Caged by Damnation (Caged #2)(29)

I laughed. Anxiety began to creep up on me. Calla continued to arrange the flowers in my hair, while I worried over my future. I was scared and even more terrified to admit that fear.

"Stop worrying. We take care of our own." Calla stood motionless, her eyes narrowed at mine in the mirror and I realized this was her attempt at halting the rush of overwhelming emotion that had taken hold of me.

"I'm not one of you yet. No offense, but I can't help but worry. Your insistence on keeping silent about what's going to happen to me is making it all worse." I paused, "I know that you all answer to Death, and realize you are probably not allowed to give me details, but it would make everything much easier."

"You're right that I've been told not to tell you details about the ritual. I'm sorry for that." I started to tell her it was okay, but she drowned me out with her own voice. "You will be given a new name. That isn't technically part of the ritual. Hmmm... we will all be with you and..." She hesitated. "Don't be scared. Just because you aren't part of our pack, doesn't mean that you aren't our sister." She leaned in, wrapped her arms around me, and surprised me with a hug. "I would never lie to you."

Uncomfortable with the show of affection, I sought a new avenue for our conversation. "A new name? Willow isn't good enough?"

"All Hellhounds have a mortal and immortal name. Our Hellhound name is given to those we trust, but our mortal name is for other uses."

"Oh."

Somehow the thought of being given a name didn't bother me. I was shedding the skin of my old life. It only made sense that my name for this world would be different. I only hoped I wouldn't be stuck with a name that I detested or one that reminded me of someone else. If it wasn't unique, Death and I were going to exchange words, which I was certain most people thought I didn't know.

"Do I get to learn everyone else's other name?"

"Of course. Tonight, each of us will provide you with a gift to show our acceptance. When we bestow the gift, we will also give you our true names. This will all happen before the ritual. My gift to you is your outfit. I made it for you." She smiled and I glanced down in awe, suddenly glad that I hadn't complained about excessive display of skin.

"Thank you. It's the most beautiful thing I have ever worn. I love it. Am I... do I give you something in return?" Glancing around my chambers, I wondered what sort of gift would be appropriate for a Hellhound.

Calla snickered, covered her mouth, and murmured behind her fingers in a jumble that was difficult to comprehend. "No, silly, this is sort of the equivalent of your birthday. Only you get the gifts."

I nodded, as Calla regained her composure, suddenly embarrassed. "So, what's next?"

Calla grabbed my hand, leading me towards the main hallway of the Hellhound lair, and stopped at the branch that led to Bay's domain. She kissed my cheek. "Welcome to our sisterhood. My name is Scrye." Her eyes had been pure black, but when she spoke her true name, white spread from her outer eye towards her pupil, finally immersing it in white, as well.

"Um, thanks. Do I call you Scrye or Calla?" Her names were beautiful and both suited her perfectly.

"You may call me either, unless we are in mixed company."

"Since you don't have parents, did you choose your own name or did Death give it to you?" I wasn't sure if the question would insult her or make me sound daft, but I was curious how the other Hellhounds received their different names.

"We choose our mortal name, but our Hellhound name isn't given. The name represents you as your truest self, revealing parts of your soul that are hidden from others. Death reveals it to you, but you already have the name. He is simply the translator."

"Why did you choose Calla?" My eyes squinted in thought. I loved the name, but choosing your own would be difficult. If I had to choose mine, I would likely have thousands of names I loved.

"Calla lilies are my favorite. They're graceful, elegant, and pure. They are displayed at the highest and lowest events of a lifetime." She shrugged. "Scrye is my true name because I have the ability to see past the tangible. I'm a seer."

"Then Calla is the perfect name for you." Calla or Scrye blushed, avoiding my eyes. "I wasn't going to ask about Scrye. I don't want to pry, but since you offered the information... would you tell me more about it?"

"I would be glad to, but now is not the time. You still need to make your rounds and we have an eternity to talk." Scrye smiled and walked towards her domain.

I shook my head in wonderment. This world was more complex that I had imagined, but in a serene and tantalizing way. I was beginning to see that it wouldn't be difficult to care about the Hellhounds. They were each so amazing that I wanted to know more. Beneath the wall of strength and security that each of them exuded, I could sense loneliness. It must be depressing to know that you are part of a dying species.

I made my visit to Bay, who revealed her Hellhound name to be Whisper. I learned that she was the carrier of secrets and a telepath. It made me wonder if my mind was safe from her. I felt guilty thinking that she would invade my inner mind without permission, but at the same time, it would have been nice to have a sensor go off every time she read my thoughts. Just as I worried over this, she brought me her gift. All thoughts of telepathy vanished when she handed it to me.