Prologue

I stared out the window into the night. The stars burned brightly and the smell of ocean was strong. I sighed and looked up into the sky, staring at Trinity, the home world of the Sythri. It burnt brighter than our moon and it captured my eyes. I heard the howling of the werewolves and the crash of the ocean and I wondered what the new queen looked like. I sighed and turned away from my window, crossing the room to my bed. I paused and looked up into the mirror, staring at my gangly form.
My green eyes flashed and I shuddered at the thoughts that crossed my mind. I am a monster. I shook my head, eyes watering and crawled into bed, pulling the blankets over my head. My body trembled as I talked to myself, soothing myself.
“It’s not so bad N’sha. It could be worse. You have power and are an Algorian… Nothing could be better.” I told myself, but at that moment, I wanted nothing more to be Sythri, to live with them, speak to them… be with them. I had heard that a human had turned into a Sythri queen, so why couldn’t I? I shook my head and sighed, pulling back the blankets and standing up. I turned to the mirror and took myself in.
Long legs that broadened at the bottom, like a stick stuck in a rock. Talon like toes that brushed the floor. Thin waist and broad shoulders with big breasts breaking the flatness. Narrow face with thin lips and big eyes. Long neck hidden by cascading red hair that looked grey in the night. Thin arms with long fingers. Torso covered by a simple white shift. I sighed and moved back over to my window, wondering how it would feel to have a tail and wings.
The door opened quietly and I turned around. K’larth stood there, staring at me, the soft lantern light glowing around him. I sighed and beckoned him in. He entered, closing the door behind him and crossed the room to me.
“What are you looking at?” he asked and I pointed up at Trinity, which glowed brighter as dawn approached. He shook his head, rolling his eyes at me.
“What?” I asked and he chuckled, wrapping an arm around me.
“You always look up at them and try to believe they are better, but they aren’t. They are just ordinary creatures, barely using the brains they have.” He said and I forced a smile. I think it came out as more of a grimace because he cupped his hand under my chin, forcing me to look at him.
“Come, let us go practice your skills.” He said and I sighed, following him to the door. I paused a moment before leaving and looked out the window at Trinity. It winked at me and I smiled softly. I will see you soon. I thought to it and it twinkled in response. I smiled and shut the door.