Shifters: Coming Home

By Wendy Fehr

Elly remains at the Thane home to recover following her narrow escape from Cillian. As Cillian gathers his forces, Elly learns the truth about who Ethan is and discovers her own place in the storm building around her—a storm that shakes the foundation of Elly’s once stable existence.
Trying to survive her new reality, Elly leaves the only safe place she knows to journey with Cillian as he plots to destroy the people Elly has come to love. With the Thane army outnumbered and no protection from Ethan, it is left to Elly to maneuver her way through a dangerous game of chess with Cillian—a game in which the pieces on the board are not always what they appear to be. Elly’s strategy unravels, however, when Ethan gives Cillian the one thing Cillian wants: a Thane.
In a desperate bid to free herself and save both the humans and the cians, Elly turns to the only chess piece still in play: Ricco, a chaeli commander who believes the only good cian is a dead one. With Ricco’s help, Elly leads her rag-tag army in a fight against her own people and into a war between two worlds. In order to survive, Elly must summon all of the strength and determination she possesses and face a foe that wields a weapon more powerful than any she has ever seen—a weapon Elly doesn’t even know exists.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wendy Fehr
• Release date: Jun 18, 2016
• ISBN: 9780987739865

Wendy Fehr

Wendy Fehr is a wife, a mother of four, and a health care professional. She took up writing as a creative outlet during her “spare time”, exploring ideas about time, finding one’s place, and good and evil. What began as stories she told her children eventually formed the basis for the stories captured in the Shifters Series.The characters, themes and story arcs that we are introduced to in Horizons, the first book in the Shifters Series, are carried through Winding Roads and Coming Home, the second and third installments of the series. All titles are published by Shifterspress, an independent publisher, and are available in print and all popular eBook formats.You can read more about Wendy at shifterspress.ca.Thank you for supporting independent writers and publishers.

Book preview

Shifters: Coming Home

Wendy Fehr

Published by Shifterspress at Smashwords

shifterspress.ca

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Copyright © 2016 Wendy Fehr

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-0-9877398-6-5 

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This book also available in print.

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1, Resurfacing

Chapter 2, The Thane House

Chapter 3, Of Chaeli and Cians

Chapter 4, You Can Never Really Go Home Again

Chapter 5, What He Didn’t Tell Me

Chapter 6, Give and Take

Chapter 7, The Longest Night

Chapter 8, Grandparents

Chapter 9, Histories

Chapter 10, Stepping Up

Chapter 11, The Journey Begins

Chapter 12, Headlone Into It

Chapter 13, Harvest

Chapter 14, The Players

Chapter 15, Of Mice and Men

Chapter 16, Battle Lines

Chapter 17, The Last Stand

Chapter 18, Home Again

Chapter 19, A New Time

Chapter 20, Promises

Chapter 21, Weddings

Chapter 22, Human Time

Chapter 23, Endings and Beginnings

Epilogue

About The Author

Prologue

The woman slipped quietly through the still castle, along its darkened corridors and through the glowing ember light of the slumbering kitchen. The large wooden door creaked in protest as she opened it—only wide enough to pass through—then whisked herself out into the night. She shunned a lantern or torch. She had no need of the light and did not wish to draw attention to her journey.

The woman glided down the familiar path, her feet treading lightly even as she checked to ensure no one followed. She rounded a bend in the trail and saw the small cottage she sought. The windows of the two-room lodge were shuttered, the light sequestered inside. The door opened then, and a shaft of light escaped its confines, momentarily illuminating the ground.

The woman slid past the man who held open the door. He glanced around cautiously then pulled the door shut after them, cutting off the traitorous light and closing the woman inside along with himself and the warmth of the fire.

Chapter 1: Resurfacing

I stood on the front porch of Ethan’s home, looking around and wondering if the human world had always been this drab and colourless. It was like I was viewing it through a long-forgotten window covered with years of dust and grime. The sounds were muffled too—traffic, birds, people—all heard as though I was under water.

Is it me or the frequency?

A fragment of memory from my last night there flashed to mind, scattering my murky musings and conjuring up feelings seemingly more real than the events themselves. I winced and quickly doused the image. I turned to look at Ethan and Liam. They scanned the area cautiously, longswords in hand.

I still don’t get all the fuss, but fine…

I focused on energy, searching for any patterns besides our own. My breath came out in a sharp gasp. Ethan and Liam simultaneously turned to me, the same wary expression on both their faces.

There’s someone in the back yard, I whispered as though that would keep a shifter from hearing me.

Where exactly? Liam asked, looking in the direction of the backyard even though the house sat squarely in front of us and obscured any hope of seeing beyond it.

