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Zori clutched her pillow to her chest, trying her best not to miss Vladik's warmth and strong body.
She rolled over and stared at the painted patterns on the ceiling.This must be what love is. It was like everything was spinning out of control, but when she was holding his hand, there was one calm space.
Zori held up her hand and reached for that starry sky of magic inside of her. Black tendrils of smoke danced around her fingers.
Why did you give me this power, Morana? Why would anyone want me as their vessel? I don't even know how to use this.
The goddess's presence filled her mind like Vladik's telepathy did, but instead of warmth, it made the hair on the back of Zori's neck stand on end.
I chose you because you are the only one strong enough to help save the others. You understand the enemy you are fighting against. A time of reckoning is coming to Chernobog's volhv. They will pay for hurting my holy followers.
I don't think I'm strong at all. I feel like a naive child, stumbling through a world I don't know how to be a part of.
You will learn, little swan. You have everything you need right in front of you. Stop fearing your magic and your animal. They are a part of you. Claim your mate, and you will have his strength to protect and guard you.
"But I don't know how to claim him," Zoria whispered, sitting up. She tried to listen for the goddess again, but she was gone. "Damn it."
Zori got out of bed and went to her cape that had been placed on top of her dresser. She blew out a long breath and put the cape on.
Moonlight streamed through the window, making her skin glow starkly against the black feathers.
"Okay, I'm going to stop fearing you. You are a part of me, so let's work together."
Nothing happened. Zori flexed her fingers and imagined the starry sky of magic inside of her like she had in bed. Black tendrils of smoke appeared, and amongst the darkness, there were now flecks of gold. "I'm not afraid of you. I'm not afraid of you. Please, please come out."
This time she felt the feathers rise up in her skin. There was no pain when her skin melted away and the human Zori was pulled deep into herself. It was over in seconds, and she snapped out her wings. She moved her long neck, feeling the shape of her new body and her webbed feet.
Want mate,the swan demanded. Zori wanted him too, but they needed to wait. They needed to get control of themselves first. She would not feel like she was useless any longer. If they worked together, they would both get what they wanted sooner.
The swan fluttered her wings in irritation before she let the human side of Zori take control once more. She sat crouched on the floor, panting heavily but whole and human once more.
Zori's fingers gripped the rag rug underneath her and steadied her breathing. "Again."
25
The following afternoon, Zori stood in front of the mirror in her room and applied the finishing touches to her lipstick. It was some kind of feast day for Morana, and Irina had taken Zori shopping for everything she needed. The feast was a big deal, and Irina wanted to combine it with an official coming out party for Zori.
No pressure at all, grandmother.Zori wanted to look good, so her hair was now in a braided crown with a few soft curls framing her face, and her make-up was her favorite bold eyes and red lips combo.
She had been surprised by the selection of clothing stores in Kitezh too and had found the perfect outfit. Irina had agreed with her choice to wear black. She was the first black swan Kitezh had seen in centuries, and it was a power move for her to wear her black cape and a matching outfit.
It was too cold to wear a dress, so she had settled on leather pants lined with flannel, knee high boots, a black peasant style top and a tight waistcoat that made her boobs look amazing. Over the top she had ashubacoat. It was black felt with golden embroidery, and black fur lined the inside. The coat had small gold rings on the shoulders that her black feathered cape was tied to with velvet ribbons Irina had helped her stitch on. She wore her mother's necklace and some elaborate golden earrings that Irina had offered her.
Zori studied her reflection, her scarlet smile widening. She looked like she was about to go hunt vampires with Van Helsing, which was her dream aesthetic.
"Oh, Zoria, you look so beautiful," Irina said from the doorway. She was dressed in dark purple, fur lined kaftan, and wore a headdress of golden bird skulls, silver feathers, and amethyst jewels.
"So do you! Wow, you look like some kind of witchy saint," she replied. If her grandmother was any indication of how she was going to age, Zori was going to lookgood.
"Thank you, it is a special night to Morana, and I can feel her magic in the air," Irina replied, her cheeks glowing.
Zori could feel it too. It was like her veins were filled with liquid night. She was now shifting between her swan and back again with ease. The extra training the night before had both sides of herself finally in agreement with each other.
"Vladislav is going to have a heart attack when he sees you. He's not allowed to throw you over his shoulder and fly away. I want people to see you. It's important," Irina said, but she was smiling as she did so. "He can wait a few hours to drag you away."
Zori's cheek flamed. "I might not come home tonight if that's the case."
"That's fine. I'm not your jailer, Zoria. You are a grown woman. I just need to know where you are. That's all I ask."
