"James…"

The distant voice of a woman calling for him stirred his senses.

"James, Honey, it's time to get up…"

James felt his head pound with pain to the beat of his heart. His eyes were heavy as he tried to open them. Lifting a hand to his face, he started to rub, only to pause. His hand felt much too small.

"James," the soft voice said again. "Are you still feeling sick?"

Rubbing his eyes, he slowly opened them. He was in a bed with a comfortable wool blanket. His mind quickly adjusted to his smaller body as he looked up at a woman with gray hair like his own.

"Ugh," he groaned.

Gentle fingers rested on his forehead, before the woman tutted. "Still running a fever."

His eyes followed the woman as she moved away. She was blurry as he tried to focus. His surroundings were blurry apart from his bed. Nothing felt real as the woman came back over with a syringe and needle.

"This will help," she said softly.

Before he could protest, the needle was stuck into his arm. A cool sensation spread through his body, and he started to fade once again. Everything spun as he closed his eyes, and the woman let out a slow breath.

"Is he out?" a man asked.

"He is."

"I can't condone what you did."

A sniffle filled the air. "He's my child now."

Snorting, the man asked, "how can you say that? You know nothing about him. And you know what he is. And you know what you did to him."

"I know," the woman whispered.

"He's just a tool for you. Don't act like you love him. I know I won't."

"Josiah…"

"No. What you did…what you found…it's not natural Sarah. You need to keep him a secret."

"I will," the woman whispered.

A sigh filled the air. "The elder will find him soon enough. If he ever learns what the boy is, he'll take him, and we'll likely be dead."

James woke with a start, his heart pounding in his chest. Whimpers filled the air all around him as Luna fell off him, startling awake.

"James?" the Fenrir asked.

Clutching his chest, James gasped for each breath as he replayed the dream. It was not something he had ever remembered before. But were they his parents? He couldn't recall what the woman looked like. All of his memories felt even more distant.

"James?" Luna asked more urgently.

Taking a deep breath, he calmed his heart. "Sorry…Just a dream."

Rubbing the back of his neck, Luna scooted closer until she was pressed into his side. "Want to talk about it?"

Swallowing hard, he scanned the clearing and found everyone partially awake, yet still dazed with sleep. With a gesture to the forest, he got up. Getting the message, Luna joined him as they walked far enough away that the others wouldn't be able to hear.

Once they were out of reach, he told her about his dream, making Luna purse her lips. Crossing his arms, he leaned against a tree. "I don't know what it means. But it sounds as though they found me."

Luna nodded. "They weren't your real parents, that much seems clear. That is if this is a real memory. What do you remember about your childhood?"

Shaking his head, he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Not much. Ever since I entered that city and my soul was ignited, I've felt distant from my past. The more I grow, the more I'm missing. I can't even recall what my sect looked like."

"James, that isn't normal." Stepping up to him, she rested her hands on his hips. "Should we tell the others?"

"No," he said right away. "At least not yet. But it's true. I was spoiled before this. I never saw the city before. All of my knowledge of languages and the world is still intact. Not everything is missing."

Nodding, she grabbed the back of his neck and pulled his head down to rest their foreheads together. "I'm with you until the end, James. But we really need to find answers."

"About what I am," he added.

"Yes. Let's go back to the others. They need to bathe so we can start our days. We're all going back to the city."

James kissed her gently before taking her hand. Together they went back to the clearing as everyone was getting up. Refilling the baths only took a few minutes and before long, everyone was scrubbing themselves clean.

Luna took the lead as everyone entered through the outer gate. James was staying behind with the farmers if they could tolerate him. Jamie and Mender would be leaving for their own pursuits. Amber stated she needed to check on a few things. The oni brothers and Linda were going to pick up supplies. It was going to be a productive day. Even Luna was going to check on a few things. She wanted to learn a craft so she could help James even more.

It only took a few minutes to reach the inner gate and for everyone to split up. Amber hurried back to the demi-human district, while Luna split off from Mender and Jamie. She had plenty of gold to buy what she needed.

First, she wanted to check out the markets that the humans and demi-humans mixed in. They would likely have crafters that she might be able to work with.

