Anya was going through the books and taking notes fairly quickly. She was determined to advance as quickly as possible before the end of the week. Her horns were growing as she attempted to use her powers as described. The descriptions said that if it doesn't work, then not to worry about it. It just means that you might not possess the power for it or be premature in attempting to use it. Anya also has very pretty and distinguished markings on her now. Her eyes were now of a full jewel color and sparkled.
More beast people would visit the office to just lay their eyes on her. By now Misty already knew that Anya was Princess Candula because she was told by her mother what the royals looked like. She also noticed that Anya was still working under her beast healer alias for a reason. She did not announce her, but she did tell her mate Chief Alpha Kane. She wanted Anya to be safe to continue to transform into her full adult form. Only the most capable warriors learned of the truth and were asked to not tell the beast healer they knew who she was.
The end of the week arrived and Anya was beginning to remember that today was the day that Agatha was going to say farewell. Her chest began to feel pain and tighten. She put her hand over her heart to comfort herself. Will she be able to do it? Say good bie to Agatha? It was all weighing on her again. She really wished she could wake her and give more time. More time she repeated in her mind. Anya looked through all her books again to find something about adding time to someone or slowing their time. She found the elixir of life and it described it as a way to lengthen someone's time, but there was an exchange. Then she saw a note that it was to never be created, the exchange was the life of a child Bicornis. Anya gasped at the monstrosity that needed to be done. There was an ancient royal that attempted creating it, but had no idea what the cost was until it was too late. It was the same elixir that was used on the beast people to give them a long life. The royals wanted to give back to nature and avoid anyone using it. Then as she read on, the ingredients were ripped off from the book. Another note was next to the tare, it was from a great grand ancestor that wrote, "I took it, to never be prepared again."
Anya realized that a lot of the forbidden knowledge was destroyed or removed for protection. She understood that someone with ill intentions would use the opportunity and take advantage. She decided to give up on extending Agatha's life a little longer.
Sapphire appeared at the door to let Anya know that the ceremony was ready to begin. She brought a basket of treats with her. Anya asked, "what are those for?" Sapphire smiled and looked down at her basket, "it's for grandmother to have while she is awake. We take small baskets of her favorite treats to share as a group." Anya thought about treats, then she asked if there were any bees around the area. Sapphire nodded yes, but wasn't sure why she was looking for bugs. Once they got to the bee hive. Ayna used her powers to remove a piece of the honey comb. It was like a cloud that went into the hive and brought out the honey. She placed the honey comb on a coconut plate. Then Anya smiled and said, "this might not be her favorite, but it's mine and I want to share it with her."
They got to Agatha's hut where she laid on the bed, adorned and perfumed by the crushed flowers. There were many who gathered to send her off; Some family, friends and some patients. Everyone made way for Anya who looked majestic and eternal. It was as if Agatha was waiting for her to arrive because she opened her eyes to see Princess Agatha walk in. The light was shining behind her, making her presence more magical. Agatha's eyes began to get watery. "Princess Candula, my heart is full of joy to see you in your adult form. Her horns had grown to ten and a half inches. The colors of her skin sparkled and glowed with every heartbeat she took.
Most beast people present already had a feeling because they heard stories of how the royals looked and the promise of their return. They bowed their heads at Anya, who still wasn't used to being called Princess Candula. Then Anya made her way to Agatha's side and showed her what she brought. "I know that you normally get things that you like, but I didn't get the opportunity to spend more time with you to know what you like. So I brought you something I love and hope you like it," said Anya as she broke a piece of the honey comb to give to Agathat. Before Agatha ate the piece she said, "I am honored that our Princess chose to share something she loves. I will savor every bite." Then she ate the honey and her mouth exploded with the sweet flavor. She smiled and licked her lips to keep tasting the sweet treat. Anya smiled and handed her the bowl. She watched Agatha eat the whole thing as if she was a child tasting sugar for the first time. The rest who were in the room wanted to taste the honey comb too but didn't dare to ask because it was a gift from Princess Candula to Agatha going away. They waited until Agatha gave them a signal or word to approach her with their treats. It would have been rude if they acted without consideration of Agatha's needs or wishes. It was also rude if they didn't allow the princess to remain by her loyal subject's side. Then Agatha thanked Anya and signaled for everyone to begin.
Then more made their way to share their offerings to Agatha. However, they wondered what was so good that Agatha was licking the bowl. The end of Agatha's time was getting near and Agatha had a few words for everyone. She finally arrived at Anya and said, "Princess Candula, You are ready to make your trip to the white tiger clan. Please make sure you read through the combat book. You may need it." Then with her last words of warning to Anya, she looked at everyone and thanked them for their time and visit. She laid her head down and closed her eyes. She looked like she was asleep, but then particles of different colors began to leave Agatha. As more of these particles left, Agatha began transforming into a regular wolf. That is when Sapphire said, "freely taken, freely given." Then everyone in the room repeated it. Anya later asked what it meant. Sapphire said, "the power that keeps us beast people and alive this long, goes back to nature. It was freely taken from nature and at the time of our deaths, it's freely given back to nature."