"Blaine wasn't enough for you, huh?"

I turned sharply, looking up at Damon with wide eyes. "What do you mean, Day?"

I was heading back to my room after bidding my daddy adieu with a gentle kiss. I was still wearing the shirt he gave me, so I was really happy.

Damon caught me in the hallway moments before, and he's really mad for some reason. He glared at me, then tried to backhand me across the face, but it didn't hit. Damon yelped, a red mark across his cheek.

"What did you do? You have magic, don't you? You're seducing everyone!" shouted Damon, and he reached out to grab me, but was thrown back.

I whimpered when he landed hard. "Day, stop. You're hurting yourself."

Damon's icy blue eyes flashed and his fangs lowered. His white angel wings snapped out in fury. "You are the reason! Everyone and everything was fine before you came! Get the fuck out, you miserable piece of shit! Get out!"

I bit back my sob and turned around, heading for the front door. I closed the door, plodded down the steps, and went aways out into the field and sat down on the grass. I began to hum to myself, threading strips of grass together.

I guess Damon really cared about Blaine, so I should have offered him love first before Blaine. But maybe he wouldn't have accepted it, if that's how he really thought of me.

I let a few tears fall while I braided the grass into my tail. I put a few flowers in, so I was quite pleased with my work when I heard footsteps. I turned cautiously to see Briar, who was coming up to me at a slow pace.

"Bri!" I grinned, patting the grass next to me. "Can I braid your tail?"

Briar chuckled and plopped down next to me. "Sure, Ann. Don't be surprised if I attack your adorable self with kisses, though."

"Hehe, I won't." I giggled, leaning over to peck his lips. "Look, I did my tail. Isn't it pretty?"

He kissed my cheek and leaned over to inspect the work done on my tail. "Yes, it is very pretty. What are you doing out here, though?" he asked, shifting back a bit to look into my eyes.

I lowered my ears. "Um, I just felt like it. I wanted to play in the meadow here when I first arrived."

Briar's eyebrows began to scrunch together. "Are you lying to me, your first friend?"

My breath left me. I was stunned—flabbergasted that I would even think to lie to Briar. My eyes filled with tears while I gripped my tail.

"Ann, stop, you're going to hurt yourself." whispered Briar, gently prying my fingers from my tail. He placed a kiss to my cheek. "I didn't mean to make you cry, Ann. Damn it, I always screw things up."

I shook my head. "No, Bri, I do that. I screw things up. I'm sorry for half-lying to you, Bri."

Briar chuckled. "Half-lying?"

"I really did want to play in the meadow when I first came here." I giggled, holding his hand and leaning against him.

Briar's jaguar tail curled around, so I gently took it and placed a kiss to its tip. A deep growl rumbled in Briar's chest, so I dropped it. The growl grew louder, so I picked up the tail again and cuddled with it. Briar quieted, then he placed a kiss to each of my wolf ears. His arms wrapped around me, tugging my small form into his lap. I rested my head on his chest with a happy purr.

"Ann, please tell me the real reason you're out here." coaxed Briar, while his fingers pushed through my heather-colored hair.

I sighed softly. "U-um, please don't get mad at him, but D-Day said some really mean things and told me to leave."

"What?" Briar tensed, nuzzling my head. "Why?"

"H-he, um, really likes Blaine, remember?" I whispered more quietly than ever before.

Briar groaned. "Fu—oh hell..."

I giggled a bit, quickly kissing his tail. Briar shivered, lowering his head to kiss my temple. I tilted my head back and pecked his jaw.

"Well, Ann, just come inside. We were worried when you missed breakfast. Alexandre told me you were outside."

My tummy growled at that exact moment, so Briar laughed and cuddled me closer. He got back to his feet, hanging onto me with one arm while I hugged his neck with two. My tail whirled with happiness, so Briar pecked my lips when I kissed his cheek.

"Thank you for coming out to get me, Bri. I really appreciate it."

Briar grinned, his cheeks flushing a bit as I pressed my right cheek against his shoulder to nuzzle his throat.

"You're welcome, Ann." Briar kissed my crown, rubbing my back as he stepped inside our home. He let go to close the door, then placed his hand on my shoulder blades. "Let's get brunch into you."

"Ooh, thank you!" I giggled, kissing his cheek again.

"There's no need to thank me, my little Ann."

I hummed in response, nosing his jawline. "I'm still thankful that you came out to get me, Briar. And I am really sorry for lying."

