explain what she has in mind for me which she does after wiping off the tip of her wand.

"And for you, I would grant you the Jera symbol. You're clearly an Omega and I'm sure you've been training to try to unlock whatever it is your power may be. Jera is the rune that allows you to realize and reach your goals easier. As long as you're reaching for them, they'll be within reach to grab. Meaning if you continue to train, you will exponentially learn how to control, maintain and grow your power." She tells me with a pointed look, and I have to admit I do like the sound of that.

I give it a few moments of thought and check in with Sloan only to see him nodding adamantly, clearly on board with what the Witch has proposed.

Eventually I give in and Sloan and I get more seperate runes on our left arms before paying Makayla and heading home.

Sloan and I allowed Cody and James to meet the real us, but after a few teary hugs and kisses, we regained the reigns, loving the opportunity of being truly free.

Sloan and I are laying on the huge rock by the lake when suddenly Sloan gets an idea. "Hey, let's text everyone and have us all meet up for an early dinner. Art shouldn't have Court today so everyone should be free." He offers and I like the idea. We quickly get things into motion texting and calling our friends, agreeing on a Pasta spot in the Capital preferring to stay out of Vilin if possible, even if it is out of the way.

Thankfully between Taylor and Artemis mana powered limos are delivered to everyone, our very large party of almost ten, finally starting to pull up in front of the restaurant an hour later.

Sloan and I get out of the car, Sloan dressed in skinny jeans borrowed from Zee and a tee, sleek simple wedges adorned on his feet, his smile beautiful and confident. I offer him my hand as we head towards the outside gathering area, a few awnings sprinkled along the yard, small waist height tables under each one.

We take an empty space and watch as more limos pull up. Artemis and Jasper as next to arrive, the Princess popping out of the limo with a beautiful green suit that brings out the green flakes in Artemis' pure gold eyes. Her crown is perfectly placed onto Artemis' hair which is slicked back into a low bun, a curl on each temple falling down to her chin. Jasper is in casual clothes, his crown almost looking misplaced if not for his golden eyes and pointed ears.

The Princess' eyes light up in delight when she sees us, a sparkling laugh falling from her lips as she looks the both of us up and down in awe.

"Omg! Sloan?! And I'm assuming you're the Jessie they won't shut up about?" She asks, and I laugh, nodding, only just now realizing that this is the first time I'm going to be meeting Sloan and Cody's friends as myself. Suddenly stuffed with nerves, I manage a weak chuckle as she goes in to hug Sloan tightly. "Wow, babe. You look incredible. How does it feel to be you, inside and out?" She asks my lover, and it lets me know that Sloan had confided with her in the past about this topic, the support system he's managed to build for himself admirable.

"It feels like a dream." Sloan admits with a teary laugh just as another limo pulls up and Artemis turns her attention towards me, her brother only gifting a disinterested nod in our direction as acknowledgment.

"I know we haven't met before, and Cody's still getting to know me, but I want you to think of me as family. I know what it's like to not be able to count on the one you have. You're part of this little family we created. So even if we don't know each other now, I'm extremely happy to hear that someone that makes James happy, is happy as well." She offers with a genuine smile, her Faerie beauty untouched by her sincerity and kindness. Not traits you typically find in a Faerie, but ones that seem to shine through her so effortlessly.

She gives me a kind smile before heading towards her brother who roles his eyes at whatever face she's making or whatever she's mouthing.

It's Taylor and Enza, accompanied by a dark skinned girl I'm unfamiliar with though if I had to guess.

"Is that the famous cousin-sister Apprentice?" I ask Taylor, the Earth Faerie constantly telling stories of the spunky handful of an Apprentice his brother has, the two of them practically raised together since she was thirteen and he was nine, I believe.

He laughs and nods, reaching out a hand for my own to slow against it, Taylor pulling me in for an unexpected hug that Enza joins in.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Jessie. You look great." Taylor tells me, clasping me firmly on the shoulder as Enza flutters around me with tears in his eyes.

"Oh man, I keep thinking of getting the Dagaz rune, but I can't decide on how I want my female alter to be. Once I do my gender fluid ass can express myself to my hearts content." He sighs dreamily, and Taylor shakes his head and rod his eyes as if this is something he hears often.

"Yeah I'll just wait the five years that it takes to happen." Taylor soothes, shooting me as wink before he stops to acknowledge James. "Thank you for taking care of him. Just know Enza and I were prepared to kill you. Chelsea and I could cover it up." He casually mentions with a pleasant smile and I try my best not to crack up, a little stunned and touched over everyone's fierce attachment and loyalty towards me, someone they've never truly met before.

Finally Alex and Zee arrive from the pack, James' commanders surely on patrol, their introduction to Sloan & I's new form going to have to wait til a later date.

"Holy shit. It's not a myth." Is the first things from Alex's mouth, awe, jealousy and intrigue flashing across his face as he takes Sloan and I in. But he doesn't hesitate for a second as he gathers the two of us into a hug. "You look great you two. You deserve it." He grants us and I smile, grateful for so much support, especially after feeling so alone for so long.

"Congratulations, you guys." Zee cheers with a wide smile and everyone joins in making Sloan and I laugh.

In ten minutes we're seated in a private dining hall, curtesy of Her Royal Highness of course, Artemis snickering as the staff trips over themselves to impress the future queen of Melamar.

The conversation is easy as we all enjoy the banter and food, exchanging stories and laughs like currency and all seems to be fitting perfectly into the perfect start to a perfect night on the heel of a perfect afternoon. That is- until Alex brings up news that I hadn't heard and sends worry into my gut.

"Oh, Taylor! You're the younger brother of Lord Delwyn, House of Earth?" Alex asks and the table lulls, tuning into his curiosity wondering where is goes.

"Yeah, I am." He confirms, a little confused as well.

"Forgive me if this is forward or none of my business, but I heard a rumor that you and your brothers Apprentice got attacked by a shadow. Is that true?" My breath stalls in my chest, the spreading of the attacks, and the victim of the most recent spiking my fear and anxiety over whatever daunting evil seems to be on the heels of Kaulike.

"Yes, actually. Just last night. It was our first encounter of them. We've been treating it as an anomaly situation." Taylor answers, before he notices the stiffness of those around us and the silent looks. "Should we not be?" He questions cautiously quietly.

I look at Sloan, and see him nod, the two of us already on the same page. I turn towards the group and wave away the few waiters that appear to take our order.

"How about we get our food to go and go to our cabin instead? It seems we have a lot to catch up on."

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Ahhhhhhh!!!! What do you guys think???? Omg I've outlined the next fifteen chapters and you guys have no idea what all is going to happen. well of course some idea because of the original but still. I think as long as i get a few uninterrupted days of writing my goal is definitely attainable. I love my series and my characters. I can't wait to transition into the next part of the story- Cody's birthday!

Thoughts?

Comments?

QOTD: Who is your favorite side character so far?