Over 200 years had passed since Fenn had been given a hearty threat from Shorin. The younger dragon had decided that it was easier to stay on the older dragon’s good side as much as possible. So the night of the threat he had told Shorin of the human who was the cause of the half-blood child. Shorin was less than impressed with the information, but he accepted it with little complaint and allowed for Fenn to remain in the room he’d been staying in.

In the time that had passed the twins and Koro had grown fairly close. The older brother had been protective over them, especially when Fenn was nearby. Today was the twins birthday, and the family was moving about busily. Kira and Kara sat outside around a small table they had set, over the years there became notable differences between the twins. Kira was quiet but strong, while Kara was open and less of a fighter. Kara’s wings were a slightly darker tint; they had grow in recently so she’d been walking clumsily.

Koro stepped outside carrying a bowl of fruit, a favorite of the family. He set it down in the middle of the table, the twins seemed eager for him to turn away. “Don’t even, it may be your day, but the rest of us have to eat to.” He warned them in a joking tone.

“Aw, come on, Koro. You guys take forever to get things ready.” Kara joked back; a childish smile ran across her face. Their brother smiled back and turned to walk back inside. He stopped suddenly when a sudden crash drew his attention. He and the girls turned to the crystalline forest near the house. Koro stepped toward it and pushed the twins behind him. He moved forward cautiously, and stumbled back as a shadow blocked his view of a several plants.

The shadow moved quickly and jumped out at Koro knocking him to the ground. Koro’s response to the action was to bring an arm around to pin it to the ground. He half laughed as he realized that the shadow he’d pinned was a young darkly colored Blood Hound. The blood crystals on its neck and hind legs had a red glow, while its fur was black. “Mel, didn’t we tell you not to sneak up on us? It causes more problems than we need.”

“But, walking in the front door isn’t any fun,” came the rough voice of the hound. His six eyes were fixed on Koro for a moment before shifting to the twins.

“You two remember Meliph, right?” Koro asked the girls. They nodded and smiled as the hound pulled free of Koro’s grip to run over to them. Kira wrapped her arms around Mel’s neck and pulled him playfully to the ground. Kara laughed as the hound tried desperately to pull free of the half-bloods grip, he was failing miserably.

“Come on, Mel. You put up more of a challenge last time,” Kira taunted playfully. She released him as he pulled back, causing the hound to stumble and fall on his back. The last two adults walked outside and burst into laughter at the sight. Meliph lay on his back for a while before letting out a deep sigh and rolling back to his feet.

“Alright, let’s eat something before you two break something.” Shorin wasn’t really too keen on being nice to Kira, he still blamed her for Karisha’s death. Thankfully the girl hadn’t started to care or worry about that fact. The small family sat around the table while Koro divided the food evenly and passed the plates around. They sat quietly while they ate.

After, Shorin and Koro handed the twins matching wrist bands. They were form fitting silver bands that contained old runes. Shorin explained that they’d belonged to their mother. Kara gave a joyful laugh and hugged her father. Kira however, looked over the band with a more pained look. She hadn’t missed the hate in Shorin’s eyes when he said who the bands belonged to. She watched as his face slipped into a smile as he hugged Kara and picked her up. The younger twin shook her head and placed the metal on the table before walking away.

Kira spent several hours in a tree trying not to cry. She looked up as the sky faded from its natural blue to deep silver. A faint smile spread across her face as the moon and stars flickered into view. A cold breeze brushed across her face while a light snowfall spread across the area. The one time Kira was really happy.

***

Koro helped clear the table while Mel and Kara sat under the awning to watch the snow fall. Fenn and disappeared a hour or two ago and wasn’t around to help much. After clearing things up Koro stopped by the two,

“Think you two can stay out of trouble while I look for Kira?” Kara leaned back against Meliph, using him as a pillow.

“Yeah,” She said with a yawn. Koro half smiled before walking away.  He wandered through the trees for a while before coming to a clearing; he stopped dead in his tracks when he caught sight of Fenn. He was talking to one of the older Valkir’s from a different clan. Koro’s first reaction would have been to walk over to them and demand explanation. This time however he moved within earshot and crouched against a tree.

“You know the curse will return. It will affect all of us, but the half-blood is the key.” The older Valkir said blankly. Koro’s heart jumped, he’d heard of the curse but didn’t think it was a true story. His hate for Fenn grew even more when he heard the reply.

“Of course, she’s a Silver Blood. Jerik, I’m not stupid, I know the rules and I know what the curse can do.” The older Valkir growled at the reply. “I’ll handle my part, you worry about yours.” Fenn added. Jerik offered a hand and the two shook on the deal.

“Don’t screw up. I’ll be in touch with you boy.” Jerik growled as Fenn walked away. His eyes wandered and fell on the tree Koro was hiding behind. He stepped toward it and caught Koro’s arm before the boy was aware of it. Koro’s eyes widened when he realized he was pinned to the opposite side of the tree. “Well well… wouldn’t have expected someone to spy. Who might you be, boy?”

“Get off me, bastard! What the hell does Kira have to do with this damn curse, or your damn plan!?”

“Don’t you worry about it.” Jerik dug his clawed hands into Koro’s arm, drawing blood and a pained growl from him. A black liquid poured into his skin from the others nails causing his target to cry out and drop to the ground. Koro panted and held a hand over the wound when his attacker released him. His eyes faded to black.

“The hell did you do to me?” He growled, his face twisted into fear when he realized his voice had become deeper and less natural.

“Give you a taste of what’s to come. I suggest you stay out of my way boy. Unless you want to end up in worse condition than you already are.” Jerik laughed and faded from sight, his body turning into shadows and disappearing.

Koro stood slowly and glanced back toward his home. He knew he couldn’t really go back now. However the sudden thought of what he’d heard made him worry. His attention snapped back to finding Kira and he took off running.