Briar smiled. "I know, Anwyll. I like you."

"I like you too, Bri." I grinned back.

When we got the dining area, Angel was there with a plate of food for me. The room was empty aside from us. Angel kissed my forehead, then began to feed me. I giggled between bites, which had my cheeks stuffed with tasty food. Briar and Angel kissed my puffed cheeks, making me even more giggly.

"You're so cute, sweetheart. Why did you skip lunch?" asked Angel, just as he stuffed my cheeks again. I looked at him with one eyebrow raised while I chewed, making him laugh.

Briar sighed. "Damon said some nasty things to him and told him to leave."

Angel tensed, his expression growing upset. I pursed my lips for a kiss, which he noticed and bent down for. I beamed, then took the next bite. My tail swished against Briar's front, which made him shiver. I nosed his jawline with a curious expression.

"I-I'm all right, Ann. Just a bit ticklish."

"Ooh, okay." I hummed, then looked at Angel after the last bite. "That was yummy, thank you."

Angel chuckled and petted my hair. "You're welcome, sweetheart. What are you planning to do today?"

I blinked. "Oh, Alexandre was going to take us out for a field trip!"

Briar frowned. "What, why?"

I sucked on my bottom lip, eyeing Briar and Angel. "Um, he wants to get clothes for me."

Angel cocked an eyebrow. "No surprise there. Anyone with such a limited wardrobe should be taken shopping."

I tilted my head. "I guess so. Gavin shouldn't be allowed to buy anything, though."

Briar and Angel burst into laughter, while I pouted into the former's neck. I puffed my cheeks out and nosed his shoulder, looking over it to spot Damon peeking around the corner. He looked upset. I hunkered down in Briar's arms and cuddled my tail, completely disappearing from view.

"Ann?" whispered Briar.

"Damon's here. Pretend I'm not in your arms."

Briar hummed. "Are you scared?"

"No, I just don't want him to get more mad." I sighed softly. "I wish he would let me talk with him."

Angel petted my hair. "Give it some time, sweetheart."

I gazed up into his pretty sky blue eyes. "Okay, Ange."

He smiled and turned his head to kiss my cheek without piercing Briar. I nuzzled his jaw with a small grin.

"Are you gonna come, Angel?"

"Of course, sweetheart. I wouldn't miss seeing you get dressed up in cute clothes for the world." Angel chuckled while he poked my cheeks, which made me blush.

Briar nosed my hair. "I'm looking forward to it, Ann."

I mind-linked Daddy for confirmation. "Daddy, did you really mean it when you said we'd all go today?"

Daddy chuckled through the link. "Of course, baby. We will leave in an hour."

"Oh, that doesn't give much time to tell everyone."

"Well, you must tell them quickly, my little wolf." said Daddy, so I hummed and silently agreed.

I blinked when I felt Angel poking my cheeks again. "Huh?"

"What's going on, sweetheart? You look concerned."

"Oh, well, we have an hour."

"For what?"

"Until we have to head out to shop." I said with a grin.

Briar's eyebrows shot up. "Really?"

"Mhm, Alexandre said so."

Angel raised an eyebrow. "And did he tell you that earlier?"

"Nope! Just now." I beamed, hugging my tail.

"Telepathy?"

"Mm, Alexandre did say it was the tele—tele—telepathy thing." I stumbled over the word, my face forming a scowl.

Angel rubbed a fingertip between my eyebrows. "You've got it, sweetheart."

A broad grin appeared on my face. "Angel, we've gotta go tell everyone!"

Briar squeezed my body, then put me down. "How about I tell Damon for you, and you can let everyone else know?"

I nibbled on my bottom lip for a moment, and slowly nodded. "Okay, Bri. Kisses?" I asked, reaching up with pursed lips.

Briar chuckled and bent down. He pecked my lips, then let Angel take his turn. I giggled happily, kissing their hands. They smiled and patted my head, then shooed me off.

I was hoping that Angel would offer to let Dian know, but I guess I had to face my fears eventually. I hurried down the hall, skirting around Damon by hiding behind a pillar, and then headed for Zaire's room. I knocked on the door.

"Who is it? Anwyll?" asked Zaire, as he swung the door open. "Why didn't you come in?"

I awkwardly rubbed my neck. "Sorry, Zaire. I was just thinking about something."

Zaire grasped my hands and tugged me into his arms. I giggled and hugged his waist, rubbing my head on his chest. Zaire chuckled, pressing kisses to my head.

"So what were you thinking about?"

