Eveline's new home was tiny, but it had all the comforts necessary for a single woman. The king was obviously generous with his servants. There was a small kitchenette, ideal for making her meals, a tiny bathroom with the waterfall shower, and a combined living/sleeping area. She discovered that the kitchen had been filled with food and various cooking equipment. Bedding had been provided and, just as Michelle had speculated, the closet held five uniforms. The tunics were jeweled tones, matching the many colors of the weredragons. Her favorite was the same royal blue as Tae's beautiful eyes. There was a note on the counter advising her to meet the teacher an hour after sunrise in front of the school.

Tae's large body filled most of the space in her living area. She bumped into him with every movement she made. Putting away the things Michelle had sent with her would have to wait until after he left. Besides, it would be embarrassing to let him get a glimpse of the silky undergarments that Michelle had gifted to her.

"Do you see everything that you need or should I go collect something for you?" Tae inquired.

"Between the king and Michelle, I believe I'm all set. You don't have to stay. I'm going to pick out the uniform for tomorrow, shower, eat, and get to sleep. I want to be on time for my first day. As you showed me, the school is very close. Your duty to me is done," Eveline replied.

Her heart pounded against her chest when Tae moved closer and said, "You are not a duty. I am here because I wish to be near you. If that is not your wish as well, tell me, and I will not return."

It took Eveline a moment to find the right words. She finally replied, "If my wish were to come true, you would never leave."

Tae's eyes darkened with desire. He pulled Eveline into his arms and placed his lips on hers. The kiss was warm and gentle, yet it sent lightning through her veins. It wasn't a kiss of sympathy or one meant to ease heartache. It wasn't even a test to see if she would allow him near. Instead, this kiss was filled with intimacy and deep longing. It left no doubt in Eveline's mind that Tae wanted a relationship that was vastly more than friendship. She returned it in the same manner, raising the intensity by several notches.

Tae pulled back with a groan. "I cannot stay, though it pains me to go. I must see to my family and then go to the mines. I will be busy for a few days, trying to work extra hours so that I can take some time off to fulfill my promise of taking you to the waterfall. However, if you need me, just send a messenger and I will come."

"You have too many duties and burdens. May I help you with one? Perhaps, I can check on your family and provide a meal so that you have more time and they are still cared for," Eveline offered.

"You have touched my heart with your offer," Tae answered. "I think they would like you very much. If you have the time, it would be wonderful to not worry about them all day. My brother and sisters do what they can, but I insist that they finish their schooling. My oldest sister will be done soon and go to work. That will ease the burden on me. Thank you for caring."

The sun was still below the horizon when Eveline finished dressing for her first day of assimilation. She wore the royal blue tunic to make her feel surrounded by Tae's arms. Her stomach was too nervous to allow a large breakfast, so she ate a piece of fruit and drank some of the tea Michelle had taught her to prepare.

The teacher was waiting as promised. Her dark hair hung to her waist and the gold tunic she wore accentuated her slim figure. She was surprisingly young. Eveline was taken off guard when the woman raised her head, and she spied bright orange eyes. Though she knew weredragons’ eyes matched their alter ego's color, it was disturbing to see them in a female.

The teacher smiled and held out her hand in greeting. "You are Eveline, my new assistant. I am Chiya. It will be good to have help. This is my first year as a teacher, and sometimes it is difficult to keep track of the young ones. The former teacher moved up a level. Her class is now a much older group."

"It's my first job too. I guess they told you that I am to learn along with the children. I swear to work hard and help as best as I can. What is it you require of me?"

"Each teacher is assigned ten children. I need you to help me keep them attentive. Their minds tend to wander in the classroom, and their bodies do the same when we go outside. I remember well how tempting it was to look up and lose myself in the dragons' flight, dreaming of the day I would join them. I do my best to keep the history and rules entertaining. Numbers are easier. We count dragons and waterfalls, then divide them by colors or height. The young ones find it to be fun. I am open to suggestions, should you have any," Chiya replied.

"It doesn't bother you to work with me?” Eveline asked.

"Not in the least. If you are referring to your inability to transform, do not fret. The children cannot change either, and it has not been long since that was my plight. Perhaps, you can teach us about Earth. It will make the classes more exciting," Chiya declared.

The children's' arrival brought the conversation to a halt. Curious kids began to ask what seemed to be a thousand questions. Eveline was overwhelmed. She came up with an idea to lessen the pressure. "Okay everybody, I will answer your questions, but not all at once. With Chiya's permission, I will spend thirty minutes every day telling you all about Earth and humanity. However, you have to promise to do all your class work the rest of the day. No complaining or arguments will be allowed. Is it a deal?"

A chorus of young voices replied, "Yes!"

"Good job," Chiya told her. "You are going to fit in quite well. We should get started. Come inside; it is history time before they are too tired to pay attention."

Eveline laughed at Chiya's strategy. She could do this, and it might even be fun. She already liked Chiya, and the children's eagerness to learn gave her the encouragement she needed.

Michelle and Keshel stopped by during her lunch, and Tae managed to wave as he ran from one duty to the next. She caught glimpses of Hesher and Daer when the math lesson took them outside. It was a busy day, and Eveline loved every minute of it. She was an integral part of Talonia, and it felt wonderful to belong.