To the left of where we used to practice, I continued in the same whispery voice.

Ethan gave Liam a quick nod, then the two of them set off around opposite sides of the house, moving stealthily.

Why go around?

I opened the front door and went through the house, reaching the backyard before Ethan or Liam did.

At the far end of the yard, a cloaked figure sat leaning against the trunk of a tree, his head bent low and his hood obscuring his face. My heart set off in a frantic rhythm as the figure rose, bracing himself against the tree. He paused then stepped out of the bushes, slowly walking to where I stood. I raised my sword, holding it in both hands, and he stopped. In my peripheral vision I saw Liam and Ethan round their respective sides of the house and hurry over to me.

There was a fraction of a second during which several things happened at once: the cloaked figure lifted his hand, flipped back his hood and revealed a battered but familiar face; Ethan yelled my name; and Liam lunged sword-first at the figure. It took me a full second to understand what was happening—about the same amount of time it took Liam to cross the yard.

Traitor! Liam yelled as he launched himself at Caleb.

NO!

I shifted and plunged forward, diving between Liam and Caleb. Caleb didn’t move—didn’t even draw his sword. I spun and lifted my blade just in time to meet Liam’s sword on its forceful down stroke. Liam drew up abruptly when his sword met mine, a mixture of confusion and anger swirling together in his cobalt eyes. He lowered his blade, and through clenched teeth he said, Elly! How many times are you going to save this wretch?!

That depends, I shot back, how many times are you going to try to kill him?!

We glared at each other.

Liam, Ethan called out in a low, firm tone. Let’s find out what’s going on first.

The three of us turned to Caleb. He looked at Ethan and bowed his head low.

"I think prudence would dictate that you explain quickly, Liam said, stepping forward and pointing his sword at Caleb. Tell me what happened the night of the ambush," he demanded.

It was only then that Caleb raised his head.

Yes, Caleb replied, holding up one hand in surrender, the other hand stayed planted firmly on his stomach. I’ll explain. His voice was hoarse, and when I shifted slightly, I could see purple and blue splotches on his throat. His face was a myriad of scrapes, bruises and cuts—one running into the next—creating a swollen multi-coloured mess, like trampled modeling clay. Caleb swayed on his feet.

Caleb? I asked, studying him uncertainly. Are you all right?

He turned to look at me but didn’t answer right away.

I… he paused, his brow creasing.

I watched as a dull film fell across his eyes like dust settling in the wake of a whirlwind. He stared at me through hazy brown eyes without actually seeing me. Caleb lurched forward a step then slumped down onto one knee. He braced himself with one hand, his head falling forward. Ethan rushed over to help him back on his feet. Liam hesitated for a fraction of a second then moved forward to help Ethan with the collapsed chaeli.

Ethan and Liam pulled Caleb to his feet, each ducking under one of his arms. They practically dragged him into the house then half-carried him up the stairs, dropping him down onto a bed in one of the many spare rooms. Caleb moaned just before his breath caught and he clutched at his side. Ethan and Liam arranged him on the bed as best they could while I stood out of the way, stupidly watching like some passerby who had come across an accident scene and didn’t know what to do.

Ethan lifted Caleb’s feet up onto the bed without even a glance at the worn and dirty boots Caleb wore. He gently pried Caleb’s fist open, releasing the cloak he still held in a death grip against his abdomen. Ethan flung back the loosened cloak.

A sharp curse slipped out from between Liam’s teeth as he spun on his heel and ran from the room. Ethan unfastened the cloak from around Caleb’s neck. Caleb’s head lolled to the side and he lay unmoving with eyes closed. I saw Ethan pull his knife from his boot. I was about to protest when I realized he only intended to cut open Caleb’s t-shirt. Ethan carefully pulled back the edges of the shirt, the entire front of it soaked with blood. I couldn’t breathe for a moment.

Liam rushed back into the room carrying a basin of water and a cloth. He dunked the cloth and pressed it to Caleb’s stomach. The water slopped into the pool of blood, turning it a translucent crimson as it ran down Caleb’s side, staining the clean, white duvet on the bed underneath him. When more blood came, Liam sloshed more water on and wiped it away again, trying to find where the blood was coming from. Liam rinsed the cloth several times, trying to clear the area, and the water in the basin was soon as red as Caleb’s wound. Ethan pressed a towel to Caleb’s stomach (I hadn’t even noticed him leave to get it) then pulled it back. It was Ethan who cursed this time. He threw me a quick glance.

Sorry, he said. Liam, we need—

On it, Liam said, already halfway out the door.

