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"Why should I be?" I asked giving her a sympathetic look. "My dream has always been for you to be as independent as I've always perceived you to be from day one, Arielle. No matter the situations you were put through when you were just four years old, you never ran away and cried. You fought. Even when circumstances were against you. You proved your bravery and independence before you ever met me. It was only a matter of time before you found someone of interest."
I didn't want her feeling bad. Not to mention she was still a teenager and very close to adulthood. She deserved to make her own decisions, and I wanted her to be ready to tell me, but with the pace that everything was moving at, and the future as unpredictable as it currently seemed, I wanted to ensure she knew I supported her.
"But..."
"Arielle Rainbow."
She lifted her head to stare directly into my eyes. "I love you with my heart and soul, and that means I have to let you spread your wings and fly too. This is an opportunity for you to figure out what you want, Arielle, as your own person. You will always be my loyal familiar, and I know there will still be plenty of moments and battles ahead where I'm going to need you to be victorious. However, during those down times, I want you to have your own social life and well...love life," I admitted.
"That's okay? For me to go out and hang out with the guys or with Faelia?" she asked with wide eyes.
"Yes, Arielle. I give you permission to hang out with the other familiars and Faelia. Just don't burn anyone else's sweatpants." I winked, and she smiled brightly before she got out of her crossed legged position to hug me.
"THANK YOU, MISTRESS! I'll be good!" Arielle’s voice exuded such an abundance of joy. It warmed my heart to see her happy, and I hugged her tightly. I had known one day this would happen, but I couldn't ignore the hint of sadness it brought.
I wouldn't lose her as a familiar, and she'd still be able to find someone to love and, in the future, start a family.Maybe she'd be like Mom's familiar and have her own team one day?
"You’re welcome, Arielle," I replied, hugging her tightly again and enjoying the rosemary scent that lingered on her.
She pulled back and grinned happily before she shuffled forward.
"What are you-OMPH!" I began but huffed when she laid back down onto my stomach instead of my lap.
"Oops? I didn't measure my height properly." Arielle giggled.
"Why do I feel that was on purpose?" I sighed but smiled down at Arielle's bright eyes.
We were silent for a moment before Arielle spoke. "You know, I never expected Hellsin, Magnor, and that Harrison guy to be your fathers too. I'm really happy Magnor is though."
"Me too. I hope to have more time with Hellsin and Harrison. Maybe even Orlando once everything settles and he's not busy. Mom has been really amazing, just as I remembered her. I haven't seen her much in her commander role, but the times I have, she's proven how passionate she is with saving as many endangered shifters as she can. It's nice to know there’s someone out there doing just that."
"It's also nice to know you're not the only unicorn. You can finally learn more about yourself."
"That too. I don't think we have much time now, and I'd like to go back and see the others. I doubt they're super happy being left behind." I worried my lip.
"Theo and Hunter seemed the most bothered. The twins looked rather calm. I think Noah said that Hunter checked in two hours ago to say he, Faelia, Othello, and Miolana are making sure the school runs smoothly since Orlando isn't there. People seem to act out the moment he leaves," Arielle explained.
"I bet. He doesn't leave often. Some students take advantage of that."
"Yes. I don't know about Theo though. Axel said he's still cranky and won't talk to him when he tries to communicate telepathically."
"I don't know how to explain it, but I am worried about him. I feel like something is bothering him or he isn't well? I don't really know, but the last couple of weeks have been such a blur with the Trials that I can't remember how he looked last time I saw him." I sighed. "I'll see him as soon as we get back."
"Hmm, that reminds me. Where's Sia been?" Arielle asked.
"Now that you mention it, I don't know. Sia's kinda been quiet lately. I think she came out a few weeks ago? Maybe..." I trailed off, unsure when the last time she'd taken over was.
"She took over when I walked with Noah to the familiar's homes, but that was weeks ago," Arielle mused.
"Maybe she's exhausted like me? We have to balance ourselves out, which I haven't been doing well at," I admitted.
"I guess. The trials really did mess with you and your magical balance. Especially the last two. You're okay, right? Harrison said he has to check your left leg tomorrow." Arielle studied my left leg.
I was only wearing Finn's loose pink t-shirt, which he hadn't realized I'd taken yet, and light pink underwear. The large white bandage covered the spot on my thigh where I'd gotten injured. It didn't hurt as much, but I was using magic from time to time to keep the area clean and hoped my light energy would encourage it to heal faster.
"Yes. They don't get why it hasn't healed yet, but Harrison is going to take a closer look with Magnor and the others, just in case," I replied.
"Hmm. Okay..." Arielle stared up at me. "Just remember if you don't feel well or anything, let us know."
