Chapter 4

ANA

Awhirlwind of emerald fabric and honeysuckle perfume swept into the room, carrying a basket. A three-foot-tall woman, clad in a cascading skirt that revealed alabaster ankles, stood before Quinn. Furred feet, impossibly large and bare, peeked out from beneath the hem. Papaya-colored eyes flicked past him, landing on Ana.

The female's long, crimson locks were artfully coiled into a bun, each strand meticulously held in place by hand-carved sticks. Loose curls framed face, with ears tapering to delicate points—a subtle hint of her otherworldly grace.

"This is Tildasha, my friend." Quinn introduced her with a smile. "Tilda, this is my mate."

Ana shot him a glance. "No, not his mate."

"Apologies." He held up his hand. "But, I hope to rectify that."

"It is, uh, nice to meet you, Tildasha." Ignoring him, Ana offered her hand for a handshake, but the little woman tugged her down and into a hug instead.

"No need to be so formal, Ma'am." The wee woman laughed, a tinkling sound like wind chimes in a zephyr. "Call me Tilda." She released Ana and looked her over, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "It is an honor to meet you. The entire kingdom is abuzz with your arrival. You're a miracle and a blessin'." She pulled out another candle and lit it.

Stepping away from Ana, she moved to a small table in the room with her basket.

"Tilda shall take care of your needs." Quinn delicately lifted her hand to his mouth, planting a tender kiss upon it.

The sensation of his moist, warm lips against her skin overwhelmed Ana, causing her mind to blank. His scent enveloped her, intoxicating and irresistible, making her crave his touch.

The hairs on her arms stood on end as she attempted to speak, but words eluded her. Instead, she nodded her head in silent response.

"Father expects to hear more about you." A flicker of reluctance sparked in his eyes, his thumb tracing a gentle circle on the back of her hand. "He shall spit fire if I don't report back soon."

"He can spit fire?" Ana's eyes widened.

"No, I apologize." Beneath his raised eyebrow, his gaze remained intent, yet the fingers trailing down her arm were light as butterfly wings. The tension seeped out of her muscles, replaced by a strange fluttering in her chest she couldn't quite decipher. "I simply meant he shall be angry." He nodded to Tilda. "She shall keep you company."

Her eyes sparkling, Tilda clapped her hands. "Fear not, Ma'am. I summoned the tailor. He will be here any minute to make you fit for royalty."

"Thank you, Tilda." Quinn nodded at her. "My father shall be happy that the tailor is getting some use." He glanced back at Ana. "I shall return." With a last lingering touch to her hand, he turned and hurried away, the heavy wood door slamming shut behind him.

"I brought you some munchies and tea, Ma'am." Tilda lifted the basket onto a small table and removed a teapot and a cup. "It will help you relax." Steam billowed out as she poured a serving. "It is my special brew."

Ana's claws clinked against the ceramic as she accepted the tea, fangs clumsily brushing up on the rim. A gentle, herbal fragrance wafted toward her, easing her anxiety. She released the blanket. "Thank you. My name is Ana."

Tilda reached back into her basket and pulled out a plate, followed by a few leaf-wrapped packages. "So…" She unfurled one to reveal a pale yellow cheese. "Where have you been hiding?"

Ana took a sip, wincing as the heat singed her tongue. The flavors danced on her palate, further alleviating the tension that had coiled like a serpent in her gut. While Tilda unpacked, plating food with surprising deftness, Ana recounted her tale, her voice raw. Tilda's eyes widened, mirroring Ana's ordeal.

"If I may…" Ana hesitated, unsure how to phrase her question. "What exactly are you? Please don't think me rude."

Tilda's smile deepened, her pointed ears twitching with amusement. "Where are my manners?" she exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "I'm a gnome, of course." She handed Ana the dish.

As she ate, Ana took extra care in handling the morsels, mindful of Quinn's words about increased strength. Pleasantly, the cheese held a cheddar tang, the purple fruit burst with an alien sweetness, and the jerky tugged at her jaw with earthy spice… not enough to fill her, but enough to hold her over.

"You must be uncomfortable in that um…blanket, Ma'am." She giggled. "Not fit for a lady." She took Ana's empty plate and pulled out a stool, its legs scraping against the stone floor. Suddenly, she hopped onto a wooden step. With surprising agility, she reached for Ana's covering, her tiny fingers deftly tugging at the seams.

Ana squeaked in surprise, instinctively pulling back. "What are you doing?" she blurted, stumbling over her tail in a clumsy retreat.

Tilda's head tilted to the side, her expression a picture of innocent confusion. "Helpin' you change, of course. This has to go," she declared, gesturing toward Ana's makeshift dress over her tattered clothes.

"I can dress myself, and I have nothing to wear yet." Ana yanked the blanket back over her, flustered by the gnome's unexpected touch.

A rhythmic tapping at the door interrupted them. "Here he is." Tilda beamed. "Come in."

A male gnome entered, his cloak swishing, and the scent of fresh linen followed him. From within his apron, he produced a parchment, its rustling sound filling the room.

"Ana, meet the one and only Taecryn, the finest clothier I have ever met." She turned to the tailor. "This is Ana, our honored guest."

He gave a shallow bow. "Taecryn, at your service, but Tae will do fine." His voice, though surprisingly deep for such a small frame, held a melodic warmth.

Ana offered a hesitant smile. "It's lovely to meet you, Tae."

With a theatrical flourish, he reached behind his pointed ear, where a charcoal pencil had been discreetly hiding. His rosy cheeks puffed with a playful smile as he met Ana's gaze. "Well, then, it's time to create your masterpiece."

He asked her to stand still, and with her consent, he began measuring her; the tape was cool against the parts of her exposed skin. When finished, his writing utensil scratched across the parchment.

