Chapter fifteen: The Wolf Sisters

The door creaked open.

“Father…” Nyx’s sleepy voice carried into the room. “We’re hungry.”

Cid stirred, blinking the weariness from his eyes. He turned toward Fenrona, still resting beside him.

“Nyx says it’s already morning.”

Fenrona groaned softly, her silver hair spilling across the pillow as she turned her head toward him.

“What? But… we only just closed our eyes.”

“You can sleep,” Cid said gently, brushing a kiss across her forehead. “I’ll take care of them. I’ll cook.”

Her lips curved into a tired smile. “Thank you, love.” With that, she drifted back into the fragile embrace of sleep.

Emily appeared a moment later, reaching down for the tiny bundle of Fern.

“I’ll take one,” she said softly, rocking the newborn in her arms.

“Thank you, Emy,” Cid replied.

Downstairs, the morning air carried the warmth of firewood and the soft laughter of children. Cid cooked in silence, the rhythm of the knife against the board steadying him. “Emy,” he said, handing her a loaf, “set the table. And… fetch Fen once the food’s ready. I need to step out.”

She gave him a curious look. “Will you eat with us, or shall we keep some for you?”

“I’ll be back before you start,” he assured her, already pulling his cloak over his shoulders.

Outside, Jun was waiting, her arms folded, eyes sharp as always.

“Jun,” Cid said, “I need a favor. Go to Formy’s house. Bring Alpha and your son here.”

Jun narrowed her eyes. “And you? Where are you running off to?”

Cid’s gaze hardened. “The Hunter’s Tavern. There’s something I need to do.”

The tavern smelled of iron, leather, and old mead. Behind the counter stood Ker, her hair tied back, her sharp eyes rising when she noticed him.

“Cid,” she said, a smirk tugging at her lips. “Been a while.”

“Yeah,” he muttered, sliding onto a stool.

Her eyes flicked over him, measuring. “So? Did you start training them?”

“Yes. And…” his tone softened, a rare flicker of pride in his eyes. “My wife gave birth yesterday.”

Ker leaned forward on the counter, exhaling. “Then why in the abyss are you here? You should be with her, not with me.”

“I know.” He met her gaze steadily. “But I came for something important. I need a list—and the locations—of every slave market still crawling in this city.”

Ker froze, her smirk vanishing. Slowly, she reached beneath the counter and slid a folded sheet across to him. “Careful what you’re looking for, Cid. These places don’t take kindly to hunters poking around.”

“Do you know if any of them have a beast-woman… royalty?” His voice was low, weighted with meaning.

Her eyes flickered in sudden realization. She tapped her finger against one name on the sheet. “Logberg. If anyone, it’ll be him.”

Cid’s jaw tightened. He rose from his seat, tucking the sheet into his coat.

“Going already?” Ker asked.

“You said it yourself. I need to be with my wife.” He left without another word, the door groaning shut behind him.

Home smelled of bread and warm broth when he opened the door. Fenrona sat at the table, the faint glow of happiness softening her tired face.

“Welcome back, love,” she said. “Come, eat with us.”

“You look better, honey,” he murmured, kissing her before sitting at her side.

“Where were you?” she asked, tilting her head, suspicion flickering faintly in her silver eyes.

“Had to do something,” he answered simply.

She smiled faintly. “The little ones are quiet today.”

“Quiet,” Cid echoed, watching their dragonlings curled up near the fire. “But happiness has its own sound. I feel it, too.”

Later, he sat cross-legged on the rug, his hands open as Nyx, Adel, and Dalin hovered nearby.

“Come on,” he said. “Let’s play.”

Nyx blinked. “Really, Father? Even with the newborns…?”

“What do you think, that now I’ve got two more children, I won’t have time for you?” His voice softened, a rare smile spreading across his lips.

“Really, Papa?” Adel squealed, her eyes wide.

“Yes. Always.”

They leapt onto him in a storm of laughter, their small hands tugging at his sleeves. “We love you, Father!” they chorused, burying him beneath their warmth.

And for a while, Cid let himself forget. Forget the markets, forget the shadows waiting in the alleys of the capital. For an hour, he was only a father. A man surrounded by the family he’d vowed to protect—no matter the cost.

The door opened.

Jun entered, Charles and Alpha close behind.

“Hello,” she said with a nod.

Cid was still on the floor with the children climbing over him. He rose, brushing them off gently. “You came. Welcome to my house, Alpha.”

“Hello,” Fenrona said softly from the couch, cradling tiny Fenrir in her arms.

Alpha’s eyes flicked over the room—the warmth of firelight, the smell of bread, the sight of children tumbling together. His voice was quiet, almost thoughtful. “So… this is your family, Cid.”

“Yes,” Cid replied with no hesitation. “Pretty much everything that matters.”

Emily turned from the table where she held Fern carefully in her arms. “So, you’re the one he sneaks off to train in private?”

Alpha smirked. “And you must be the sister.”

“Girls, stop,” Fenrona said, her voice gentle but firm. “Alpha, you’re welcome in our house anytime.”

