The Beauty Inside

By Taura Dozier

In this flesh and in the person he must become, Tykhe felt incomplete, insecure in his shell. All for a family that wasn't even interested in having him.

Tykhe is unable to recall the last time he felt completed. No, all he can recall is that what he once was, what he once loved was all taken away from him.

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Taura Dozier
• Release date: Mar 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088097397

Book preview

ONE

Rage is a strong emotion that takes control of a person’s mind and body and renders them unconscious. Red is all that is visible, and while red can symbolize many things, right now it connotes rage.

And I saw red today. I watched as the color infiltrated my vision and body like a virus. I was enraged at a man who had once again made it difficult to maintain a pack, a promise.

I’ve enrolled you into an all-Alpha school.

Though I heard those eight words ten minutes ago, they have had an influence on my being. They have plagued me. Eight words that ignited a fire inside of me, turning me into a ravaging beast that tore everything I saw.

The problem was that I couldn’t see what I had broken or clawed. Didn’t see the dirt that escaped the shattered glass of the plant vases, or the feathers from the torn pillows.

No, I didn’t see any of it; Just the color red. But as soon as that hue surrounded me, I suddenly felt uncontrollable, which I was. My rage was strong, as I was unable to contain the beast that was within me.

But that rage soon subsided, and when it did, I found myself with a racing mind and heavy breathing like a new track runner after a race.

And now, as tears of resentment streamed down my cheeks, I sat here, surrounded by the damage my rage had brought. Body sore from becoming a beast to a now humanoid one.

I was aware that I needed to rest. As a means of escaping the difficulties and stress of the outside world, sleep was the way. But rather than getting any rest, I let my dread engulf me and dominate my thoughts until the hours of the morning.

I stayed in the same position while the remains of my devastation surrounded me, never taking my eyes off the scuffed flooring. One of the human slaves that my birth mother and donor maintains in the house as a source of both sexual and physical assistance could be heard making creaking noises on the floorboards, nearing my chambers.

But in truth, it’s a sexual act, and since they aren’t Kilnril Kurits, they are unable to experience the anguish of what they do to one another. We were once a race that loved everyone and everything, thus it upsets me how much our species has changed since humans first came to our planet. And now, we resemble the naked ones.

My breakfast was delivered by Mariah, a servant; yet I saw her as a motherly figure. She appeared with a sorrowful expression on her face as our eyes met.

Did you injure yourself once more? Since the answer to her question was there in front of her face, I chose not to respond. As she drew near, the faint pink runes on her bronze skin shone, as she sighed.

She caressed my body with her gentle touch, repairing the cuts and bruises from my outburst like she usually does. Mariah was one of the servants that belonged to my deceased grandmother, and my donor and birth mother opted to keep her after her passing.

She is one of the servants who, at least in our chamber, is not promiscuous. Eip arumil yia wire fun fier drose sirlalkal sepaciese fier laba tirm shiel yiar lelk. She responded with a theatrical gasp and a playful but polite nudge to the shoulder, saying, One, disrespectful, and two, I have discovered my...Kilnril Kurit? She paused as she tried to pronounce the final word for she was still getting used to the tones of our language.

You expressed it correctly, and thank you. My body made chuffing as well as purring noises as she kissed my horned-covered forehead while cupping my face. She then began scratching at my scalp, my foot thumping in reaction to the wonderful sensation.

She saw my antics and laughed softly before saying, You are still a child at heart. I grinned, but it was a faint, covert smile. But I was aware that she could see the joy in my eyes. Did you hear the news? And there I went, spoiling a pleasant moment that was bound to end.

Her expression changed to one of irritation, jaw clenching, eyes traveling to mine before grabbing hold of my hands. Her palms in mine were incredibly small, I did, and that’s another reason I came to see you. Before you left today, I was planning to spend time with you and assist you with preparing. She caresses the dorsal side of my palms and explains, her smooth voice reminded me of calming winds.

Eip sa drat ut uksetal yia She swats at me once more, this time harder at my forearm, while I chuckle at her expression. Yes, I am, but it won’t upset me as much, for I know this won’t be our final encounter. Throwing her a puzzled look, her moon-flower aroma intensified the spicy musk’s sweeter notes.

Your scent heightened; you’re hiding something. I prod her to talk by poking her cheeks, waiting for her to release what she is trying to keep hidden. Alright, I’ll spill, my Kilnril Kurit works at the school, so she promised to keep an eye on you.

Ears perked, I looked at her as if it was a joke. Tykhe, you need it. I’m not kidding. Additionally, knowing that you are being looked after by a person I know would reassure me. Her hazel eyes fixed on mine with a serious expression. I looked aside as I nodded, emotions racing.

Come on, you need to be ready and packed by noon. I shifted gradually into my human form as I was being ushered up. Goodness you’re growing taller, sheesh. Stop that or you’ll keep adding gray hair to my head, I grinned as I ruffled her oak-brown pale gray hair, but the thirty-year-old did not match my attitude; instead, she pouted like a Vuvu, or in her tongue, a toddler.

Do you want to do things the hard way or the easy way? As I understood what she was asking, her runes began to glow slightly. How much power have you used today? She groaned and rolled down her sleeves before moving toward the door, dragging a duffel bag she must have brought to aid with my packing. Aren’t I supposed to be the substitute parent here! Complaining, she began to fold the clothing I would like and threw out the ones I didn’t.

Mire kan ukir siskind. She thrusts some clothing into my arms while glaring at me before returning to her duties. I assisted, chuckling silently, oblivious to the subtle glares she shot my way.

CHAPTER DICTIONARY

Kilnril Kurit~ kindred spirit

Eip arumil yia wire fun fier drose sirlalkal sepaciese fier laba tirm shiel yiar lelk~ I assumed you were one of those servants because of a shift in your scent.

