Misha the Beast Tamer.

I returned to the academy three days after seeing Rose. Emrick was well enough to return me. He dropped me just on the outskirts of the academy.

"Farewell, Princess. Rose promised me that if she receives a reply, that she'll let me know, and I'll pass it on or I may even personally deliver it. I will see you again Princess."

I thanked him and threw my arms around him as we finished up our goodbyes.

I was happy to be able to sleep in my own bed once again. I wondered what Aqila had been doing while I was away.

I collapsed onto my bed and let out a relieved sigh. Home at last. I was tired and before I knew it I was on that same road, that led through a dark forest and something was watching me. I knew at this point I had fallen asleep and this was the dream. The dream that filled me with dread. The red eyes watched me as I walked. I saw them. But instead of trying to ignore the wolf that stalked me from the shadows, I stopped. I turned and faced the red eyes,

"What do you want? Do you want acknowledgement? Yes I see you wolf, yes I now know what you are, and.... Yes I know what I am."

The wolf trotted over to where I stood. We locked eyes, neither of us looked away, neither of us backed down. Then as loud as thunder a voice echoed around us.

" You're finally aware of your other half. Now you must learn to embrace this primal and powerful side of you. You have the ability to possess the power of the werewolf.

Imagine having the strength of 100 men, a sense of smell that rivals the canines that wander your cities and towns. You will be able to sense things that humans cannot. You'll have the ability to change into a wolf whenever you please, you're a Conri, this is their power, you're not like those of us who change only when the moon is full.

You've already started embracing this side of you by talking to me. I cannot wait to see you tap into the abilities that you have the potential to posses. I bid you good night, princess."

The wolf disappeared into the shadows. I felt my body being shaken, so with great difficulty I forced my eyes open and there she was, Aqila, standing next to my bed shaking my shoulders.

"Misha, about time you woke up. I've been trying to get you up for the last two minutes."

I yawned and slowly sat up.

"Sorry Aqila. I just fell asleep, why did you wake me? Is everything okay?" I questioned her, my voice hoarse and croaky from sleep.

She smiled, she rarely smiled. Her face would light up whenever she did, her natural beauty radiated from her, just because of something as simple as a smile.

"Join me for a walk? Then you can tell me how your trip to Primeva Island went."

I nodded in agreement. We started our walk. I was having an internal struggle. I was contemplating whether to open up and tell Aqila everything, or be vague and leave out certain things. I chose to be vague, I wanted to trust her, but I couldn't, not just yet anyway.

After we talked, she knew I was holding something back from her. She seemed unsatisfied, so she tried to push me or trick me into slipping up. Her ruse didn't work, and I remained steadfast in my story. She sighed and gave up, for now anyway, I knew Aqila and she never gave up on anything. I intended to tell her eventually, but not just yet.

I was relieved when classes started again. Another term and it would be the end of my first year at the academy.

One day after class Aqila and I were asked by Erik to stay behind. We waited anxiously as Erik stopped to chat to a few other students from our class. Finally, the classroom was empty, besides Erik, Aqila, and myself.

"Thanks for waiting so patiently girl's. The reason I asked you to stay back is because you two are the highest performers in my class, and as a result you two will be partnered for the remaining years at the academy."

Aqila looked confused so she stopped Erik and asked

"Partnered? What do you mean partnered?"

He rolled his eyes,

"It is as it sounds. Partnered, but let me explain it to you in more detail. Without further interruptions, please?" He said while looking at Aqila.

She nodded,

"Good. Now, next year before you commence your second year with us. Everyone in my class will be partnered. Meaning they will be given a partner to do class assignments together, go on missions together, be tested for what skills, abilitues and possible powers you may possess as a tamer...together. If you are compatible you will remain together until your education ends.

I already sense you two are very compatible so I've decided to partner you both earlier than the rest. The one test that will cement your compatibility and bond will be taken next week. Just a warning it involves magic and a mage.

Now, remember the test will be held next week. You will be told exactly three days before the test is to take place. Any further questions?"

"What do we need to do to prepare?" I piped up.

"Get to know each other. Open up to each other, hide no secrets." Erik replied.

"What if we aren't as compatible as you believe, Erik. What happens to us?" Aqila questioned.

"You are though. I know it in my bones, you two are perfect partners. I have absolutely no doubts." He answered.

We thanked Erik and left the classroom in a heavy silence. I struggled within myself between the one side that wanted to protect myself and say nothing of being part werewolf or the other side that just wanted to completely open up to Aqila. I mean tell her everything, and not hold myself back. Anxiety that's all I felt, I wouldn't even know where to start.

As we walked back to our room, a random thought entered my mind. I will open up to Aqila, ONLY if she opened up to me first. She was already a guarded and private person as it was and trying to get her to open up was like hitting my head against a stone wall. No walls would break, and all I'd get from it was a sore head and a bruised ego, but thinking about it, she'd get the same from me.

It was two days before the test was going to take place. Aqila hadn't opened up to me, nor had I opened up to her. We were at a stalemate.

It was in class with Erik a day out from the test. He asked me if we'd opened up to each other. I shook my head, frustrated.

"Why?" He asked.

"I think we're both too stubborn. She's waiting for me to open up first, but I'm waiting for her to open up first. Neither of us have budged."

Erik sighed,

"Why can't you just open up first, Princess? Why is it so hard?"

My face burnt,

"Pride and I think by opening up first, it gives her the power and she might not be as honest as I was and she'll see it as a win."

Erik rolled his eyes.

"I think I may have something that will loosen tongues and break down walls. Wait here, Princess. I'll return in fifteen minutes."

I sat in the chair at Erik' s desk. I wondered what magical thing he'll bring back that will solve all our problems.

Erik returned carrying a bottle of what appeared to be wine. He handed me the bottle and said,

"Drink this and you'll both lose that stubbornness. Honesty and openness, are the magical ingredients that make a partnership solid. Now go, drink and be merry, just make sure you're in bed by ten 'o clock and by that time you have better told each other your deepest, darkest secrets."

I nodded, now I had to work out how to get Aqila to relax enough to drink with me and get comfortable enough to share her secrets with me. If we were to pass this test, it needed to be done. I was determined to make this happen.