Chapter 4

Elizabeth and I headed off to work once I got myself more acquainted with my new enchanted necklace, of which I was very grateful, even if it was slightly too on the nose. It seemed fitting, and was honestly pretty funny, if I was being truthful to myself. Besides, part of me did think it looked kinda cool.

Once we arrived at work, we walked together into the breakroom. We still had 15 minutes before our shift started, so she just sat down and began to play some game on her phone while I went to the vending machine. I was pretty awake now, but that didn't mean I was going to skip my daily dose of caffeine. I walked to the vending machine and swiped my debit card on the card reader, inputting the numbers to get my favorite energy drink. As I leaned down to get it, I heard my friend's voice behind me.

"Morning bud." John said, and we bumped fists as per our tradition.

"What's going on, man?" I asked, popping open the can and taking a big gulp.

"Just another wonderful day in paradise. You know how it goes. Anyways, I couldn't help but notice you and the new girl walking in together. How was your date last night?" He asked me.

I smiled.

"It was good. Had to put some asshole in his place, but otherwise, not bad at all." I replied, a sudden flash of anger going through my mind as I thought about Randall's stupid face.

"Oh? Never took you for a fighter." John said, raising an eyebrow at me.

"Same." I chuckled, not willing to elaborate further on what exactly transpired.

Only a few minutes later, a bell sounded, and that marked the start of our shift. As it stood, I was just ready to get my 8 hours over with as soon as possible so I could get to, well, whatever Thadwick was going to do. Training? Not gonna lie, it sounded exciting.

Time passed by slower than I would have liked as I engrossed myself in my work, and soon, my mind was enveloped by all of the thoughts of what could be. I still couldn't get yesterday out of my head. I literally used the power of lightning to make quick work of a cocky elf. Just that alone had me pinching myself to make sure I wasn't just sleeping for an extended period of time.

I glanced over to see Elizabeth in her area, and when our eyes met, she smiled at me. I was just a simple floor worker, doing whatever task was sent my way. Elizabeth worked here only for a short time, but already, she did a fantastic job as quality control. No bad parts got past her trained eyes, and now knowing that those eyes were supernatural in nature, it made a lot of sense.

First break came before I even knew it, and I sat with Elizabeth and John, and John was a little surprised at how friendly and casual Elizabeth and I were already, and he wasn't the only one. Elizabeth was a sweet girl, and since learning about what she really was, it honestly drew me to her even more. 

"What I wouldn't give to nibble on those pointy ears." I thought to myself, then I shook my head at my stupid thoughts.

I am no stranger to sexual thoughts, and sometimes, the sight of a pretty girl would set my heart to hammering in my chest. Now though, and I believe it has something to do with my transformation, I felt the drive to claim Elizabeth and make her mine, regardless of how stupid that actually was. We barely knew each other, and plus, that wasn't me at the end of the day. 

I've had flings, one night stands, and other occasional hook ups, but they never felt right. What I wanted, and what I desired most from a partner, was a connection. I wanted to love, and I wanted to be loved, and the thoughts going through my brain were easily pushed aside by my own willpower. If anything ever happened between us, I wanted it to be a mutual chemistry that we both shared.

"So, are you two like, seeing each other or something?" John asked, breaking me out of my thoughts.

My cheeks instantly heated to unprecedented levels upon hearing that, and when I glanced over at Elizabeth, she wasn't much better. It would seem that these illusions created by these enchantments are very realistic. Subtlety is not John's strong suit, but even I didn't expect him to embarrass me like this.

"Umm, well.... Sid is nice, but we haven't done anything. I mean... that sounded wrong. I..." Elizabeth said, eventually covering her face with her hands.

"She is so fucking cute!" I thought, then the situation caught back up to me and I turned to John.

"Dude, really? Look at what you've done to the poor girl. We are just friends. We hungout once so far." I said, sighing at the end.

Elizabeth looked at me with a smile that portrayed that she was thankful for the assistance, but there was also something else there that I didn't expect.

"She's disappointed? Hmm.. maybe..." I thought, but John spoke up.

"I'm sorry, that was stupid of me. I just think you both seem good together. Didn't mean to put you two in the spotlight like that." John said, holding up his hands in surrender.

Elizabeth's cheeks turned rosey again, and mine weren't much better, but eventually we both calmed down and just laughed it off. Honestly, with how awkward we both are, maybe we are a good match. My cheeks heated even more as I realized what I was thinking.