I watched as Ethan kept the towel pressed firmly to Caleb’s side and, fiber by fiber, a dark red stain crept out from under Ethan’s hand. Liam came back with a bottle of alcohol and a couple of pre-threaded medical suturing sets. He splashed alcohol over his hands and handed one of the suture sets to me.

Here, he said, open this.

I only stared at him.

Don’t ask, Liam said.

I shook my head, took a deep breath, and peeled open the package. I held it open for Liam, being careful not to touch the contents inside—common sense and a fragment of something I had seen in a movie dictated I not contaminate them.

Ethan pulled a lamp close to Caleb as he worked to keep the wound as free of blood as possible, while Liam began stitching it up. I handed sutures to Liam and fetched more towels as Ethan helped to piece the edges of the cut together. It seemed to take forever for Liam to work his way up one layer of tissue at a time until he was finally suturing the skin. He tied off the last stitch and straightened up, taking a deep breath. His hands were trembling.

Liam cleaned up the gash and taped gauze along the angry-looking knotted line. The three of us exchanged uncertain glances and took a collective breath. Caleb’s heartbeat was steady but slow. His breathing was a little uneven, with a hitch every now and then.

Nicely done, Ethan said, nodding approvingly at Liam. Learn that in the war?

Liam nodded soberly in return.

Do you think he’ll make it? I asked.

He seems all right for the moment. We’ll know in a few hours, Ethan said, considering Caleb with a reserved frown.

What about infection? I asked.

I’m not sure about chaeli, Ethan answered, his brow creasing, but infections aren’t usually a problem for cians. Our immune systems work more quickly than bacteria and viruses can replicate. Hopefully his system is intact enough to fight off any infection. Either way, we’ll just have to wait to see the outcome.

I nodded and moved around to the end of the bed. I tugged at Caleb’s boots several times before finally managing to pull them off his feet. Ethan and Liam worked together to remove the cloak and stained t-shirt from under Caleb, then pulled out the ruined duvet as well. Caleb gave a low groan but didn’t stir otherwise. Ethan took the folded blanket at the foot of the bed and laid it over Caleb while Liam pushed the pillow further under Caleb’s head. I took a deep breath.

Liam, I said, studying Caleb’s face. His colour was better already, but there was something else…

Yeah?

Doesn’t he look different to you—besides the bruising, I mean?

Liam turned and squinted at Caleb.

He does, Liam replied with a touch of reservation in his tone. He looks more—human.

That’s it!

Caleb’s features seemed smoother and more even underneath the cuts and bruises than when I had seen him the last time. His body lay straighter—not lying as crookedly as he had previously stood. His hair was thicker and appeared to have more shine to it despite the disarray it was in. It occurred to me too that, unlike other chaeli, there was no sickening smell lingering about him—there hadn’t been for some time, I realized.

Perhaps the two of you were correct in believing he could be redeemed, Ethan speculated.

One corner of Liam’s mouth turned down and he cast Caleb a sideways glance.

I’ll wait to hear his explanation of the other night before I agree with that, Liam replied.

Well, I am guessing you will have to wait for some time. I expect he’ll be out for a while, Ethan said. "Elly, you ought to phone your parents and let them know you’re in town. It would be best to speak with Jessica first to find out what she’s told your parents before you speak with them."

Oh, right.

I had forgotten why we were here.

Shoot, I said, reflexively glancing down at my wrist. I left my watch in my room at your place. What time is it here?

Ethan gave me a quick glance, his mouth slowly tipping into a crooked grin.

It’s ten sixteen in the morning, he replied.

"And just how do you know that without looking at a clock?" I asked.

Some of us know where we are in time, he said, his grin widening. I stuck my tongue out at him and he laughed. Go call your sister, he said. I turned to go find a phone. Remember to shift down to use the phone, Ethan called after me.

Right—again.

I found a phone in the kitchen and dialed my parents’ number. The chances were pretty good that they would be at work and I would catch Jess at home by herself. That was my fervent hope anyway as I listened to the first ring of the phone. I was in luck—Jess answered the phone.

Hello? she asked disinterestedly.

Hey Jess, it’s me, I said.

Elly! Suddenly Jess’ words tumbled out all at once. Oh, it’s you. You’ve been gone so long! I’ve been worried about you. Where have you been? Are you all right?

I’m fine, Jess. I’m fine.

Are you back now?

No. Just checking in. I’ll be here for a couple of days, I think. Maybe. How long have I been gone?

Silence.

Okay, so you know that’s a weird question, right? Jess finally asked.

Yes, I’m aware. Just answer it please.

Almost two weeks, Jess responded with a hint of censure. Liam told me you’re staying at Ethan’s house.

Yeah—with him and his family. It seemed the safest place for me. Liam’s there too.

"And how is that going?" Jess asked.