The designs sported sketches that sent Ana's brows soaring, daring and revealing, barely hinting at coverage. "Is this what your females wear?"

Tae's smile softened. "I thought you would want to impress your mate," he explained, twirling the pencil between his fingers.

"I don't have a mate," she groaned. "Please." She knelt and looked the gnome in the eyes. "I noticed your clothes, so stylish yet comfortable." Her head tilted. "All your work, I presume? They're marvelous."

"Indeed." His smile widened.

"Couldn't you make something like that for me? A simple outfit?" She attempted her best puppy dog stare, likely appearing like a fool.

Tae twisted his lips, his gaze distant. "Sure," he finally conceded with a shrug.

A sense of relief washed over Ana. She mentally beamed and silently applauded at her minor triumph.

He fell into a thoughtful silence, tapping his chin with the pencil. Minutes later, new designs graced the parchment. One was a chic tank top with a flared bottom and a back opening for her wings, paired with a side-slit skirt. Another, he said was perfect for flying, featured a midriff-baring shirt and high-slit harem pants. They were not quite shorts, but a vast improvement.

"Anythin' else then?" Tae tilted his head.

At first, Ana couldn't think of anything, her mind consumed by thoughts of escape. Then she peered down at her clawed feet protruding through her boots. "Shoes, maybe?"

"Soos?" His voice held a touch of curiosity, as if he were encountering a foreign concept.

"What are Soos?" Tilda's mouth twisted in a puzzled expression.

"Shoes." Ana pointed to her foot and lifted it to show them. "You know, shoes."

Tilda seized her foot and yanked it closer. "They seem uncomfortable."

Ana felt a mix of frustration and amusement. Her body was wobbling as she tried to stay balanced on one leg before finally toppling over with a grunt. Her tail and wings were now uncomfortably pinned underneath her.

Tilda coughed, the sound muffled but with a hint of suppressed laughter.

"Sorry, no one wears them."Tae chuckled. "If there is nothin' else, I will be leavin'."

She shook her head. "Thank you."

He gathered his belongings. "The pleasure has been mine," he called over his shoulder, his voice fading into the hall.

Ana turned to Tilda. "Is there somewhere I can clean up?" She also needed to find a place to relieve herself and hoped to come across a restroom that didn't involve using an outhouse. She longed for a well-maintained facility with modern amenities where she could enjoy a moment of solitude and comfort amidst her ordeal.

"Of course, Ma'am. This way." Tilda grasped Ana's hand, her touch surprisingly firm for one so small. Her grip led them down a dimly lit corridor, the silence broken only by the patter of their steps on stone. She then veered sharply, disappearing into a hidden alcove.

The air grew cooler, carrying the earthy scent of damp soil and mossy stones. The sound of rushing water reached their ears, growing louder with each footfall. Tilda pushed open an opaque glass door, revealing a sight that stole Ana's breath away.

A magnificent waterfall roared down from the cavern ceiling, its force creating a fine mist that shimmered in the light. The water plunged into a crystal-clear pool, its surface catching the soft glow of translucent quartz panels embedded in the ceiling.

Vibrant greenery nestled amongst smooth, weathered rocks and fragrant flowers, adding a touch of color to the vast room. A pathway made of blue slate led invitingly to the steaming oasis, the air thick with the promise of warmth and cleansing.

The chamber exuded an aura of unexpected opulence, modern conveniences seamlessly blending with the raw beauty of the natural setting. Ana spotted polished basins with gleaming faucets, a stark contrast to the rough-hewn walls. It was a haven, a refuge from the harshness outside, and a flicker of hope sparked within her. Ana buzzed with excitement when she discovered plumbing.

"These are for you to choose from." Tilda gestured toward shelves carved into the cavern wall, laden with an array of soaps and oils, their scents mingling in a tempting perfume. Towels nestled in a cubby next to them.

After testing the water, the gnome rolled up her sleeves.

"What are you doing?" Ana stepped back.

"I'm going to wash you." She picked up a sea sponge.

"Um, no need." She held up her hands. "I'll manage. Thanks."

"Would you like somebody else?" The gnome appeared to be suppressing a smile. "Maybe the prince?" She winked.

Ana's breath caught in her throat, her eyes widening. "No … no. I just want some privacy. Please." She shook her head. "I appreciate the help. You can go now, though." She gave a little wave, begging Tilda would get her hint.

Tilda bobbed her head. "My pleasure, Ma'am. No one will be botherin' you in here. This chamber is for females only." The gnome turned to leave, then peered back. "I will come back to help you to your room." Ana thanked Tilda as she left.

After caring for her basic needs, Ana smelled each soap. She chose a complex and rich blend with hints similar to ylang-ylang combined with vanilla and cinnamon. Placing it by the pond with a towel, she sighed and removed her clothes and shoes. The garments ripped off as easily as tearing paper. The sound of fabric shredding echoed through the chamber.

With a momentary hesitation, in fear of what she had become, she glanced into the pool, her reflection staring back at her. The water mirrored her image, the ripples distorting her features like a fun-house mirror. She studied her new form, her honey-colored eyes narrowing in scrutiny.

The sight of her body remained familiar, yet there were distinct differences. Long fingers now ended in sharp claws, and her fangs looked menacing. She unfurled her wings and gave them a tentative flap. Air swirled in a rush, and dust danced in her wake.

Her tail seemed to move on its own. As she traced a finger along the length, her touch led from the thick base to the tapered tip. Not in her wildest dreams had she ever considered having such an appendage.

With clenched teeth, she slashed at the reflection with her claws. A monster! That was what she was… a hideous beast, and it tore at her soul. She vowed to escape, to return to her human form, and navigate the path back home, back to where she belonged.