“Thank you,” Alpha said with a respectful nod.

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“Why are we here?” Charles asked bluntly.

Another voice drifted in from the doorway. “And why wasn’t I invited?” It was Johnny, leaning against the frame with that familiar grin.

“Because you live next door,” Cid said dryly. Then, his tone hardened. “I wanted you all here because I have something to tell you. Something Fen and I have decided—and I want you all to be part of it. So, please, sit.”

“I’ll stay with the little ones,” Jun offered.

“Thank you,” Fenrona said warmly, handing her a blanket before sitting beside Cid.

Cid’s gaze swept the table, lingering on each of them. “Listen. After the battle against Time, I had an idea. At first, it was nothing more than a thought… but it’s grown. I want to create something—an organization, a company, a force whose only purpose is to keep the people safe. Originally, I imagined it for the Middle Lands as a whole. But quickly, I realized… we should start here, in this kingdom.”

Johnny leaned forward. “So, you want us to be part of this organization?”

“Yes… and no,” Cid answered. “The idea is to have groups—each with the purpose of protecting the people of this kingdom. But one… one secret group will work across all the Middle Lands. And I want you all to lead those groups. I’ll provide everything: weapons soul-bonded to you, enchanted gear, armor, clothing. Everything you need to make it real.”

“I’m in,” Charles said without hesitation.

“Me too,” Emily added, her voice steady.

“You’re telling me I get a soul-bonded weapon?” Johnny grinned. “I’m in before you finish the sentence.”

Alpha crossed his arms. “I’m in as well. But I’ve got a few questions. First—do we choose who we recruit?”

“Yes,” Fenrona said, her tone calm but commanding. “But remember—you’ll have to train them yourselves.”

“Second,” Johnny asked, “do we have to obey you in everything?”

Cid shook his head. “Not everything. But on some things, yes. If we don’t stand together, then there’s no point in any of this.”

“Third and last, I suppose…” Emily tilted her head, a faint smile on her lips. “Brother, what will this organization be called?”

“The Divisions,” Cid said, the name heavy on his tongue. “Each Division will be numbered according to your strength, skill, and experience. Fen will be Division One—she is the strongest, the most experienced. Alpha, you’ll be Division Two. You are a prodigy, after all. Emy, you’ll be Division Three—the last year and a half gave you a kind of experience these two don’t have. Charles, you’ll be Division Four. Johnny… you’ll have your own Division as well.”

“And what about you?” Emily asked. “Which Division will you lead?”

“I’ll be Division Zero,” Cid said, his voice low. “The hidden Division. The one no one sees.”

Alpha leaned forward. “Then what do we do now?”

“We train,” Cid said. “Together, for the last time. From tomorrow onward, you will each train yourselves and the ones you deem worthy of joining your Division.” He looked at Jun. “Can you watch the little ones a while longer?”

“Monic should arrive soon. I’ll manage,” she said.

Downstairs, the clash of steel and the crackle of magic filled the training hall. Hours passed in sweat, bruises, and laughter until finally Cid raised a hand. “That’s enough. Let’s go back up. I’ll cook for all of us.”

Alpha blinked. “You can cook?”

“Yes,” Cid said flatly.

“He’s the best,” Emily and Fenrona said in unison.

By the time the food was ready, the sun was sinking. They gathered around the long table, sharing bread, meat, and stew.

“Cid,” Charles said between mouthfuls, “can I still come here to train?”

“Yes. All of you can. Not as my students anymore, but as my colleagues.”

“And I told you all before,” Fenrona said, smiling as she rocked Fenrir, “you are welcome in our home anytime.”

“I’ll come,” Johnny said.

“Me too,” Alpha added.

“I already live here,” Emily said with a smirk.

They laughed together, their voices filling the house until the night grew quiet. One by one, they departed.

“We’re going to sleep,” Nyx said, carrying her sister upstairs.

“She’s a good sister,” Emily whispered, rocking Fenrir gently. “And you, little one, you’re quiet.”

“She really is,” Cid agreed, cradling Fern in his arms. Fenrona had already fallen asleep on his shoulder, her breathing soft and steady. He held Fern close, as though shielding her from the world, and at last his own eyes closed.

In the warmth of his home, with children safe and laughter still echoing faintly in the air, Cid allowed himself—for one night—to rest.

The morning began not with birdsong but with the soft wails of infants.

Cid stirred, rubbing his eyes, but before he could rise Emily’s voice drifted from the cradle.

“I’ve got Fern,” she whispered, lifting the tiny girl with practiced hands.

“Thanks, Emy,” Cid said, reaching instead for Fenrir. He pressed the boy against his chest, the child’s small whimpers quieting as he was fed. Soon both twins were asleep again, bundled together like fragile treasures.

With the newborns settled, Cid moved to the kitchen. The rhythm of cooking steadied his thoughts—until a firm knock rattled the door.

“Emy, can you get that?” he called, turning a skillet.

“Of course.” She crossed the room and pulled the door open.

“Hello—” a familiar voice began.