Actually, better than you might think. I just came back to let you know I’m all right. I thought I might come around this evening to see Mom and Dad—let them know I’m not dead or—

You’d better! They’re driving me crazy with all their questions. I don’t know what to tell them anymore.

What have you told them so far?

I said you left with Liam to go visit Ethan. Simplest answer seemed best. Mom and Dad knew you missed him and it seemed the most logical thing for you to have done. But I have to warn you, Elly, they’re pretty mad about you missing classes.

I’m sure they are. I’m not too thrilled with it either. What did you tell them about moving home?

I told them I didn’t want to stay there anymore since the break-in. They agreed.

Perfect. I don’t know how long it will take to resolve things and I wouldn’t have wanted you staying there by yourself. We can find another place in fall. I owe you big-time Jess. Has there been any more trouble?

Not that I’ve noticed, she began then added, well, I did see this one shady character once. He was in the parking lot after one of my shifts. He seemed out of place. It could have been anyone.

What did he look like?

Taller than me, brown hair and eyes. He wore weird clothes—looked like a cloak of some sort. Mostly I noticed him because he seemed uncomfortable—like he didn’t want to be there.

My mind flashed to Caleb, but I couldn’t think of any reason for him to be watching Jess.

Did anything happen? I asked.

No, he just watched me get in my car. He didn’t come near me or say anything.

Okay. Maybe it was nothing. Be careful, though. I’ll call Mom at work and let her know I’ll be by for supper.

Yeah, do that. You might want to call Dad too. They’ve both been worried.

Okay. I’ll see you at supper then Jess.

All right. And Elly?

Yes?

I’m glad you’re all right. I’ve missed you.

I missed you too Jess. I’ll see you later.

Yeah, see you.

I hung up the phone and dialed my mother’s work number. Ethan walked into the kitchen just as my mother answered the phone. He came to stand beside me, leaning against the kitchen counter and folding his arms across his chest. I glanced at him as I spoke with my mother and he smiled a small smile.

Elly! It’s about time you called, my mother said in her best mom voice. We’ve been worried about you. Where are you?

I’m at Ethan’s house here in town.

You left without saying anything and you’ve missed all your classes for two weeks!

Sorry Mom, I had a chance to visit Ethan. It sort of came up suddenly. I couldn’t say no.

You should have at least called to tell us you were leaving.

Well, things happened fairly quickly. Ethan was in a hurry to get home. I did tell Jess. I knew she’d fill you in.

I know you missed him, Elly, but you’ve skipped so much school—you’ll never be able to make it up. Was it really worth losing an entire term? my mother asked, her voice raising an octave higher.

I saw Ethan wince and his eyes darkened as he studied me with a frown. What? I mouthed silently. Ethan just shook his head. I put my hand on his cheek. His eyes met mine for a brief moment before he lifted my hand from his cheek and pressed a kiss into my palm. The energy zinged up my arm and he dropped my hand immediately. My hand continued to burn where his lips had touched it. I could hear my mother talking, but I wasn’t following what she was saying. There was an expectant pause, and I hurried to regroup.

I’m sorry, Mom, what did you say?

Ethan grinned and, leaning close to my other ear, whispered, Pay attention. I threw him a sideways glance through narrowed eyes. He just chuckled.

I said, I know you missed him, but was it worth losing an entire semester?

I looked up at Ethan, our eyes meeting.

Yeah. Actually it was, I replied. I heard my mother heave a sigh.

"It was that important?" she asked.

Yeah, Mom, it really was. There was another pause.

So…you’ve managed to work things out between the two of you? my mother asked.

It’s worked out great, Mom.

Well, I guess I’m happy for you, my Mom said grudgingly. Are you bringing him with you tonight?

Umm… Ethan nodded his head at me. Yeah, I think that should work. I’ll ask Liam too.

He’s with you too? All right. That’s just fine. Bring him along—as long as that’s not a problem for Ethan…

The not-so-subtly unasked question hung somewhere on the phone line between us.

It’s not a problem, I said. I’ll see if Liam can come. He may…have other things to do. Should I call Dad to let him know I’m home? I asked.

Oh, don’t bother. He’s in meetings all day. You’ll likely never catch him at his desk. I’ll send him a text.

Okay, thanks. We’ll see you at supper then.

Sure, see you then. Bye.

Bye Mom. I thumbed off the phone and stared down at the cold thing in my hand, my stomach a jumble of knots and tangles.

It would seem I’ll be meeting your parents, Ethan commented, studying me closely.

Yeah, looks like. Is that all right? I asked, making a face.

Of course. I’d like to meet them. Besides, I would have been there anyway whether they could see me or not. I’m not about to leave you alone.