Smiling, she walked through the town and enjoyed the smiling demi-humans as they watched her pass. Unlike James, she didn't need to pull in her soul, and everyone recognized her as someone powerful. Yet they didn't shy away.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

In fact, the crowd seemed to be growing closer to her. She kept her smile in place as a wolfkin walked up to her, carrying a bouquet of flowers.

"Can I help you?" she asked.

The man blushed and held out the flowers. "I thought you might like these, My Lady."

"I'm married," she stated.

The wolf's shoulder slumped for a moment before he sprang back up. "I would never take you away from your lucky man. But maybe, the flowers can brighten your day."

Sighing, she took the flowers. "Very well. But I must be on my way."

Beaming, the wolf bowed. "Thank you, My Lady!"

Frowning at the odd interaction, she added the flowers to her inventory and started walking again. It was only a few blocks to the market.

Before she made it a single block, a human woman in a summer dress hurried over to her.

"Yes?" Luna questioned.

"I had heard you were in the city! You're Luna, right?"

Frown growing, Luna regarded the blonde woman for a moment. "How do you know that?"

"Word travels, you know." Holding out her hands, the woman presented a small box.

"What is this?" Luna asked, taking the box.

Giggling, the woman said, "I thought I would surprise you with homemade cookies!"

Opening her mouth to respond, she didn't get anything out as the woman scurried away. Her face was even flushed as she eyed Luna up and down.

What the hell is going on? Luna asked herself.

Adding the cookies to her ring, she tried to head towards the market again when three children ran up to her.

"Luna!" they called out together.

"That's me…"

All three boys held up flowers. "We picked these for you!"

Taking them one by one, Luna smiled. "Thank you. But I really must be on my way."

Running off, the boys waved goodbye. This time, Luna didn't hesitate to hurry towards the market before more people stopped her. Several times she had to step around a man or woman that was trying to stop her.

I don't understand this! What is going on?

Reaching the market, she found nearly everyone stopping to stare at her. A shiver passed up her spine as she tried to ignore the gazes. Walking over to a stall selling weapons, she met the owner's eye.

"Do you know anyone that can train me?" she asked.

The man glanced up at her with a frown that quickly turned into a beaming smile. "Hello, lovely," he greeted. "What kind of training are you looking for?"

"I don't know…" she admitted.

"I can always show you how to smith." The man started to leer at her. "We can get close."

Rearing back in disdain, Luna walked away. Thankfully, a human woman of middle age pulled her aside.

"You are very popular, Fenrir," the woman said. "How is it that you are attracting so much attention?"

Swallowing, Luna looked out over the growing crowd. "I don't know…"

Humming, the woman pulled her behind the stall. All sorts of trinkets were laid out as the woman sat her down. "We might be able to work together, Luna."

Luna met the woman's gaze. "I'm here to learn a craft."

Beaming, the woman gestured to her stall. "What better craft is there than mercantile? With how popular you are, I bet we can sell my entire stall."

Pursing her lips, Luna paused before asking, "are you not affected by me?"

Nodding, the woman gestured at the air around them. "I admit, I feel a sort of draw to you, but nothing like what these people are feeling."

Eyes wide, Luna turned to her soul. I thought they were joking when my friends pointed out everyone was drawn to me. The bar. The people. Everyone was around me. But why weren't they around me when I was with James or the others? This doesn't make sense.

Snapping her fingers, the woman drew her attention. "Focus, Luna. We have our first customer."

A pretty human woman stepped up to the stall. "Are you selling these, Luna?"

"Yes," Luna answered. "It appears that I am."

"These are lovely necklaces…which do you think would look better on me?"

Going with the flow, Luna scanned the stall and settled on a topaz that would match her yellow dress and bring out the honey in her eyes. "I think this would be best."

Beaming, the woman tried it on. "I love it!"

"That'll be five silver," Luna's partner stated.

The woman quickly handed over the coin. "Will you be here all day?"

Luna nodded. "I believe I will be."

"I'll bring you lunch!"

She was about to protest before her partner elbowed her in the side. Taking a moment to breathe, Luna said, "lunch sounds perfect."

With a nod, the customer hurried away. Her partner chuckled. "The names Josie. We are going to make great partners today. Try to sell each necklace for five to ten silvers. I'll let you learn the price of the rings and trinkets."

Luna nodded and cracked her neck. "Let's do this!"

