“We need to get the windows boarded up this week.” I knew “we” referred to me where any physical labor was involved. I had to “earn my keep” with Aunt Sophia. Her voice dragging in my mind like nails on a chalk board. I don’t think my parents had this in mind when crowning her my godmother. A life of orphaned servitude.

“I should have time after the final hunt,” angst biting through my words. My cousins averted my gaze in fear of being asked for help. I didn’t feel like punishing myself with listening to their excuses.

“Talk to Darius first. Apparently the beasts are evolving.”

“What? How—”

“Kate!” she interjected, eyeing the room. An unspoken signal that this was not to be discussed in front of her precious children. “It’s nothing to worry about,” she added. Looking at my two oblivious cousins, I knew this wasn’t meant for me. “I don’t have time for your questions. Just listen to me and do as I say.” Annoyance flooded her features; along with something else. Was that fear? Pushing her for details now would only make things worse. If she was scared, I should take this serious.

“Yes, Aunt Sophia,” I growled quietly as I slunk out the door. If we wanted to survive the upcoming season of beasts I couldn’t waste time arguing. I drudged through the snow to Darius’. Panic would ensue once this “evolving” became general knowledge. The other villagers would pick the shelves clean of anything useful. I had to be faster than them. I had to survive.