I thought not, I answered. How’s Caleb doing?

He’s not conscious yet. I expect it will take two or three more hours before he heals enough to talk to us. Liam is keeping an eye on him. Listen, he said in a change-of-topic tone. I need to check things out to make certain there’s no trouble between here and your parents’. I’ll be back shortly. I need you to stay here with Liam.

Wait just a minute, I objected. Given the risks, I don’t think a solo patrol is a good idea. Take Liam or me with you.

I don’t want you out on patrol nor do I want you here by yourself—especially not with Caleb here. We have no idea where he stands.

"And I don’t want you out by yourself, I countered. Besides, I can see what’s coming better than you can. Even if I stay here by myself, I’ll still see anything coming from a long way off. I could shift and be half way back to your place in pretty short order. Ethan only stood, frowning at me, so I kept going. You know, I was running patrols with Liam before you came back."

Liam took you on patrol with him? Ethan asked, his expression a twisted mix of chagrin and incredulity.

Well, I hedged, remembering my conversation with Liam, "he didn’t really want to. I sort of convinced him. I think he only took me on the easy runs though."

I see, Ethan said, one eyebrow arching up. I can just imagine that little battle of wits. Ethan sighed heavily and studied me for a moment. You honestly beat Liam in battle practice?

I looked up uncertainly.

Is he actually considering this?

I nodded. Once.

Ethan let out a deep breath as he ran one hand through his hair.

Fine, he said. If you must participate I’d rather you stayed with me than by yourself. The last time I left you alone was a disaster—every time I leave you alone is a disaster. Let’s get our swords.

So…you’re letting me run a patrol with you? I asked pleasantly surprised with a smile creeping across my face.

Yes, Ethan replied brusquely. You do understand, however, we’re not out for a stroll here? We’ll be moving quickly, and I intend to make full use of your skills if you insist on coming along.

I nodded eagerly.

All the better.

We went back to the room where Caleb still lay unconscious on the bed. Liam sat in a chair across the room, watching him.

How is he? I asked quietly, feeling as though I had just stepped into a hospital room and ought to be quiet out of respect for all the sick people.

Holding on, Liam answered from where he sat. He watched as Ethan and I buckled on our swords.

We’re running a patrol, Ethan said evenly.

You’re taking Elly with you? Liam asked.

Ethan opened his mouth then closed it again. He sighed.

It’s a long story, Ethan said in defeat. Liam attempted to suppress a grin but didn’t quite succeed. Ethan continued, We’ll be a while. Elly will be having dinner with her family later. I want to make certain that area is clear. Oh, by the way, you and I are invited.

Fabulous, Liam said, casting me a teasing grin. Elly’s family is always highly entertaining.

I threw Liam a sideways glance, choosing not to dignify his remark with a response.

He laughed.

Chapter 2: The Thane Home

Ethan had meant what he said about it being a working patrol. We covered a lot of ground—all the way to my parents’ house as promised. We moved quickly, dodging cars, pedestrians, and even the occasional piece of construction equipment, leaving behind a serpentine trail of luminescent energy. The more I ran the better I felt, which really didn’t make sense, but I was good with that. It seemed easier to move here now—my muscles felt stronger and more responsive, and my breathing came easy.

Ethan ordered me to scan for anyone not in his line of sight. He did add a ‘please’ to the command, but that was like adding sugar to cough medicine. Whatever anyone says, it still doesn’t go down any easier. I reminded myself that I had asked to come along and didn’t argue. However, there was one little problem he didn’t quite get.

Focusing on people’s energy was easily done—the trouble was I could see everyone’s energy—and for a long time too. Every person left a few energized, coloured footprints in their wake that blended into everyone else’s trails, making a sloppy, three-year-old’s finger-painting mess of abstract energy art. At the speed we were moving, and with quite a few people in view, I was looking at the world through a rainbow oil slick as all the colours blended together. I had to explain to Ethan that if he wanted a proper scan he would have to slow down so I could sift through all the different trails. He slowed—but only a little.

We finally arrived back at Ethan's house.

Let’s go check on our guest, Ethan suggested as he unbuckled his sword and hung it by the front door. I glanced around as I took off my own sword, memories of the battle creating a broken static backdrop to the thoughts I was trying to pull together.

You seem to have fixed everything. How bad was it? I asked.

Ethan scanned the living room.

Bad enough, he replied evenly. He put a hand on the small of my back and ushered me to the stairs.

Sorry for wrecking your house, I said, making a face.

Ethan stopped and looked down at me, one eyebrow arched.

"You almost get killed because I’m not where I'm supposed to be and you’re apologizing to me?"

