The air was so still and quiet you could hear the inhaling and exhaling of all present. The ominous sound of a whippoorwill sounded through the open window and broke the silence. The heaviness of the repetitive call brought on a somber mood as the bird’s song was believed to warn of impending death.

“I’m Aquin….”

“Nice to meet….”

“Greetings….”

Everyone spoke at once which brought smiles and released the tension. With a twinkle in his eye, and mischief on his face Beecher gestured towards the food.

“It seems we have stumbled onto quite a bounty, why don’t we sit, raise a glass, and introduce ourselves.” A dimple winked on his right check, and he bowed to Zinnia who stood near the head of the table weighted down with food.

Dakari reached for Katalea’s hand and they sat near the open window. Aquina stayed standing and eyed everyone suspiciously. Beecher, in a grand gesture, started piling a plate up with food.

He winked at Aquina, “Mind what you eat, blue, I would hate to think of you sinking to the bottom of the ocean.”

“I don’t have the energy to pretend to like you today.” She quipped back. “But I will apologize for the lack of dog food on the table.”

He roared with laughter. Such a remark could cause wars, Katalea knew, but this Beecher seemed to enjoy the banter. She decided it was time to bring some order to the room.

“I am Katalea. I am the alpha of the Freedom Pride and Dakari here is my mate. We are werecats and, here I speak for myself, am very intrigued to meet you all”

Dakari nodded and chimed in, “A few days ago, we discovered an ancient book. It has not even been taken from the ancient oilcloths that wrap it, but here you all are, already knowing. I, for one, am anxious to hear your explanations.”

“I have been waiting to meet you for a very long time,” Zinnia began, performing an elaborate curtsy. “My family would speak of the prophecies and our need of them. It was said they would not be found until the black panther stood among us.”

“There is a lore amongst the werewolves,” Beecher added, “that one day a great leader and a magician would show the way to uncover the knowledge we seek. My family, too, has been searching for the prophecies for centuries.”

“So,” Aquina began, a wicked gleam in her eye. “It’s going to take a cat to save a dog?”

Beecher chortled, “Ok,my little guppy, why don’t you share your story?” He looked right at her until she turned away, “Let’s see how everyone feels once you put your cards on the table.”

Aquina kept her head down, “I agree, we came upon this information nefariously.” She swallowed nervously but continued, “ Long ago, my family overheard talk from the deck of a ship. The captain was telling his crew of ancient scrolls that would lead them to wealth beyond measure, health to rival all, and life eternal.”

“Who in their right mind would want to be immortal?” Beecher interrupted.

“Let me finish. My family followed the directions the captain gave his crew, but there were no scrolls. My ancestors were curious enough to do some research. What they found were old notes and pictures depicting a group of six, somehow bound together uncovering the whereabouts of the prophecies. No mention was made to the treasures the pirates spoke of, however.”

“I noticed you didn’t mention just how your family conducted the research.” Beecher probed, obviously knowing the answer.

She glared at him, “The ship wrecked….there was a storm. My family did not cause the boat to sink. We just took advantage once it did.” Her eyes were glossy as she spoke, “I am not proud of how the information was gleaned, but it led me to you.”

Katalea acknowledged Zinnia first then turned to the room, “We are grateful for the hospitality, but all this leaves me with more questions than I started with. First, how did you all know we would be here today? Second, what is it everyone is hoping to find from the ancient papers?”

She reached for a little group of grapes, and looked at Dakari. “Do you have any expectations for what we might find when the book is opened?”

Dakari was shaking his head, “I didn’t realize this book was anything special, just old. I was hoping to learn how to deal with old books before I even began researching the missing prophecies. When the dragons held me captive I would hear them talk of prophecies. I was drugged much of the time, but I was able to put together enough of their conversations to know that they wanted them too.”

Beecher was standing up getting seconds. “I don’t know about anyone else, but werewolves far and wide want to get their hands on these papers. It is said they are the key to whatever your “tribe”, for lack of a better word, needs. There is a healing that we seek, and after generations of failed attempts, this quest falls to me. I am the eldest brother of three, from the line of Lycaon.”

“Then you are a god?” Zinnia’s question stunned them all. Even standing she was barely eye level with him when he sat again.

“I am impressed that you know his name, I have his blood in me, although diluted some.” He winked at her and she blushed.

“I know a great many things, I like to learn. I am so happy to be here with you all, I can’t wait to get started. My family, too, sends me on this quest because we need healing. No one is quite sure what is happening, but our numbers are diminishing quickly. This makes me sad. To be a fairy is to be one with joy, to give and to receive. If there are no more of us, joy will disappear.”

Katalea listened to the group around her. One thing still troubled her, “Aquina, you said the pictures depicted a group of six…..

The door was nearly pulled off its hinges as Katalea’s question hung in the air. Taking up nearly the entire door frame stood a man with the most beautiful black skin Katalea had ever seen. Not one blemish to mar his elegant bone structure, nor did he have any hair. His posture was military straight and made his impressive height even more imposing.

“I am Professor Luca Johansson. I am the head of the literature department, and I have been asked by Paolo to come meet with you. I have your text prepared and ready for opening. Will all of you be joining me?”

His scent filled the room, Beecher was visibly nauseated. He pushed back from his chair and a low growl sounded in his chest. Zinnia felt his hate and pushed to block Professor Johansson with her wings.

Professor Johansson looked nonplussed. He turned menacing red eyes toward Beecher. “I could end your life with a look, mutt. As it happens we need each other.

Katalea and Dakari exchanged looks of tension. Zinnia lowered her wings and smiled sweetly at the newcomer. “You are beautiful,” she said and reached out to touch his smooth skin.

“I prefer handsome,” he laughed. “But thank you.”

Behind her Aquina openly gaped at him. He stood nearly seven feet tall and his enormous body showed no visible signs of fat. He appeared to be solid muscle, spectacularly displayed. She closed her mouth as she felt the others staring at her. She had never met one of his ilk, but he fit the stereotype perfectly.

Not bothering to blush or hide her arousal, Aquina turned to look at the others. Katalea was the only one that had not encountered this scent before, she had sent Dakari a mental message but had not gotten a response. She was still looking very confused.

“Vampire” Aquina mouthed.

Katalea’s eye’s popped.