The ache in Rase’s finger reminded her where she was some patrons from the inn still glared at their little group she can’t blame them since whatever that power was had everyone on edge.

“Looks like the other clans are pissed at us, Wolf.”

“They will get over it, especially in this place.”

After the Old Man showed his strength no one would dare cross him, for now anyway. That doesn't mean they won't pick a fight when they were off his land.

If they wanted a fight she would give them one.

With that thought feels warmth on her right hand and looks at the tattoo on top that is now etched on her skin. It is a pattern in the shape of a golden bird, she grazes it as she feels the thrumming of energy in the symbol.

She is curious if she got it from that woman.

But how?

Sighing in irritation with no answer Rase sips her drink as Jehu and Shatia have a loud conversation to try to understand what happened.

Jehu slurring his words gestures to Rase in drunken confusion while looking at Shatia.

“It was like the wind surrounded Wolf and that Redhead was it that woman’s technique?”

“We won't know anyway she left with the old man, it must have been some serious business if he brought foreigners here.”

“Yeah it was strange that they didn’t wear a mask, did they want to get killed?”

Rase speaks after taking a sip of the mead.

“Foreigners wouldn't know the rules of this land anyway.”

Leaning back in her chair she ignores the heat from the tattoo.

“Now everyone here knows their face that spells trouble for them.”

Why does that make her want to scream in frustration?

Her mind begins to race with questions

What is this tattoo?

Why does it feel important to figure it out?

Why-

A voice breathed down her neck catching her off guard.

--Shut up, Human.--

Tensing she quickly turns around ready to stab whatever had got close to her but nothing is there.

“Wolf, are you alright?”

Shatia questions not sure why she became so tense.

She looks to her friends at the question relaxing after she scans the room for anything suspicious. There are only different clansmen getting drunk forgetting the early incident with Rase and the strange newcomers.

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

Going back to her drink this time she senses someone approach her from her right.

“Excuse me, Can I talk to you privately for a minute?”

She turns to a voice it’s the woman from earlier Laia Urieo.

Rase ignores the urge to reach out to her wanting to feel her touch once again.

Glancing at her friends who are observing the intruder ready to intervene if anything happens.

The woman in armor only focuses her attention on Rase showing a shy smile.

“Please it’s important.”

Rase knows this could be a trap but the tattoo is burning from being close to this girl making her not see anything but her.

Giving in she grinds her teeth in frustration and says to her friends.

“I will be right back.”

Shatia calls out to Rase confused.

“Eh, Wolf are you sure?”

Rase hears Shatia's skepticism but she feels her mind was already set on the decision.

The decision to throw all caution to the wind to understand the heat she feels from the tattoo just by standing near this woman.

“Yes Snake, I ask you to trust me.”

That’s all she can request from her friend trying to protect her from this unknown.

“...Alright Wolf, I hope you know what you’re doing.”

The redhead smiles thanking that Rase will hear her out before speaking.

“There is a room down the hall we can talk there.”

Everything Rase has ever been taught is going out the window.

Just to talk to this woman- Laia, she reminds herself, self-preservation is thrown out the window.

Rase doesn’t know why but she is determined to find out.

They arrive in a small meeting room and Laia with candles lit to provide a small light.

“I know this is strange but I need help with a mission and you were recommended to me by Legma.”

“Why did he mention me of all people?”

Laia sighs in frustration.

“He was very vague with his reasoning but he said you would help us with your carriage. Since he said you don’t live far from here I’m sure you have other things to do but...”

Stopping her ramble she lifts her right hand to nervously play with her hair Rase sees a golden wolf etched on the surface of it.

Rase’s gaze focuses on the tattoo as warmth spreads to her hand.

The urge to touch this woman becomes too great but she bites her lip to stop herself from drawing blood.

A voice chuckles in her ear.

--Human, you can’t stay away from your other half.--

Rase breathes in, the voice putting her on edge making her almost pull out her daggers.

Her training of keeping calm under dangerous circumstances kicks in and she breathes out.

Then she feels a hand touch her own.

She feels the warmth spread between them.

One hand brushes against her mask.

“Can I take your mask off?”

Everything that made Rase think about survival was silenced only she answers with a nod.

Laia lifts the mask and the barrier is gone.

Rase kisses her forgetting everything she has been taught only thinking of her want for this woman.

She wants Laia.

The voice speaks in approval.

--Become one again, Human.--