I hardly think you can take the blame for what happened.

Ethan shook his head and looked down at the step his foot rested on.

You told me very plainly I would regret my decision to send you away, and you were right, he replied soberly. I am very sorry I sent you home, but I’m also sorry for not listening to you. That was wrong of me. Please forgive me. His eyes were a cerulean blue when he lifted them to mine.

Ethan, we’ve been through this, I said dismissively. "There’s nothing to forgive. I get it. I mean, I live in my head and I don’t know what to do with that information most of the time. I certainly can’t expect you to make anything more out of a mess like that. You did the best you could with what you knew."

Thank you, Ethan said. He studied me for a moment before placing a quick kiss on the top of my head. You’re far too easy on me. He rested his forehead against mine for several seconds before he turned and led the way to Caleb’s room.

We found Liam still sitting where we had left him, a stern expression set firmly on his face as he kept a steady eye on Caleb. He didn’t appear to be watching over Caleb so much as keeping him under guard. Liam looked up at us, and his expression morphed into a grin.

How was your patrol? he asked.

Nothing to report, Ethan said. Liam’s grin widened into a smile. Ethan frowned at Liam then turned to Caleb. Caleb lay on the bed, his only movement the slow rise and fall of his chest.

How is he? Ethan asked.

He was restless a while ago but he re-settled.

Did he say anything?

He mumbled ‘no, don’t’. Then he was out again.

I suppose we wait then. I want any information he can give us.

So we waited.

I chose to forgo a visit to the room where I had fought with Cillian—too many off-putting memories there. I went to the living room instead with its new, welcoming couch. I sat, staring out the front window and recalling the previous few days I had spent in cian time.

After Ethan had kissed me, we had sat together on the deck, Ethan’s arm around my shoulders and our hands clasped together on my lap. When we heard footsteps some way off, Ethan pulled his arm from around my shoulders. He extracted his hand from mine, gently settling my hand back on my lap then slid away until we were no long touching. He smiled apologetically when I turned a disappointed pout on him.

I would be happy to hold you forever and never let you go, he began, "however, Aina might be somewhat…uneasy seeing us like that."

My thoughts darted to what Ethan had told me about their mother being human and the difficulties it had created and my stomach seized.

She wouldn’t approve of us being together? I managed to squeak out.

Oh, no, Ethan said quickly. That’s not the issue. In fact, Aina appears to have taken a liking to you. There is something you need to understand about cians and our culture, however. Compared to humans, we are much more cautious about physical contact because of the exchange of energy that generally takes place when we touch. He stroked the back of my hand with one finger and paused, watching with anticipation as the energy coursed up my arm. My breath caught in my chest. Ethan pulled his hand away and looked down as a slow smiled spread across his face. I forced in a breath.

That exchange is a natural thing in an intimate cian relationship, Ethan said, looking back up at me. It is not to be taken lightly. Even holding another person’s hand is viewed as intimate for us—something reserved for family or a mate—since everyone knows the exchange of energy that potentially accompanies such an act. Of course, intent and context determine the type and amount of energy exchanged—the feel and meaning of it. The same gesture might transfer warmth and security in one setting or hostility and control in another.

I’m not sure I understand.

It’s difficult to explain in human terms. For now, let’s just say touch has more emotional meaning for us than it seems to have for humans. We communicate with it in ways humans can’t—or don’t. I wonder sometimes if perhaps their senses have dulled to that meaning.

I really didn’t want to ask the question that flitted into my head just then—didn’t want to, but knew I would. I had to look away before I could ask it.

And you know the difference because…you’ve experienced that sort of exchange of energy before? I felt a targeted unease clutch at my gut, and I was fairly certain it was likely that very feeling that made cians more careful about touching one another. When Ethan didn’t answer right away, my traitorous gaze darted to his, searching his sea-green eyes just a little frantically for an answer. I watched as an easy smile captured his mouth.

No, he said quietly and firmly. I haven’t experienced it personally—until now. As I said, we’re careful not to enter into those situations here—it’s not appropriate. Besides, there was never anyone whom I wanted to touch in that way before—no one I wanted to share energy with—until I met you. I must say, you took me quite by surprise that day by the river. A modest smile hovered around the corners of his mouth as he stared down at me, his green eyes darkening a shade or two.

If they’re so careful…

So…have you ever kissed anyone before?

No. His smile widened then disappeared as his expression turned curious. And you?

"Um, no, come to think of it. I mean, I went on a few dates in high school, but with a couple of side show antics or the mere mention of quantum physics, guys tend to vanish pretty quickly."

Their loss it would seem, Ethan commented, tilting his head to one side as he studied me. Then this, he said, reaching to stroke my cheek with a single finger, means as much to you as it does to me? Do you feel what I feel?