The white weredragon sat in her favorite spot above the tallest waterfall. Her scales shimmered in the sunlight. She was watching over her domain to see the effect of a second human's presence. All appeared to be well, without much of a change. However, in her heart, she knew differently. Talonia was now known to two humans and the Savra. It would not stay hidden for much longer. Their secret was slipping away, piece by piece. She had spoken of it to her father, the king. His answer was frightening.

"It was always inevitable, my dear. For centuries we have remained anonymous among the dense clouds on the far outskirts of our world, but during the last decade, they have diminished. We are easier to see, and the curiosity of other worlds will bring them here. The bombs have damaged our planet in ways we cannot yet comprehend. Things will change, and we will not be able to stop it. Kelan brought a solution that may slow the process. However, it will not make it cease. It was meant for Earth's atmosphere after a nuclear war. Our atmosphere is slightly different, not enough to harm the humans living here, but different just the same. The bombs that have landed here were not nuclear either. What they contained and what damage they have done is yet to be seen," the king explained.

"The Savra have been overcome. We will recover from the damage. Can we not defeat any others that may come? Kelan has built a larger weapon to destroy them before they reach Talonia. My only worry is how the two human females will change us. They will bear hybrid children: one is already here. I like them and do not regret allowing them to assimilate, but their presence and that of their children will make our world different. Perhaps it will be for the better," Shara declared.

"Change is definitely on its way. For better or worse, I cannot foresee. I have no regrets about keeping the humans either. They do not seek to harm us. In fact, they appear to love Talonia as much as we do. For that very reason, we cannot just destroy every ship that comes near us. The occupants may be friendly and loving. It is not right to destroy life that comes in peace. That means we take a risk of allowing enemies to land. It is a dilemma I never wished to face. Of course, should the Savra be brave enough to come once more, they will find we are not as complacent as before. The weapon will be deployed."

"I will follow your lead, father. Whatever happens, I know you will save us. I put my trust in you," Shara stated.

That conversation had occurred days ago and had never been far from her mind afterward. She looked upon Talonia with new eyes, preparing herself for the future. She was so glad that she had not mated with Kelan. Their pact, to marry at thirty if they had not found true love was a childish mistake. They would never have been happy as mates. Thankfully, Kelan had broken the pact. He and Michelle were meant to be. Shara's gaze and possibly her heart lay elsewhere. Her suitor was a surprise, one she had never expected. Fate had twisted and turned her world unexpectedly in so many ways. She was afraid yet exhilarated.

The basket was heavily laden with food. Eveline was out of breath before she reached Tae's family home. She was bringing dinner to them so Tae could keep working. The house didn't appear to be much larger than her own residence, but she knew five people lived here. The door was answered by a young boy of about ten. His eyes were the same royal blue as Tae's. They stared at her with shock.

"Hello, I'm Eveline. Tae is working, so I brought dinner. Would it be alright if I came in?"

"You are the human he found," the boy stated. "Why would you bring food to us?"

"Tae is my friend, and I want to help him. As his family, you are my friends as well. If you don't believe me, you can run down to the mine and ask him. I promise that I'm here because he said it was okay," Eveline explained.

A man's voice came shouted from the other room, "Who is it, son? Let them in. We do not get many visitors."

The boy motioned for her to enter. She sat her burden on a rickety wooden table and followed him into the living area. An older man, whose once-piercing red eyes were now clouded, sat in a chair beside a fireplace. Its heat was stifling in the small room. He had a blanket over his legs. How could he stand the heat?

He must have seen the question in her face, for he explained, "I am always cold. The accident took more than my legs, I fear. My poor family endures the heat without complaint. I am sure they will be glad when I am gone."

"Father, stop talking nonsense. We have grown used to the heat and would not trade you for a cooler house. This woman is Eveline, the human," the boy replied.

"Tae's human," the old man responded. "It is good to put a face with the story. My son speaks of you often. I am sorry to be inhospitable, but I cannot get up to fix you a meal. Jax does not cook, and my daughters will not be home until later. Tae sometimes brings a meal. He has not come today."

"I came in his place. It isn't necessary for you to worry about me. I brought your dinner and plan to do so often. Tae is working extra hours. I volunteered to take care of all of you. There is a thick, hearty stew and bread still warm from the oven. Fruit laden with whipped cream is for dessert. I am not the best of cooks, especially with Talonian ingredients, but it tastes good to me."

"Can we eat now?" Jax asked excitedly. "It sounds better than the cold meat Tae brings us."

"Mind your manners, boy. Tae does his best, and your sister cooks when she has time. She must do her schooling, the marketing, and cleaning. It is too much to ask her for hot meals every night."

"I am sorry. I was not complaining. I am just really hungry. We hiked up the waterfall in school today," Jax replied.

"By all means, eat while it's still hot. A growing weredragon requires plenty of food. Bring a plate for your father as well," Eveline commanded.

"You must eat with us," Tae's father stated. "Jax, bring Eveline a plate. Make sure you only take your share. Your sisters will be hungry when they arrive."

Jax's grumbles could be heard from the kitchen, making them both laugh. Eveline discovered she was relaxing in the presence of the old man. The house was small, but she could feel the love it held within its walls. It explained a lot about Tae's kind heart. He had come by it honestly. These people may have been poor monetarily, but they were rich emotionally. She wanted this family to be hers. The place inside her that had been empty since she was kidnapped was slowly filling: first with Tae, then Michelle and her family, and now with Tae's family. She was healing on the inside to match her already healed outer shell.