"That's not how it works, Riv." Damon sighed and crossed his arms across his chest.
"Is Lord Adler okay?" I inquired, falling into stride with Emile towards them.
"He's perfectly fine, but I did leave him a few extra guards just in case." Damon responded, and for some reason, I was relieved.
"Did you just get back?" Emile chimed beside me, burying his hands in his pockets. I observed Damon adjust his weight from one foot to the other.
"No, I got back a few hours ago, but I actually came to fetch Sylvia." Damon began, giving me a somewhat melancholy smile.

"Me? Why?" I gasped, wrapping the towel around my neck once more as a cold breeze blew over the grounds, refreshing my feverish flesh.
"Xander asked for you." He grumbled, and River was wise enough to keep his jest to himself before sliding from the fence again.
"So now he sends his lackeys to get me? Figures." I ground out, drawing Damon's lips in a thin line.
"Well, I'm going to make myself scarce." River droned, already marching toward the estate, and Emile jumped the fence to pursue him.
"I know you're angry that he told us." Damon began, and I gave a wry laugh.
"Angry? It was not his secret to share." I shot, my knuckles turning white on the towel, and Damon let out a deep sigh.
"Sylvia, we are a unit. We don't hide secrets from one another."
"Oh? So, do you know what happened to his parents?" I challenged him by vaulting the fence next to him, and his jaw feathered. I didn't give him a chance to respond before grabbing my clothing from the fence and heading for the estate. A moment later, his footsteps echoed beside me.
"Look, I know it wasn't his secret to tell."
"No, it wasn't." I cut in, battling the growing irritation with each stride, when his hand seized my elbow and brought me to a halt. I was about to swat his hand away, but I stopped myself when I noticed the pain in his eyes.
"You are an oracle, Sylvia. It's vital to note that this is the first in centuries. I realize you're upset, but Xander only does what he believes is right. We are his unit, his family. And whether you like it or not, you are our friend." He sighed, and his eyes begged me to understand.
"I never asked to be your friend." I shot, and his lips curved into a ghostly smile.
"You didn't need to ask. We wanted to be." My rage subsided, and his smile broadened before we resumed our march towards the mansion.
"So, why is it so important for you to know I'm an Oracle, and what exactly does that even mean?" I started by trying to divert the subject.
"We don't know much about Oracles." He mused at a slow, languid pace. "They do not have a lineage or carry down through generations like most fae powers; we have no idea how or when they appear. The last Oracle was an eagle shifter, many years ago, before the last great war, but they are unique. They are important. An oracle can shift the course of war and usher in a period of turmoil or peace." As he explained, his face turned to the last of the departing sunlight, and the new information flooded my mind. "The power of an oracle varies with time, depending on the needs of the bearer. It, like all other powers, requires training. The bearer can develop it over time by focusing on specific areas, making it stronger." He continued as we approached the estate's gates, his voice fading to a whisper as he nodded to the guards. "It's a powerful tool that needs to be protected; in the wrong hands, it can be dangerous." His pale brown eyes caught me briefly. "That's why we had to know about it. If the rebels find out about this, they will stop at nothing to get you. You can win them this war, willingly or unwillingly." My stomach turned, as if I didn't have enough reasons to be on everyone's shit list.