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The orphanage was a long walk from the part of town we were in, and Cherum tried to get me to wait for warriors to bring us horses to ride, but I was fine with the walk. I used to walk a tortuous hike up jagged rocks to do my laundry up the stream from the castle, in terrible shoes. My new shoes are quite comfortable, and I’m enjoying stretching my limbs and the conversation with Yasmin.

I’m also uncomfortable riding a horse, and do not wish to embarrass myself further today. I don’t want to admit that, though. A lycan scared of being close to a horse is not something common among our kind.

When we finally get to the orphanage, I stare at it in wonder. It’s a beautiful building right by the sea, with an intricate iron fence circling it, and children running around gleefully in the yard. It's made of white stones that shine in the sunlight and look majestic against the sea view. The roof is clay tiles and there are stained glass windows decorating the entire front of the building, dep