The Master I walked into the dining room where Merna was being yelled at by Anatu to eat something. ‘Stubborn! There has never been one species that I could never get to bend.’ I walked over to Anatu who was not leaning into Merna, “has she eaten?” I inquired knowing that Merna had not. Anatu was furious, “it says it will not eat anything that you provide but only what the earth gives her. I warned her the pains will come and cripple her. She only replies with, challenge accepted!” Merna gave me a sideway grin, begging me to challenge her. “If it is pain she wishes to feel, then it is pain she will get. Merna will soon learn her place!” I could see the thoughts in Merna’s mind whittling around, ‘challenge accepted!’ Trying to figure out what my next move was going to be. “I see that Merna is ready!” “You would not believe how rude this one is. It has no respect for authority. Why you do not dispose of it baffles me to no end.” Anatu was stomping her feet and glaring daggers at Merna. “Put these on!” I handed a pair of white silk gloves to Merna. “Anatu, some things are not for you to understand!” I observed every muscle in Merna’s face. She held her composure well! Merna held the gloves in her hand, not putting them on. “You do not like it when others touch you. The gloves will prevent skin to skin contact if one of my siblings should want to kiss the top of your hand. It is customary!” I also added, “you are not the only individual that gathers information from touch, so do many of my siblings!” “That was thoughtful of you, I greatly appreciate your gesture!” Without a second thought she placed the glove on her hand, ‘I wish I had thought about this when I was in the earth realm!’ I heard Merna think to herself. The garments fitted Merna perfectly. The white undergarment sleeves were meant to be loose and move freely in the wind, hovering at her wrists. The corset pushed up her breast allowing the perfect amount of cleavage to show from the top of the silk garment. Merna had chosen a simple skirt that touched the floor hiding her feet. Gold embroidery laces the hem with leaves and vines. Little makeup was applied to her face, the lotion was all that she needed. When the light hit her skin it shimmered, allowing her pale skin to be the main attraction. I disliked the gloves being on her hands. I would have much preferred to see her slender hand on mine. Call this an act of trust or the fact I refuse to allow my siblings to win this bid. If Merna was indeed my sister's favourite, well this changes everything. “We need to go!” I said to Merna. “One last thing!” I stepped closer to Merna, grasping the pendent in my palm, my head started to glow with energy. “I need to make sure that my siblings do not know that your mother is protecting you.” I let the charm rest again on her chest, “your mother wishes for your identity to remain hidden.” “You know my mother? My creator?” She seemed shocked. “How could I not, we came to consciousness roughly around the same time span!” I gave Merna a toothy grin, “We need to go!” Merna did not move right away. I then held out my arm in a motion for her to take it. She stood up from the chair that she was sitting on. Hesitating, she wrapped her arm around mine “hold on” and we left my domain. We appeared at the entryway of a large castle. I could hear laughter and music coming from the building. Blinking my eyes several times I adjusted my sight. Glancing to my left, down at Merna, “You handled the portal better than I had assumed.” I commented. Merna was still looking at the scenery, “it was not my first time for me to walk through a portal like we did!” I do not think Merna realized how much information she gave out until it was too late. My brow arched, “how often have you travelled?” She smiled sweetly up at Me, “you do not like secrets and I hate lies so how about we agree on this, you stop assuming things about me and I will be truthful when you ask questions!” “I am the one that makes the deals here!” I let loose a low growl. The effect on her sent a shiver down her spine. A smirk crossed my face as I realized what had happened. I am sure she would have rather I think that she was scared of me than start to get turned on. ‘How embarrassing!’ I could hear her thoughts. I was glaring down at her, She could tell by the flare of my nose that her scent had changed. I knew and she knew this was a dangerous game that was going on. “Well little hybrid, I am waiting for an answer!” My tone was husky. I could once again hear Merna's thoughts, 'Do I play with fire? He is playing games, I can match the rules and pull out several aces before he knows it. Not today! Not when I have no panties on!’ The grin on my face only grew with each thought. I chuckled making it known I overheard her, “Several times you have played with fire, one of your specialties I am sure of!” I replied in a low soft tone. "As if panties would save me!" I watched as Merna's eyes widened. Visibly Merna gave her head a shake before she continued, “So this is your sibling's place? I think I have been here before or maybe I saw it in a dream.” She declared wishing to change the topic. Groaning, “Yes!" I paused as my eyes wandered around the location. "My eldest sister’s domain!” I turned and positioned my arm so that Merna would take it again. While we stood there nothing was spoken. While we stood there. I believe both of us did not want to be here. The dislike for this situation had planted both our feet in this singular spot. The thought of Merna leaving my side brought a peg of unease to me. Was she the adventurous type? “Do not leave my side … for anything!” It was more of an order. Pushing out her lips before speaking, “I do not like to be told what to do! Plus as if I was going to wander! There are vultures waiting for me to slip up.” Merna pointed out the obvious. Matching her energy I continued to spar, “get used to me telling you what to do! Plus at least you're intelligent and capable of learning.” I let out a grunt and led me toward the place. Merna shot me with the dirtiest looks she could muster up, “Is that a jab at my intelligence?” “Do not consider it as an insult, but an observation. Besides, you're in my domain are you not?” “Technically we are at your eldest sister's domain, but we were in your domain!” “Then behave!” I growled in my ear. Game score, ‘one the Master, zero for me’ I heard Merna's thoughts loud and clear.