Our break ended shortly after that, leaving me to my thoughts once again, so I put in an earbud and just listened to some music as I worked. The day was a crawl, but finally, and thankfully, the final bell rung, signaling that it was time for the next shift to take over, and once my replacement got to my work station, I zipped away like I had just snorted cocaine.

Walking to the time clock, there were a few of my coworkers waiting to punch out, as it was only a couple of minutes until we could go. I never bothered to learn many names. The old guy was named Marty, and the only reason I knew that was because he was surprisingly easy to talk to. More so than a lot of the other people here closer to my age. Well, except for John and Elizabeth.

"Got plans this weekend?" John asked me as I walked up to him.

"Well, uh, today I'm going to hangout with Elizabeth." I said, my cheeks growing warm.

John's smile made me groan.

"Come on man, it's not like that." I said, my embarrassment turning to annoyance.

John just nodded.

"Sure, sure. You're going to go and hangout with a superhot girl who is suddenly all about being around you, but it's not like that. Sounds about right bucko." John replied.

I was about to retort when Elizabeth stepped into the hallway as well. John, to his credit, shut his mouth, but he was still giving me a knowing look.

"I thought they were never going to relieve me. I can't wait to get out of here. You're following me to my place still, aren't you Sid?" Elizabeth asked me, and just like that, my blush returned.

I coughed into my hand.

"I, uh, yeah, of course." I said.

Elizabeth gave me a strange look, but didn't say anything.

"Stop being so fucking awkward." I chided myself.

The bell soon chimed again, signaling that we could punch out. The 3 of us were last, so we waited about an extra 45 seconds before we could leave.

Punching out, I walked outside with my two friends, giving John one of those bro hugs before telling him I'd get online with him sometime this weekend. The man might annoy me, but I love him like he's my own brother. Once we parted ways, I turned to Elizabeth who was patiently waiting for me.

"Time to go?" I asked, both nervous and excited.

Elizabeth gave me a smile that made my heart skip a beat. This girl is way too pretty.

"Follow me." Elizabeth said.

I followed her to her car, just to make sure I was following the right one, and my jaw nearly hit the ground. This woman had one of the nice luxury cars I've seen in a while. I had a decent car mind you, but it was nowhere near as nice as hers.

I shook my head, and just nodded, telling her I'd follow her. I went to my car, got in and started it up. Pulling out of my parking spot, I drove to the entrance where Elizabeth was waiting for me off to the side. With that, she headed out, with me right behind her.

After driving for about 20 minutes, with about 15 of it being straight highway, we got off and I could already tell where we were going. It was one of the richer parts of the city, and it left me wondering just how much money her family had.

We only drove for about 10 more minutes, and during that time, we passed larger and larger homes as we progressed, and once she finally stopped in front of the gate of one of the largest mansions I'd ever seen, all I could do was just stare.

The place was a massive white finished mansion that made me think that these people wiped their asses with 100 dollar bills. The gate was what you would expect, with two security guards out front. I noticed the one talking to Elizabeth was looking back at me occasionally, but he just nodded, and then the gates opened.

Elizabeth put her arm out the window and gestured for me to follow, and nervously, I did so. As I got past the gate, I became even more astonished. These people had literal hedge mazes on either side of the drive way, and as we got closer to the front, two large pillars framed a massive entrance with gold trim around it and the door handles.

"Good fucking lord." I said, never seeing so much wealth on display up close before.

Elizabeth pulled up to the front, and a man in red and black dress clothes came outside of the entrance. Elizabeth got out of the car and smiled at the man, who bowed in turn, and then got into her car, and brought towards...

"JESUS!" I yelled, seeing what could only be described as a fucking airport hanger for a garage.

I looked at Elizabeth, who seemed rather confused as she looked at me. It was probably because my eyes were on the verge of popping out of my skull. She gestured for a place for me to pull up, and I did so.

Once again, another gentleman came out of the home, and walked up to my car with Elizabeth. She gestured for me to get out, so I did.

"I shall bring your car to the garage for you, and shall bring it out for you again when you depart." The man,who I'm pretty sure was a valet said.

"Oh, uh, y...yeah. Thank you." I said, handing him my keys.

He took my keys, got in my car and drove it towards the huge 'garage.' I just stared like a lost child.

"Sid, are you okay?" Elizabeth asked me, breaking me out of my money trance.

