Escaping Lightning

Hours of shopping for clothing and useless items passed and finally, Lira gave the signal. She knocked over a display and Sehra skimmed out of her concealing clothing and out the back door of the shop. A one person cycle was waiting in the alley, and Sehra geared it up with her palm print and took off. She had an appointment at three o’clock and it wouldn’t do to miss it. She wove through pedestrian and small vehicle traffic in a deliberate pattern.

Her goal was ahead and as she approached the palace, she knew that it was her only chance, to hide in plain sight.

She screeched to a halt in front of the gates, handing the guards her false identification. “Onari Bekwin, here to see Fortuna Welks. I have an appointment.”

“The third building on the right, keep the speed to a minimum, miss.” The tiger shifter sniffed lightly.

Two hours of scrubbing off her scent had done the job. He didn’t seem to recognize her potent pheromones and simply waved her through the gates.

After dismounting her cycle, she removed her bag and slung it over her shoulder. It contained enough supplements to hide her scent for weeks and if everything went well, the search would move on from Regav by then.

The side door opened and a Regav woman exited smiling. “Onari Bekwin, I presume?”

“Yes, Mistress Welks. My cousin called ahead?”

“Yes, and told me you needed immediate work. It’s a good thing that she called, I am rather shorthanded. Please, come in.” The woman’s black hair was braided tightly to her skull and her bright blue eyes were inviting.

“Thank you. I am competent at most household tasks and can be trained for anything else.” She was eager to get situated and it probably showed.

“Excellent, but I think we will handle one little thing before you get started.” Mistress Welks led her into a small bathroom with a chair and a bottle of dye sitting on the counter. “Let’s take care of that hair, Your Highness. It stands out amongst all of us brunettes.”