I paused in my snuggles. "Oh, Zaire!"

"Yes?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Alexandre is taking us out for a field trip today! We're leaving in less than an hour."

Zaire's eyebrows shot up. "Seriously? How come?"

"Um, Alexandre wanted to get me some clothes..." I said, my tail swishing at my ankles. "Please don't let Gavin buy any more things, okay? He's already got enough clothes to make a six foot tall mountain."

Zaire's face broke into a broad smile as he began to laugh. I giggled, hugging his waist.

"Okay, Anwyll." said Zaire, a few giggles escaping as he wiped his eyes. "Go on, tell the others."

"Kiss first, please?" I asked, hugging him.

He bent down and cupped the back of my head, placing a hand on the small of my back to pull me closer. I hummed in delight as our lips moved together. Zaire licked the seam of my lips, then drew back to swiftly peck them. I giggled and hugged him again.

"Thanks, Zaire." I beamed, looking up at him with a whirling tail behind me.

"You're welcome, Anwyll. See you later." he smiled, pecking my cheek and shooing me out of the room.

"See you!" I grinned, waving at him while heading towards Gavin's room.

Zaire waved, then shut the door as I turned away. I smacked into something solid and was thrown back, but a strong arm wrapped around my upper body. I peeked at my savior and grinned.

"Rose!" I exclaimed with a grin.

Ambrose had a scowl, but it eased slightly when our eyes met. "Little wolf, what has you so excited?"

"Alexandre is going to take us all out for a field trip. I was going to invite you just in case, but you don't have to come if you don't want to." I said softly, lowering my gaze and ears. I really wanted Ambrose to come, too.

He leaned down and tilted my head back as he righted my body. My ears perked when his silver eyes swirled with a bit of red.

"Hi, Daviel!" I grinned, wiggling my fingers.

Daviel came fully to the surface. "Hello, little wolf. You are going to leave the boundaries?"

"Mhm, 'cause Alexandre wants to get me some clothes. I told him it wasn't necessary, but I'm okay with my daddy spoiling me."

"D-Daddy?" stuttered Daviel, and my face paled.

"U-um, never mind. You can forget it." I whispered, then pecked his lips and ducked under his arm. "Anyway, come if you want to!"

I dashed down to Gavin's room, then knocked. I heard some thumps, and the door opened. Gavin grabbed my body up in a hug and slammed the door, pressing my back against the wood. I moaned softly when his lips met mine in a near bruising kiss. I gasped and threaded my fingers in his light brown hair.

"Mm, Gav..." I mewled, tugging on the locks.

Gavin groaned, hungrily devouring my lips. "Oh fuck, Anwyll..."

"No swearing, Gav." I mumbled against his lips, then tugged on his shirt for a break.

He slowly drew back and let my forehead fall on his chest. I gasped breathlessly, wrapping my arms around him for a hug. I felt those deep marks again and only hugged him tighter. Gavin purred, nuzzling my head.

"Gav, we're going out for a field trip today. Alexandre wanted to get me some clothes. We have to leave in less than an hour."

Gavin paused. "Really?"

"Mhm. If you don't want to come, that's okay. I won't force you, and neither will Alexandre."

Dark blue eyes sparkled. "I would like to dress you up, Anwyll."

I blushed. "O-okay, Gav. But don't buy anymore clothes, okay?"

Gavin laughed and kissed my head. "I won't, Anwyll. After seeing that mountain, and then what you had in your closet, I don't feel it necessary."

"Good, 'cause I'm going to keep doing your laundry."

He kissed my head, moving to peck my lips. "I suppose you will tell the others?"

"Mhm. I don't have much time left. There's three more to go." I smiled, and hugged him again.

"Okay, Anwyll. See you soon." said Gavin, looking a bit disappointed that I had to go. I pecked his lips to make him smile, and hurried out of the room.

I headed for Blaine's room, since it was the last one on the west wing that was occupied. I knocked on his door, but didn't immediately receive an answer. I quirked my lips to the side. Could he be in the common area?

Just as I was about to leave, the door cracked open. A big hand clamped down on my wrist and tugged me inside the room. I bit back my tears when I saw Blaine tied down on the bed; bruises marred his tear-stained face and bare body, which was streaked with blood. I growled, the deepest anger I had ever felt rising in my body.

"Matteo, what the hell did you do!" I shouted, my teeth itchy as my lips pulled back in a snarl.

Matteo smirked at me. "I gave him what he wanted."