"Huh? Oh, uh, yeah, I'm good. It's just... this is a lot. Does your family own the whole city or something?" I asked, still stupified.

Elizabeth giggled, and once again, I found my heart jolting me to attention.

"You're silly. No, my mom and dad just make a lot of money. They don't have...well, their jobs aren't normal." She told me, and I just noddedly slowly.

"LIZZIE!" A woman yelled as the frontdoor opened.

A gorgeous foxgirl came sprinting towards us at speeds that would make marathon sprinters jealous, and barreled into Elizabeth, and surprisingly, she remained on her feet.

"Nadia! I just saw you yesterday!" Elizabeth laughed as Nadia rubbed her cheek against Elizabeth's.

"Everytime I think I've seen the cutest thing in my life, it just gets better." I thought.

Nadia, the kitsune, was just adorable. She wasn't just that though, she was also incredibly beautiful, with curves that would drive any straight man insane. The orange hair, the cute fluffy ears, the two bushy tails. As I was looking at her tails, I couldn't help but marvel at her round, bubbly ass.

"Nope," I said, shaking my head to clear away the hormones. "Don't look, don't stare. It's weird."

As the girls let go of each other, Nadia looked at me and smiled.

"Hello, Sid. It's so nice to see you again" She said, and once again, my heart almost stopped.

"H..hey Nadia. It's nice to see you too." I replied, only stuttering a little bit.

She giggled at me in a melodic tone that made my knees weak. Nadia must have noticed this, because her smile and laughter only grew in intensity.

"Nadia, stop teasing Sid." Elizabeth chided her friend.

"Sorry, it's just so fun. He looks so cute when he's flustered." Nadia answered, and Elizabeth just rolled her eyes.

My throat was really dry at this point, and all I wanted was some water. And a shower. And a place to lay down and die.

"Come on, mother and father are probably waiting for us." Elizabeth said, beckoning me to follow.

I nodded at her, but inwardly, I was screaming.

"I have to meet her mom, too? God help me."

We walked inside, and I could only gape at my surrounding. Everything looked to be made or marble and gold. The floors were a stainless finish, with a soft rug leading down the long entry hallway. Elizabeth took off her shoes near the entrance, and I followed her example.

Leading us down the hall, I examined the surroundings. The walls were a pearlescent finish, with paintings lining either side. As we got further in, different decor lined the walls and floors. Stands with elegant vases, glass cases filled with ornate jewelry, and even animal trophies were passed by, and many of the trophies were of creatures that I only thought were myth until recently.

"What the hell is that??" I asked, looking at the head of a creature that resembled a wolf, but it looked like it was made of black stone.

"That's an obsidian wolf." Elizabeth answered matter of factly.

"H...huh?" I asked, or grunted, either way it didn't sound very good.

"They are wolves... made from obsidian." Elizabeth said, then she covered her mouth, "Oh! I'm sorry, I forgot you're so new to this. Most of them live in groves hidden deep underground. Many different beasts and animals exist that comprised of different elements and natural formations. Many of them live far from human civilization, which is a good thing. You wouldn't want one of these roaming the city."

I just nodded, and pretended that I understood. I mean, I did, kinda.

"So, do ice wolves exist as well?" I asked.

Elizabeth nodded.

"And bears. Boars. Birds. Some also have the fire element, or the wind or lightning element." Elizabeth told me.

"N...neat." I replied, unsure what else to say.

The two girls just giggled at my expense again before we continued. We took a left turn as we got to a part of the hall that went straight and to the right as well. We walked for only a few more paces before we entered the biggest fucking living room I'd ever seen. It was bigger than my whole apartment.

"Jesus christ." I said in awe.

Chandelier's bigger than my car hung from the ceiling, chairs and sofas lined the floor in abundance, and when we walked forward, I noticed an elven man and woman sitting in one huge cough in particular, and they were both watching a fantasy film I'd never seen on a veritable theater sized TV.

"Mom, dad, I'm home, and I brought Sid." Elizabeth announced, causing them both to pause the movie and turn to us.

I recognized Thadwick, and when I looked at Elizabeth's mother, I almost groaned.

"Of course her mom is also super hot." I thought, and at this point, I was sure I had a problem.

She looked like a slightly older version of Elizabeth, with longer ears than her daughter, but only slightly.

"Osidious Vanir, it's nice to see you again." Thadwick Jonnadeer addressed me, giving me a polite smile.