She only had to wait a moment before a blushing man stepped up. "Hello, Luna…"

Luna stood behind the stall. Going with the flow, she said, "hello handsome. You look like a man that could use a fancy ring."

"Really?" he asked nervously.

"Yes!" Panning her gaze over the stall, she settled onto a golden band. "This would be perfect for you. Two silvers and I'll slide it on your finger."

Perking up, the man handed over the silver. "Thank you!"

Grinning to herself, Luna took the coin and slid the ring on. Her excitement carried her for a moment longer as she read the notification waiting for her.

New Skill: Mercantile: Level 1/10

New Skill: Haggling: Level 1/10

The day was going to be good.

Amber entered Mason's bar with a heavy sigh. Pulling off her cloak, she added it to her ring before taking her seat. "Mason! I need something strong!"

The moose laughed as he grabbed a bottle of malt whisky. "I always though you were a pretty drunk. I guess I get to enjoy my day early."

"Thanks…" Amber quirked her brow at him.

"I'm a little jealous that you are trying to get into that married man's pants. You know I'm a married man. Couldn't you have tried me?"

Taking the poured whisky, Amber scooted back. "What's with you today? Have you been sampling your own booze?"

Shaking his head, Mason blinked a few times. "Sorry. I'm not sure what came over me."

"It's fine. Besides, I'm only concerned that I get to stay by James's side. If that's as his second wife, or second in command, I'll be happy."

Waving his finger at her, Mason said, "did you know that I have been overcharging you for years for your room?"

"What?" she shouted.

Rubbing his head, Mason groaned. "I shouldn't have told you that…"

"Mason! You and I need to talk," she growled. "How much have you overcharged me?"

"Hundreds of gold…" he admitted.

Jaw dropping, she asked, "did you overcharge James and my friends as well?"

"Yes…"

Crossing her arms, she set down her drink. "I'm going to take a walk. I need to clear my head."

"Try to saunter away as you leave!" he called after her.

Growling, she put her cloak back on and hid her tail. What is with him today? I don't think he's ever been that honest or talkative.

She had a few stops to make and now that she'd abandoned her morning drink, she figured it was time to get started. Her first stop was to get answers about the Running River Sect. How they got into the city.

Moving to the slums, she walked the narrow streets until she came to a run down warehouse. Stepping inside, she was met by three guards.

"Amber," the dwarf greeted. "Why has the Flower of the Slums come to our doorstep?"

Pursing her lips, she asked, "did you just hit on me?"

"Any man would be crazy not to," the dwarf stated. "Have you looked in the mirror?"

Growling, she summoned her claws. "This body is only for James!"

"The human? Man he's a terrifying individual. Are you sure you're not looking for a second husband?" Gesturing around him, he added, "maybe a few husbands?"

Eyeing the guards, Amber's growl deepened. "Take me to your master."

"Right, right!" The dwarf waved for her to follow. "For you, I'd do anything."

Narrowing her eyes, Amber followed warily. What is going on today? Dwarves are known for keeping their thoughts to themselves.

The man she was meeting was one of the few humans in the slums. His raggedy clothes hid his slender body as he sat drinking tea. Stepping up to the table, Amber frowned. "What do you know about the Running River Sect?"

Regarding her with a smile, the man shrugged. "Everything. What do you want to know?"

Still frowning, she asked, "how did they get into the city?"

"Oh! That was me! Got paid a good bag of gold to smuggle them under the wall."

Eyes wide, Amber dragged her claws across the table. "That was you?"

"Yes, Ma'am! I was hoping they would kill you so I could take over the slums."

Grabbing the man by the neck, she lifted him over the table and slammed him into the ground. "You tried to kill me?" she roared.

The dwarf backed up a step. "I love when you get angry, Amber."

Snarling at the dwarf, she sent him scurrying away. Returning her focus to the broker, she stabbed her claws into his stomach. "You dare try to have me killed?"

Screaming in pain, the man nodded. "Yes! I asked them to capture you so I could have fun with you first!"

Brows furrowing tight, Amber dragged her claws through his abdomen. Blood gushed from the wound, and the man wouldn't last much longer. "Why are you telling me this?"

"I don't know," the man gurgled.

Slashing her claws through his neck, she got up and summoned a towel. What the fuck is happening today? It's like the city has gone insane.

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