Drackel

Chapter One

The bustling streets of Raydan Road were packed with students of old and new, each shopping for the supplies for Alexian Academy in two weeks. I carefully weaved my way through the crowd in direction of the bookstore, my silver eyes flickering around for the familiar face of my friend, Yukie. Not seeing her among them, I decided she had probably already entered the store to escape the crowds.
 

Even before I smelt the scent my drackel immediately came alive, roaring powerfully to get closer to it. The sweet smell of vanilla and sakura blossoms overwhelmed my senses which tugged me to the store I had been about to enter. Upon entering, I spotted Yukie browsing a nearby shelf and felt my heart constrict. She turned to face me and just as I was about to greet her a draft through the open doors blew her hair towards me and with it the powerful scent I had followed inside.
 

Eyes widening I stepped back when she moved forward out of shock. Her eyes dimmed before realization hit her, causing her to let out a small gasp. Rushing, she grasped my hand and pulled me tightly in her arms before I could protest.
 

“You've finally noticed.” She comments, mildly as her fingers ran through my ebony hair.
 

“How how long have you?” I stammered, hands gripping the back of her shirt tightly while trying to keep my instincts from running wild. The desire to growl when one of the shoppers came to close made my head spin with its ferocity.
 

Laughter entered her voice, “Ever since you helped me when I tripped in first year. I couldn't help but get close to you, Kaida. After all, all nekos know their mates on sight.”
 

Shivering slightly, I pulled back, “Shouldn't we get supplies?” I grimaced at the fact my voice shook just ever so slightly.
 

Her green eyes sparkled as she took my hand, dragging me to our shared class books, Runes. Surprisingly, she had a knack for it that almost compared to my own, but I had the advantage of being far better with warding while she stuck mostly with the powerful attack runes. Running along the books, my slim fingers stopped when they found the course books. Pulling two out, I asked her, “Did your aunt give you a lift?”
 

“Nah, I walked. It's only a mile walk.” My eyes narrowed, but her own pierced mine and all my arguments died away. “It's fine, Kaida.” She stated with a calm air as she took the extra book.
 

With a sigh, I took off to find the books for my new healing class as well as the warding book. As she disappeared to a different aisle, I felt the mixture of emotions swirl inside me. I still couldn't believe the only friend I had was my mate, my dominant mate to be exact. Yet, the memory of Grandsire's reaction when I told him of Yukie made me worry over what he would do now, if he knew just what would be.
 

'Just follow your heart, my daughter.' The whispering words from Selene echoed in my head.
 

'Easier said than done, Lady Magic.” I murmur softly, placing my books on the counter up front.
 

“Kaida, we get familiars this year.” Yukie grins in excitement, the earlier tension drained from us both at the prospect of finding a companion for the first time.
 

A soft smile lights my face as we finished our books and headed down the streets towards the local trunk store. “Do you think we should tell our families? Today?” I worriedly wrung my hands together, Grandsire's strict warning still racing in my mind.
 

She pauses, her own face turning pale. “We need to or else they'll think we're hiding it from them.” She finally concedes, a small sigh passing her lips as she thought of her own family.

 

“Then when we get home we can tell them. We can text each other if you need something.” I finally state, hands reaching out to take hers.
 

“Of course.” She perked up at the thought and together we browsed the various trunks and finally decided to buy the three compartment with separate passwords before we headed to the last stop, the familiar shop.
 

Yukie quietly pushed me behind her as we entered and I immediately realized the signal it gave to others to stay back. My fingers gripped her arm as we stopped by a huge room of various eggs. I could feel something tugging at my magic as we passed by and found myself heading to the ones with dragons. My eyes caught sight of a light blue egg near the back and gingerly I pulled it out, eyes widening as it began to crack.
 

Laying in my arms was a light blue dragon with piercing green eyes. It snaked itself around my neck loosely and promptly fell asleep causing me to chuckle. Yukie came back with a small panther with a crescent moon on its forehead. Peering closely, I spotted a similar mark on my own familiar.
 

“Congratulations.” The owner smiled at us, before pulling out several books and supplies. Stuffing them into our trunks we paid the owner before leaving. As we stepped out, Yukie took my hand tightly.
 

“Please, be careful, Kaida.” She whispered, eyes trailing to the mark on my wrist.
 

Smiling weakly, I nodded before rushing off where I could see Silas and Grandmother waiting. Just as I reached them, Grandmother asked, “So Yukie is the one?”
 

I froze and politely nod yes before heading the way home. Silas sighed behind us but neither of us spoke a word until we met Grandsire at the porch. He immediately noticed and asked calmly, “So Yukie?”
 

Wincing, I nod again. “Yes, sir.” I respectfully answer before he nodded and turned saying, “Follow me, Kaida. It is time.”
 

“Time for what?” I queried as we entered the house and through the halls to his private study.
 

“This.” He holds out a glowing blue gem held tightly in a translucent metal ball. My fingers grazed the stone's smooth surface and jerked back when a powerful energy swept through me.
 

“It is the legacy of our family.” He calmly places the necklace around my neck before smiling, eyes sparking with pride. “Protect it with your life, Kaida Drackel.”