Emily blinked, frowning. “Who—”

“Jess,” Cid cut her off, his head snapping up. “Bill’s daughter.”

“Emily?” Jesika’s face lit, tears shining in her eyes. “You’ve grown so much.” She pulled her into a fierce hug.

“Hey,” another voice came from outside.

“James,” Cid muttered, stepping forward. “Still alive, I see. And judging by her smile… you didn’t make her cry.”

James rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, about that… I kind of did. But only from happiness.”

Jesika beamed, holding up her hand. “We’re getting married.”

For the first time that morning, Cid laughed—an honest, deep sound. He clapped James on the back so hard the boy nearly staggered. “Congratulations, kid. Good luck keeping her smiling.”

“Come eat with us,” Fenrona’s soft voice called. She rose carefully from the couch, Fenrir nestled in her arms.

Jesika’s eyes widened. “You… already gave birth?” She hurried to the cradle, staring down at the twins. “They’re so quiet… so beautiful.”

“Good morning, Father,” Nyx said, padding down the stairs.

“Nyx,” Cid said with a grin. “Look who’s here.”

“Aunt Jesika!” the girl squealed, throwing herself into her arms.

Jesika blinked, stunned. “Wait—you’re Nyx?”

“You like my new form?” Nyx asked proudly, tail flicking.

“Yes,” Jesika said, hugging her tightly.

“Nyx,” Fenrona called gently, “go fetch your sisters.”

“Yes, Mother!” she said, darting back upstairs.

“Don’t run,” Cid warned, though his lips curved into a faint smile.

Moments later, all three dragonlings trotted down together, their bright eyes widening when they saw Jesika. Soon they were all seated at the table, eating and laughing.

“So,” Cid asked at last, “why are you here?”

“Father wanted me to handle the capital jobs this time,” Jesika explained, brushing crumbs from her dress.

“Well, Jess—you’re welcome to stay as long as you need,” Cid said, rising.

Fenrona tilted her head. “You’re going already, love?”

“Yes,” he said, fastening his cloak. His tone was low, resolute. “I made you a promise. Today I intend to keep it.” He kissed her gently before stepping out into the streets.

The city’s underbelly smelled of sweat, rust, and chains.

Cid found the place Ker had marked for him. Among the slavers’ camp he spotted a man sitting quietly, his face too calm, too clean for the filth around him.

Cid sat beside him without invitation. “You Logberg?”

The man gave no answer.

“If you are, I’m interested.” Cid slid his hunter’s card across the table.

The man’s smile sharpened. “Yes. Come with me.”

They walked through a maze of cages. The stench of despair was everywhere—men, women, children pressed behind bars, their eyes dulled to embers. Logberg spread his arms. “Here, hunter. You can find anything you want.”

Cid’s gaze locked onto a pair of white wolf ears among the slaves. His chest tightened.

“White ears,” he said quietly.

“You have sharp taste,” Logberg smirked. “She’s the firstborn of the King of Lintar. Cincy’s daughter.”

“I’ll take her,” Cid said immediately.

Logberg chuckled. “I wouldn’t recommend it. She’s… ruthless. Fierce. I won’t take her back if you regret it.”

“That’s fine,” Cid said, his eyes hard. “I prefer ruthless.”

Logberg shrugged, unlocking the cage. “Behave yourself, girl. This one’s a hunter. If he wants, he can cut you down before you blink.”

“No mark,” Cid said sharply.

“You sure?”

“How much?”

“Ten thousand.”

Cid didn’t flinch. He transferred the coin without hesitation.

He extended a hand. “Come. You need new clothes first.”

The woman’s eyes blazed. “Bastard. What did you do to my sister?”

“Nothing,” Cid said evenly. “Fenrona is my wife. I came to rescue you. To reunite you with her.”

Her breath caught. “How do you know her name? Or mine?”

“I told you,” Cid said again, steady as stone. “She is my wife. And you—Furen—are her sister.”

Her glare wavered.

He brought her clothes. She dressed quickly, suspicion still burning in her eyes. But when they reached the house, Cid asked quietly, “Can you smell her?”

Furen froze. Her head tilted, nostrils flaring. Her voice cracked. “Fen…”

She stormed inside.

Fenrona turned at the sound, a plate slipping from her hands. “Furen!”

They rushed together, crashing into each other’s arms, both trembling, both crying.

“What are you doing here? And why—why did you marry this human?” Furen demanded through her tears.

“Come sit,” Fenrona said, holding her tightly. “I’ll tell you everything.”

Cid smiled faintly. “Everyone downstairs. Go on. I’ll give you time.”

Hours passed. At last, Jun called up from the hearth. “Dinner’s ready!”

They ate together, laughter mixing with stories, until night fell.

Later, in their room, Fenrona lay against Cid’s chest, her ear pressed to his heartbeat.

“Thank you, my love,” she whispered.

“No need,” he murmured, kissing her silver hair.

And like that, peace returned—for a while.

A month passed in that quiet rhythm. And with it, only a week remained before the exams.