Chapter 4

I walk out onto the main walkway in a cute pair of cargo shorts and stylish hiking boots. SAGE definitely took the time to research what we would have worn for such an occasion back home. Most of the girls are dressed the same as I am, except in different colors or slightly more flattering styles. My eyes about pop out of my head when I see Victoria, though.

"Look at those legs, girl. They go clear to your ass. Why in the world would you keep a set like that hidden under all those layers?"

"Stop it, Kira, I am uncomfortable enough as it is. My legs look no different from your own. You simply are not used to seeing me dressed so."

"I can't believe you didn't have SAGE get you an appropriate dress or skirt to wear."

"There is a place for everything, and this was not one of them. Normally, I would avoid these types of adventures, but TY is looking forward to it. He wants to teach the boys how to fish. So, I will suffer the bugs and discomforts for a short while. He asks so little of me."

"Vic, you might even shock yourself and have a good time. This may be the beginning of a whole new wardrobe for you to create." RaZ whistles playfully when he walks by and I can see how uncomfortable it makes Victoria to be exposed so. AsI observe her scanning her surroundings, it strikes me that she seems vulnerable, a sight I've never witnessed before. I haven't ever right out asked Vic her story even though there are times I can see the shadows of the past haunting her. It always seems worse if we find ourselves somewhere dark and confined, as simple as in a closet. I no more blink an eye that Tyberius has his arm wrapped around her waist. He must have felt her unease through their bond. The moment he arrives, a small smile graces her lips even though she pulls on the shorts, trying to lengthen them.

"SAGE, my dear, can I have a word with you?"

Shehovers in front of me instantly. "Sweetie, is there anything you can do to make Victoria more comfortable?"

"I made sure that the shorts would be the appropriate size, they should be an exact fit."

"That's not what I am talking about, honey. You know she never wears anything that revealing."

"Ohh, yes, her preference is normally a lot more conservative. The shorts have the option of being lengthened to full length. I have the attachments in each of your personal bags. I had them made in case one of you became chilled or if the terrain we are all about to walk through is rough. "

"SAGE, you are wonderful. You think of everything. Would you take the time to show Victoria how to lengthen hers? She may be more comfortable in something longer."

"Absolutely."

SAGEfloats over towards Vic and Tyberius and within seconds TY is on his knees helping Victoria slide the extensions over her shoes. The moment her legs are fully covered, you can see her entire body relax.

Strongarms capture me from behind. "You are always doing that. I am a very lucky male."

"Doing what?"

"Looking after another's comfort before ever considering your own."

"I don't have to look after mine. I have you and SAGE to do that for me. It bothers me that Victoria is so self-conscious. She is absolutely stunning. I have no idea what makes her see something in the mirror that none of us do."

"You really don't see it do you?"

"What?"

"She is glamoured. Victoria wears a veil over her appearance. It helps hide the horrors she has lived through. She may appear strong to you and the others, but her true appearance is that of a broken doll. To me, she appears shattered and then placed back together piece by piece."

"I had no idea."

"That's the purpose of being glamoured."

"How is she doing that? I mean, that's kinda creepy."

"I don't know the how's, but Katherine and Father can also change their appearances at will. It was something they obtained on your world; I believe. A true tale of your vampires."

"DaR, I don't know why anything shocks me anymore. At this point, I should just shrug and categorize it as just one more thing."

"Despite the many ways people can conceal their true selves. Kira, you have a unique knack for seeing through most of them. You take on the role of caretaker no matter where you are at,"

"I can't help it, DaR. It pains me to see anyone suffer when I have a way to fix it."

"WhenI am suffering later, lying on the ground trying to sleep instead of enjoying this nice private room we have here, I will remember that."

"Oh, quit your whining, we won't be on the ground or I don't think so anyway. MaybeI should have asked," but before I can say another word, SAGE pops up in the middle of the walkway.

"If you'll all gather around, I will explain a few things about our upcoming outing."