Lost Roar by Zenina Masters Page A

slippers.
    “I know, and I am grateful for their help. My voice doesn’t make people flinch anymore.” She had been to three lion-guild debriefings, and she had watched the reactions of those around her.
    She finished breakfast, and as they all sat together, Helena asked, “Have you given any more thought to finding a mate?”
    Nicia nodded and bit her lip. “I have given it thought, but I am not sure that I could deal with a lion. I know there are a few interested males, but I simply want to tear them to shreds.”
    Anderson sipped at his coffee. “That isn’t good. I am guessing that there is only one thing to do when you are ready.”
    Nicia looked at him through narrowed eyes. “What is that?”
    Helena snorted. “Send you to the Crossroads, of course. One of the other females managed to find a good match there outside the lion species.”
    Nicia thought about it. “Leandiir. She ran a few days before the raid.”
    Anderson nodded. “That is the one. She lives at the Crossroads now as the medic, from what we hear.”
    “She always enjoyed all things medical.” Nicia didn’t mention that Lee had come by her post and talked to her in low tones, scratching her head and easing the pain of the collar.
    In Lee’s family, transformation had been forbidden, and in Nicia’s, she had been posted outside as guard the day that her mother disappeared with a trail of blood behind her.
    She didn’t tell her grandparents that either. They already had enough harsh memories of their daughter’s last days.
    “So, what kind of species can I meet there?”
    Anderson shrugged. “Any of them. Birds, dogs, cats, I even have heard of a reindeer running through the main intersection.”
    Nicia collected the plates and loaded the dishwasher. “You have been getting into some serious research then.”
    Helena sighed. “We didn’t know you existed until a year ago, but now that you are here, we want nothing but the best for you. You are Nancy’s daughter and that is all that matters. If you wanted to live on your own and not find a mate, we would be fine with that as well.”
    Nicia cocked her head. “I would like to try. Is there a way to go to the Crossroads on a trial basis?”
    Helena smiled, “I think Anderson is going to get that very information today.”
    Nicia inclined her head. “Thank you. I think I will go for a swim this afternoon if that is alright?”
    “I might join you, Nissy.” Helena smiled.
    She finished cleaning up from breakfast and grabbed her outside gear. The Moorings lived on the edge of a huge lake surrounded by rocky outcroppings. With her pack in place, she headed out to one of the spires of stone that appealed to her.
    She climbed the spire, sat on the top of the rock and looked out over the green, stone and water. Nicia could breathe here, really breathe. She inhaled, threw her shoulders back and opened her mouth. Nothing. Her roar was gone.
    She removed her clothing and put it on her pack. She shifted into her lion and repeated the effort. Nothing. Being strangled by her father had killed her roar. She slumped down and looked at nature all around her, enjoying the sun on her neck. The scars would fade, but she might never get her voice back. It was something she was coming to grips with, but she didn’t have to like it.
     

Chapter Two
     
     
    Nicia looked at Krisia across the table and inclined her head. “I remember you.”
    Krisia gave her a look close to tears. “I remember you as well. Your neck…”
    Nicia nodded. “That is me. It was quite the night, and you sent me and Anderson home.”
    “You look better.” The transporter sniffed.
    “I do. Thank you, Krisia. So, what do I need to do to get me to the Crossroads?” She patted the other woman’s hand. Giving comfort didn’t come naturally to her, but she was trying.
    Helena and Anderson were standing in the background, willing to provide any details that Nicia couldn’t.
    “Well, it seems your grandparents have set you