Eip sa drat ut uksetal yia~ I see that it upsets you

Mire kan olkir sitsind~ More like older sibling

TWO

I was reminded of the castles the naked ones showed us by the triple-hipped abalone grey roofs and the burned umber brown edifice with its double-hung windows.

Alphas of all varieties, both pure and half, were welcome at Acadia Academy. Despite having two alpha parents, I knew I wasn’t welcome, as I had no blood of an alpha.

This is your stipend for the month. You will receive another allowance the next month, and so on until you graduate from college. Tykhe, I warn you that the repercussions of embarrassing me will be fatal. While maintaining my snarl, I wait for him to wave his hand to indicate that I am free to leave.

Once I gather my baggage and felt the mild wind caress my skin and the small amount of my fur that is exposed, I smile joyfully as I hear his car drive away.

Eip welcome yia, Tykhe. Small chuffs leave her throat as her left arm passes through her right, brushing through her kobicha colored horned brow, which then flows outwards towards me. Doing the same gesture, she smiles, showing off her pearl-white canines, tusks, and her bole-brown gums.

But all I could muster was a closed-mouth smile, my cheeks puffing, and the sharp tip of my tusks visible in the bottom portion of my peripheral vision. Come with me to my office. Guiding me with her clawed hand, I followed.

Her scent was that of a marjoram plant, its flowery woodsy fragrance soothed me and my inner omega who was fighting to escape. But with the number of suppressants, it was a struggle, a challenge they refused to lose, even if the challenge had been going on for ten years.

As we proceeded, I didn’t glance around; instead, I concentrated on the back of the principal’s, floor-length mahogany hair. Focusing on her kobicha colored tail as it trailed lifelessly on the spotless, hardwood floor, much like her hair. Around her tail were royal yellow beads that made a faint shhh sound, which had a relaxing effect.

I nearly ran into her when we stopped without realizing it, but luckily I caught myself before humiliating myself. After you. I complied once more, as she smiled that same sweet smile.

The maroon walls were adorned with awards and photos of her loved ones. Plants of various shapes and sizes covered the majority of her workspace. In the middle was her brown, dark oak desk, which was adorned with a cream cup holder, which held pens, pencils, markers, and black scissors as a finishing touch.

A little cactus plant with a tiny pink flower sat in between the spikes, a tan yellow folder, and a computer that was inclined to the side of her chair were all present on the desk as well. The two white chairs that were positioned in front of the desk sat on top of the white fur carpet that was located below the desk.

Kan ut? Now sitting in her office chair, I took a seat as well nodding in agreement toward her question. I’m Principal Pteili, as well as Mariah’s Kilnril Kurit. Her words caused my eyes to widen, as she proceeds to laugh while pounding the desk with her clawed fist.

She did predict that you would react this way, but I didn’t realize it would be adorably amusing. Covering her mouth to laugh once more, she continued when calm. Welcome to Acadia Academy, though, regardless of that. I am aware of the dire situation, but I want you to know this, Tykhe. Taking my palms into hers she states with a serious expression, I will protect you and support you as best I can.

I was overwhelmed, my wings fluttering, tail swaying nervously, and my ears twitching rapidly. When she realized this, she released her grip while smiling contritely. Today, you relax and unpack, and tomorrow, courses start. Your room has your uniform as well as a gift from me to welcome you. Here’s your student ID, a campus map, and the class schedule. Thanking her, she hands me the three items before I get up to head out.

But I turn to see what she wants when I feel a grasp on my arm. Don’t assume that I would dismiss you after that. I want to learn more about my Kilnril Kurit’s adopted child. She lets go of her hold and stands up, encouraging me to go first.

Principal Pteili, who went by the name Aphithea, spoke most of the way while I sporadically interjected. I kept my bubble modest before deciding to enlarge it, as I wasn’t yet at ease with her.

It was enjoyable to get to know her. She exuded a motherly yet stern aura, which was presumably influenced in part by her alpha side, but despite this, I can understand why our gods chose her to be Mariah’s Kilnril Kurit.

Here we are, remember if you ever need anything call Mariah. Glaring, she snorts, which makes her laugh more. "Please pardon me, but I’m joking. Come to me at any moment, especially if you run out of your medication.

Alright." Patting my head, I watched as she departed before turning toward my room door.

My eyes enlarge when I open the sepia-toned door to the single room, which looks more like an apartment in size. There were little, empty silver hooks to my left and what appeared to be a medium-sized interior to my front. It seemed as though the forest was in my room thanks to the sea green hue of the walls and the Hershey brown color of the floor.

Moving ahead, a two-seat mocha sofa with matching pillows and a little fuzzy tan blanket hanging over the armchair could be seen in the right side corner.

A wooden empty table sat across standing on top of a dove-gray carpet. To my right, where I believed my bed was, was a stairway with a tiny television with shelving on its side. My dining table was to the left and behind two of the four dark brown chairs were three medium-length XOX horizontal slider windows.

Across was the small kitchen set. There stood a jet-black mini fridge, a dark wooden brown counter, a stove, and a sink. Along with a microwave and a similar dark oak cabinet were located above.

Looking about in search of the bathroom, I eventually came upon a door on the left side of the narrow corridor. Entering it, I discovered a toilet, a drain on the floor, and a shower head on the right side of the tiled wall.

Though the room was medium-sized, I was happy to have it to myself and to be in solitude. As I trudged up the stairs, I chuffed pleasantly at what I saw. The immense bed was superior to the dilapidated one I had at home.

I gave in to the appeal of the odorless mattress and allowed myself to be soothed. Opening the duffel bag and emptying its contents onto the ground. I began looking for the blankets Mariah