"Oh my, Liz, you didn't tell me your friend was so handsome." Her mother said, and I was pretty sure my cheeks were actually on fire now.

"Mom... please don't." Elizabeth groaned, causing her mother to laugh.

"I'm sorry dear. It's just that, you don't bring boys to our home very often, and this one is quite the catch." She said, and Elizabeth sighed, meanwhile I felt like I was going to vomit from embarrassment.

"Sweetheart, please behave." Thadwick said, although he was smirking at me.

"Yes, right, where are my manners. Welcome to our home, Osidious. My name is Ryanna, and it is a pleasure to meet you." Ryanna said, giving me a gentle and motherly smile this time.

"Uh... hello. Please, just call me Sid. It's easier." I said, giving a polite bow, because, well, it just seemed like the thing to do.

"So polite! I hope you keep him, Liz." Her mother said, and just like that, I was lightheaded.

Elizabeth crossed her arms and pouted, and that did ease my embarrassment somewhat. She really was cute.

"Hmm. Liz, you said you needed an enchanted item for Sid today. What exactly has changed about you?" Thadwick asked Liz, then focused on me.

I looked at Elizabeth, and she nodded at me.

"Just focus on the necklace, and will the mana in it to stop. The illusion should stop." She told me, and all I could do was nod.

Well, this was getting awkward, as all eyes were upon me again. Nadia, who had just been standing back and grinning the whole time, was now firmly staring at me with an intensity I had never seen a woman give to me before.

I took a deep breath, and did as was instructed. I didn't feel any different, but as I willed the enchantment to stop, just like that, it did. The audible gasps I heard was all the confirmation I needed to know that what I did had worked.

I looked down at myself, seeing the long white hair that now hung past my shoulders, and continued to about my nipples. I looked at everyone around me and gauged their reactions.

Elizabeth was smiling at me, and her cheeks and her ears were bright red. Nadia was biting her lower lip and fidgeting slightly.

"Okay..." I thought.

I wasn't stupid, and I'd seen that look before. I think the term 'bedroom eyes' fit this description, and it took all of my willpower to just stay conscious.

"Well, now, this is interesting. I dare say he's even better looking than before." Ryanna said, looking like she was sizing me up.

"I've never seen such a transformation before. Usually, when people shift, it's to a beast form, such as a werewolf and werebear, but this... hmm. Very unusual. This happened when you woke up?" Thadwick asked, and I nodded.

"Your eyes... beautiful." Nadia said in a hushed tone, and her tone of voice almost made my legs give out.

Suddenly, Ryanna clapped her hands together and stood up.

"I want to test your strength. This has me excited." She said, and I think my face conveyed confusion, so Elizabeth elaborated for me.

"My father is an Enchanter, but mom, is a Spellcaster and a very strong one. Those trophies you seen lining the walls? Those were all beasts mother has taken down by herself." She explained, and I just stared.

"Come, come. This way." Ryanna said, practically skipping in the direction she wanted us to go.

Thadwick grinned and shook his head as he stood up and followed his wife. Elizabeth and Nadia walked next to me as we followed them down a large corridor. After only a few minutes, we stopped in front of two large doors, and with giddy excitement, Ryanna shoved the doors open, and I just stared in shock.

These people had an honest to God arena in their home, complete with stands and balconies.

"Sid, please take your place across from me." Ryanna said as she walked to the left side of the arena.

Thadwick looked at his wife with amusement and adoration as he walked to the side and sat down oncthe bench in the middle of the indoor arena.

"Good luck." Elizabeth said as she smiled at me and sat next to her father.

"Be careful. Mrs. Jonnadeer is absurdly powerful." Nadia said, then she winked at me, and sat next to Elizabeth.

I gulped as I walked to the right side of the arena, and took my place in roughly the same place opposite to Ryanna. Ryanna smiled and waved at me, and I blushed, but waved back.

"Are you both ready?" Thadwick boomed, sounding like he was using a megaphone, yet he wasn't.

"Yes, yes. Come on, lets get started." Ryanna impatiently said, staring at me with a gleam in her eyes.

"Well, I guess we are really doing this." I muttered, then I nodded at Thadwick.

Thadwick raised his hand, and then after only a few short moments he slashed down quickly.

"Begin!"

Suddenly, Ryanna's hands were covered in flames, and she slowly rose into the air. I could see what I could only believe was the ambient mana being drawn into her body, and suddenly, flames covered almost every inch of her body.

"Oh come the fuck on."