My eyes closed involuntarily. I felt an intense rush of energy course through my cheek, following the tracings of Ethan’s finger. The jolt shot to the back of my head, numbing my brain to all but the sensation of his touch, then tingled down my neck and shoulders. From there it blazed a trail along my spine, making my bones melt.

Yes, I whispered without opening my eyes.

I felt Ethan place the palm of his hand on my cheek and in the next instant I felt his lips on mine. It was a brief kiss, cut short by the sound of approaching steps, but long enough to leave me breathless. It took me a moment to calm my swirling thoughts and slow the frantic beat of my heart. I stared at Ethan, only coherent enough to wonder about the smug expression he wore.

I was still feeling somewhat scatterbrained when Liam and Aina came around the bend in the garden path. Liam stepped up onto the deck, took one look at me then turned to Ethan, raising his eyebrows.

Does this mean I can stop trying to keep the two of you apart? Liam asked.

Yes, Ethan said with a chuckle. That will no longer be necessary.

Aina’s eyes widened as she looked between Ethan and me. I watched her carefully, only breathing again when I saw her smile and turn shyly away.

Good, Liam said somewhat sardonically. The endeavour was about as useful as herding cats, he continued as he shook his head and sat down. Ethan and I laughed.

The tension was broken and no other words were spoken on this subject, at least for the time being, as talk turned to stables and horses. Liam was quite impressed with the Thane’s horses and their ostler.

Aina turned and looked at me curiously. "Elly, you say you don’t own horses but do you ride?"

I took a handful of lessons when I was younger and rode at camp a couple of summers, I replied. I can manage to stay on a gentle horse, but I can’t jump. I’m not certain I would remember how to tack up.

You never told me you could ride, Ethan said.

"I believe there are some things you never told me either, I replied, arching one eyebrow at him. He tipped his head to me, conceding the point. Speaking of which, I continued, is the offer to show me your home still open?"

Of course. Are you feeling well enough to walk through?

Yes, I believe I am, I said. In fact, I was feeling better all the time.

All right then, Ethan began as he stood and took my hand. I’d be quite happy to show you our home.

Ethan tucked my hand in the crook of his arm and led Liam, Aina, and me through his home—really much more of a castle than a home with its huge rooms, high, thick-beamed ceilings, and sand-coloured stone walls. We passed by the staircase I had come down earlier, their large expanse spilling forward into an even larger foyer. Ethan showed us formal sitting rooms, music rooms, and a banquet hall with a small flower garden off to one side of it. Here, the wooden floor gleamed, a grand piano filled one corner of the immense room, and music stands were stacked behind it.

This is our entertaining hall, Ethan explained. We sometimes host…special events—holiday celebrations, weddings, funerals—any large gathering needing to accommodate community members.

You invite all those people into your home? That’s rather generous of you.

I saw Aina glance at Ethan, but he ignored her. He also ignored my comment.

Let me show you the garden, was all he said as he moved to the double glass doors at the end of the room. He paused slightly as he turned both handles simultaneously then swung the doors open wide.

I followed him out onto a brick patio with a small settee. Shrubs and rose bushes sheltered the area with various flowers sprouting up among them. The roses at the far side of the patio caught my attention, and I immediately went to inspect them. They were the most beautiful shade of coral, lighter at the base and deepening toward the edges of the petals. Their scent was heavenly.

Do you favour roses, Elly? Ethan asked, looking at me from where he stood by the patio doors.

"I do—they’re beautiful. But my favourite flower is the wild rose. It’s not quite as spectacular as this type of rose, but there’s something fascinating about its fragility, lying among its thorns and heavy leaves… Such a delicate flower and yet it survives—even thrives. It seems…hopeful somehow. I turned from my inspection of the flowers. Do wild roses grow here?" I asked.

No, Ethan said. They’re not native to our frequency, but I saw them near Liam’s cabin. I know the flower you’re speaking of. He paused then turned to go back into the hall.

Come, he called back, I’ll show you more.

He toured us through the dining room and into an office. A massive wooden desk sat confidently along one wall accompanied by a large, resolute chair.

This is my father’s study, Ethan explained.

I noticed the immense globe standing off to the side of the desk. It didn’t look quite right, and I went over to inspect it. Liam followed me, peering over my shoulder at the impressively large orb. I saw then what was odd about it—it was formed in a double layer. There was an inner, solid globe—the same as the ones we had in human time. In fact, it was a globe of our world with the same landforms and markings. This globe, however, also had a clear outer layer through which the inner one could be seen. The outer orb had translucent land markings on it—geography I didn’t recognize.