"What he wanted?" I whispered, then tore my hand out of his hold. "What he wanted from you was love, not sex—not rape!" I growled, feeling something change in me. My neck cracked, my fingers growing tips.

Matteo's eyes widened just as I felt my field of view change. I loosed Blaine from his bonds and held him to my chest, a furious roar bursting out of my throat.

"Never again." I hissed, feeling something grow and emerge. "!"

My roar of fury turned into a screech as I flew up into the air, bursting through the roof with a rage-filled call.

""

Blaine whimpered in my grasp, so I loosened my grip and held him in my talons. Wait, talons?

"Oh my Draconian ancestors..." whispered Daddy in utter amazement.

I frowned, my wings keeping me aloft. Wait, wings?

"D-Daddy, what's going on?"

Daddy's awe came through again. "Baby, you're a mixed Emerged. I have never heard of one, but here you are."

"Daddy, Blaine got raped by Matteo. I felt so angry. I have never felt so furious in my entire life. I changed into something, Daddy. How do I land?"

Daddy gave me clear instructions with a furious ring to his voice. I knew he wasn't mad at me, though. Soon enough, I was able to land on the front lawn, where I lowered Blaine and stood over him in case Matteo tried to harm him again. Blaine looked so tiny underneath me.

The others ran out and halted in shock at my new form. I lowered my head, folding my wings.

"A-Anwyll?" asked Angel, his pretty sky blue eyes widening when I nosed his now small body. "Oh my word, Anwyll!"

Perhaps I was just really big, though.

I sensed Dian near me and turned my head to look at him. He flinched back. I sighed, then gently nosed his cheek. Dian seemed to sag with relief, so I caught him on my nose.

"I'm sorry, Anwyll. Waltz told me everything. I'm such an awful person."

"It's okay." I whispered in his mind, making him jerk on top of me. "I know that you were just worried about the others. I'm sorry that I couldn't tell you earlier. I truly want to love everyone in this home. If you'll give me another chance, Dian, will you let me love you?"

Dian nearly sobbed. He bit them back as he tried to hug me. "I should be asking you that. You're so precious, Anwyll. I should have treasured you, and your innocence, and not doubted the love that saved so many here."

"Anyone would be confused. Damon is now like you were. I hope he will come around with time, and not get more angry. That doesn't help anyone—not even himself. It boils and burns, leaving wounds that won't heal. I don't want his beautiful mind to fester."

Dian wiped his eyes as he stood. "You are far too kind to me—to us, really—but I can't be mad."

"What do you say, Dian?" I asked, my lips curling up.

He smiled and pressed a kiss to my nose. "Yes, Anwyll."

I licked his cheek with the tip of my tongue, giggling when he wiped his face with a disgusted expression. Waltz came over and hugged my face, his wings appearing. He flapped them and began to hover, then he zipped up to sit on my head. I lifted it, looking to the horizon.

"Nice view, huh?" I asked with a grin.

Waltz giggled. "Yep! You're so cool-looking, Anwyll. I've never seen a hybrid before!"

I merely smiled in response. Alexandre came out with Matteo bound. He glanced over to where I hid Blaine from view, then waved his fingers. I felt the air shift, so I moved over and settled down, gently nosing Blaine's bruised cheek. I gently licked his face, then watched them heal in a few seconds. I frowned, but then licked his neck and wrists. The bruises faded and disappeared in record time.

Blaine grunted, slowly opening his pretty green and brown eyes. "Wh-what happened?"

He caught sight of me and let out an ear-piercing shriek. I blew a bit of air over his face, then nosed his head.

"How could you, Blaine?" I asked, pouting in my tone and eyes.

"Anwyll?"

Daddy stepped forward as Blaine sat up. "Matteo is about to be severely punished for his actions. Is there anything you would like to add?"

Blaine eyed his rapist with a glare. "Please make sure it's extra awful. I wish I'd never loved him."

Matteo sneered, but grunted when Daddy punched his jaw. He was knocked back a bit, then Daddy snapped his fingers and whisked away the stunned bear with magic. He clapped his hands and walked over to me.

"Anwyll, please shift back for me."

"Wait, let me take a picture! Anwyll doesn't know what he looks like, right?"

Daddy sighed, but allowed Briar forward to snap a few photos of me. Daddy guided me through the shifting process afterwards, but I felt dizzy and sick to my stomach when I returned to my small form. I fell forward. Daddy caught me and lifted my body.

"You did well, baby. Good job."