The Omen of the Crow

Chapter 11

    The next morning there was knock on my door. I shot up quickly fully alert, I sniffed the air only to smell the scent of wet dog. I rolled my eyes at my own paranoia and told whoever it was to enter. A young girl with brown mousey hair walked into my room, holding clothes and a hair brush. I gave her a sharp eye down before sitting up on the bed, waiting for her to introduce her self.

    "Hello, my name is Mintha. Welcome to the Luan pack!" She smiled eagerly, her slender built perking up and her brown eyes lighting up. "Rickon has sent me to help you dress for the introduction ceremony." She chimed. My eye twitched as she reminded me of my expected ceremony.

    She rushed over and laid a white ivory dress with gold embroidering on the bed. It appeared to be more of tunic, a style used centuries ago, very old fashioned. She then waved a brush in the air and stated that she would also be doing my hair. I scoffed at the sight of her which took her by surprise.

    "I will dress as I wish, the introduction is not as a big deal to me as it is to your kind." I coldly said.

    "Oh but Rickon.." She began to stammer but I cut her off by throwing the dress at her.

    "Get out!" I shouted in a loud command.

    Mintha stumbled backwards with a look of hesitation but when I raised my eyebrow at her she slithered out of the room and closed the door. I looked over at the window noticing the sun high in the sky, I had overslept. I quickly got up to shower and wash off all the dirt from last night. I felt more tired than usual perhaps it was due to all the excitement from last night. I shook it off and reached under the bed for my duffle bag which contained all my personal belongings.

    I pulled out a black body suit, the standard wardrobe back at the order. They were made for comfort and flexibly, which meant the material clung to my body like a second skin. We had to always be vigilant and ready for any attacks, these suits made it so we could act quickly and efficiently. I grabbed my skin tight boots and zipped them up to my knees.

    I looked in the mirror and felt some comfort in my reflection. My pale fair skin had gotten a hint of color over night making me look somewhat normal instead of an eerie gothic doll. My blue eyes were still striking, as always enhanced by my black mane. I sided my hair down the middle and pulled my hair up into two separate buns, giving me some height.

    I never wore makeup unless I was in a deep undercover case that required it. My face was proportional with doll like features, my skin like porcelain. Bolton, a very serious man, had from time to  time referred to me as his favorite porcelain doll, as he always complemented my appearance. I smiled momentary before walking out of room in search of Rickon.

    Erik was outside the office pacing when I arrived. I snapped my fingers to get his attention, when he looked up he let out a surprised gasp. His eyes were wide and his faced screamed with disapproval.

"Tegan.." He stammered before I cut him off.

 "I need to speak to Rickon." I said flatly.

   "He is getting ready in his office but Tegan you need to go get dressed." Erik avoided looking at me as he ran his fingers through his sandy hair.

   "I am dressed." I pushed him aside easily and he stumbled backwards trying to regain his balance.

    I walked into the office without knocking startling Rickon from the window he was standing at. His hair had been braided back to just one big thick braid with runes and leather ribbons entwined in it. He had trimmed his beard down exposing more of his square jaw line.

    He wore a suit that clung to every muscle on his body and finally on his shoulders her wore a wolf's pelt that draped down his back extenuating his broad chest. His blue eyes widened when he saw me but quickly composed himself when Erik entered the room after me.

    "Tegan you should get dressed." He said gritting his teeth. His stare was full of disapproval and annoyance.

    "I am dressed. The introduction is your custom not mine." I said indifferently.

Rickon's dark blue eyes narrowed, "You cannot present yourself in such a way. Half the pack will be distracted and that is the last thing we need." He continued, letting his disapproval for my wardrobe choice known. "Could we get this over with, I grow tired of your traditions." I directed my eyes past him indicating I was clearly annoyed. He grunted and slammed his fist on the table.

    "Tegan I could have Mintha come with your outfit again." Erik said from behind me in a low cautious voice.

    I turned around only to see Erik with his eyes fixed on the ground. He chuckled nervously before directing his eyesight across the room not wanting to look at me. 

    "If she comes near me again I might harm her in a very nasty way." I said grimly which only disturbed Erik and made him even more uneasy.

    "Tegan enough!" Rickon's voice growled loudly. "Fine, let us just get this over with." His eyes filled with momentary hurt but it vanished quickly.

    "Ready when you are." I taunted sheepishly. I stood next to Erik waiting for Rickon to regain his composure. He straightened out his suit and pelt before walking to me offering me his arm. I looked at it with disdain wondering why he had done that. "We have a deal remember." He whispered in my ear angrily. "Would it hurt your pride if I didn't hold your arm?" I said with a grin.

    "Yes." He responded through gritted teeth. He was right, after all we had come to an agreement, so I wrapped my arm around his in a casual manner keeping my distance from him, not wanting him to be too close to me. Erik led the way down the hallway where I could hear voices whispering about.

    I heard Erik introduce us finally, "After centuries of being an unmated alpha wolf, I would like to present to you Rickon and Tegan Riverwind!" I pulled back at the mention of my name with Rickon's surname, but Rickon pulled me forward forcefully and we walked into the view of the all the pack members.