I glanced back at Ethan only to find him smiling and already crossing the room to stand next to Liam.

I was wondering how long it would take for you to notice that, Ethan said, grinning at me. Cian landforms are different from those in the human frequency. This globe allows us to know where we are in both frequencies so we can minimize the risks associated with shifting between layers. We can shift here, for example, he said, placing one finger on the globe, then travel at great speed through human time and geography and shift back to our time here. He placed a finger of the other hand at different point on the globe. Those of us who shift can travel large distances in a short span of time. Ethan placed a hand on the outer layer to steady the globe.

That’s ingenious, I said. I could live here forever and still find new things to learn.

I studied the landforms for a moment then reached out to touch the bronze stand. I caught only the start of Liam’s exclamation as the pages began to turn. I think he was calling my name, but I was already gone and couldn’t be sure. I was momentarily startled by how much more quickly time blew past me in this frequency, and I tightened my grip on the globe to steady myself.

When the pages stopped, I found myself in the centre of a group of men, all of them pressing in on me as they hovered over the globe. The land formations on the sphere were incomplete in the vision, with entire portions remaining blank. I glanced up at the stern faces surrounding me and recognized a young Ethan as well as a younger version of Dante.

One of the elder men was talking. Ond Thane, the man objected, hoffen mawr arun ae paexe. Anfon einrhyw un I’eth scolde na. Waerth ilud, ilud berun na.

All eyes turned to the older man standing behind the desk like a chairman heading a meeting, fingertips just resting on the desk. He was lean and tall, his silver hair cut short on the sides and longer on top. His cool liquid blue eyes settled firmly on the man who had spoken. Stillness reigned for several long moments as the two men considered one another. Suddenly the young Ethan stepped forward and broke the silence.

"Um ilud Ic innest," he declared. Gan Ic innest.

"Aithen!" Dante protested.

Ethan glanced at him then turned a steady, almost daring gaze on The Chairman. When The Chairman remained silent, Ethan continued.

"Ie fyla ae humans ilud berun e unig. Ilud innest fyla nor omna ef ilud dihth. Ae unig hrocia erun I’eth. Gan Ic innest," Ethan insisted again.

Dante’s brow creased and one corner of his mouth drooped as he contemplated his son.

The Chairman locked eyes with Ethan. Laeos ie anfon einum af imea I’chi naewan, he explained. Ethan frowned and nodded, but said nothing. The Chairman continued, "Nei. Richt berun Cathal. (A nod at the older man who had spoken.) Hoffen mawaer paexe enao erun. Engen ie fyla se hunain innest ae humans."

"Waereth ac um dimnaht I’eth cun na!" Dante objected.

The Chairman stepped out from behind the desk and moved over to stand beside Dante. He placed a hand on Dante’s shoulder and shook his head. Paenith Ic ad, Dante, ond eafor hes baich I’eth cun na. Beleos meira quir hes I’eth cun na—yn endreg na eldra.

Dante hesitated, nodded then turned to leave the room. The other men looked at one another with somber expressions and filtered out of the room one by one. Only Ethan remained, watching The Chairman, his eyes narrowing in censure.

"Paenith Ic ad, Aithen. Gan I’chi cun na," The Chairman said, a hint of regret colouring his words.

Ethan pressed his mouth into a line and looked away. He turned abruptly and marched toward the door.

"Aithen," The Chairman called after him. Ethan paused in mid stride and turned his head, but didn’t entirely look back. Fylgan hae’ad I’chi innest, The Chairman warned.

Ethan hesitated then gave a curt nod and left the room. The Chairman turned to give the globe a rough spin, and I was jolted back into the river of time as I reflexively released my grasp on the globe. I came to an abrupt stop, once again in the present-day study.

I glanced around, trying to get my bearings while my head spun from my rapid re-entry. I reached out a hand intent on grabbing anything that wasn’t moving. I took a wonky step to the side and came into contact with a very solid Ethan. He gripped my shoulders to steady me as he scanned me from head to toe.

Are you all right? Where did you go? he asked frantically.

I told you she’d be back, Liam said with a studied nonchalance.

I’m fine. I’m fine, I said.

I told him about Scotland while you were…gone, Liam offered.

I leaned around Ethan, trying to speak with Liam, but Ethan pulled me in closer, still searching me earnestly. Where were you? he asked.

I ignored him for the moment and craned my head around him again, looking at Liam.

How much did you tell him? I asked.

As much as I had time for, Liam replied.

Not a helpful answer.

I looked up at Ethan.

"I was right here. I saw you—only you were quite a bit younger—and your father, along with some other men I didn’t know. They were gathered around the globe, discussing